Hiding in this garage is a classic that could be something special. The seller states that this 1972 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Convertible is a museum-quality vehicle, and their supplied photos seem to support that. From its sparkling paint to its immaculate interior, it is a car that is guaranteed to turn heads. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Mercury listed here on Craigslist in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Handing the seller $29,500 would allow you to hit the road behind the wheel of this stunning drop-top.

Mercury launched its Second Generation Cougar for the 1971 model year. It followed the trend set by its predecessor, where the company based its latest offering on the Mustang underpinnings. The car grew in physical size as Mercury began focusing more heavily on luxury over outright performance. This XR-7 Convertible left the line in 1972, featuring a stunning combination of Competition Blue paint with a contrasting White power top. The car’s overall presentation appears consistent with the seller’s claim, because the paint shines richly, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. I can’t spot any evidence of rust, and the top is as tight as a drum. The positive vibes continue, courtesy of the spotless trim and glass, while the Magnum 500 wheels add the ideal finishing touch.

The Cougar remained V8-only territory in 1972, with this Convertible featuring the entry-level 351ci Cleveland powerplant. The company quoted an output of 164hp, which sounds quite anaemic at first. However, it is worth remembering that the industry had transitioned to quoting power and torque figures in Net terms in 1972, so the Cougar’s performance remained fairly respectable when compared to the competition. This Convertible features a three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes, further reinforcing the Cougar’s luxury leanings. The seller doesn’t mention the existence of evidence confirming that the odometer reading of 53,000 miles is genuine, but the car’s condition makes it sound plausible. The wheels and tires are relatively new, and the impression given is that this is a turnkey classic with no mechanical maladies.

I have always considered White to be a bold interior trim choice because it can be prone to stains and deterioration. However, this Cougar’s interior hasn’t suffered that fate. It presents nicely, with no significant flaws or shortcomings. The faux woodgrain is in good condition, and there are no issues with the dash or pad. I’m not a fan of the wheel, and would probably swap it out if the Cougar found its way into my garage. It also appears to feature a retro-style stereo, while the first owner ordered this classic with air conditioning.

So, do you agree with the seller? Do you believe that this 1972 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Convertible is a museum-quality classic? There is certainly very little to fault with its overall presentation, allowing the new owner to slip proudly behind the wheel as they revel in some top-down touring. The sticking point for some might be the fact that values for these cars have softened during the past year. However, the situation has stabilized, which may indicate that they will soon rise once again. If that proves the case, now would seem to be the ideal time to make a play for this beauty. Any classic purchase involves risks if investment potential is part of a buyer’s considerations, but would you roll the dice on this Cougar?