Although it isn’t pristine, this 1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 is a rock-solid classic that presents as a driver-grade vehicle. What makes this Mercury special is its factory options, which provide excellent performance and a luxurious motoring experience. The only thing this survivor needs is a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Randy J for spotting the Cougar listed here on Craigslist in Clermont, Florida. The seller set their price at $22,000, a figure that looks pretty competitive for a turnkey classic.
Mercury craved its slice of the Pony Car market, but was initially thwarted by Upper Management at Ford. However, the company presented a strong case, and the First Generation Cougar hit showroom floors for the 1967 model year. Based on the Mustang, it featured enough styling changes to pass as a standalone model in the eyes of the general public. It remained on sale until 1970, with this XR-7 emerging during 1969. The first owner ordered it in Code T Red, which was Mercury’s equivalent of Ford’s Candy Apple Red. They teamed the shade with a Parchment vinyl top, creating an extremely classy vehicle. The seller is candid about the car’s condition, admitting that close inspection will reveal minor cosmetic flaws. However, the paint holds a deep shine, the vinyl looks crisp, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. The seller doesn’t mention rust, and the listing images reveal nothing suggesting problems that could sour the ownership experience. The tinted glass is crystal clear, and the trim is excellent.
The First Generation Cougar was V8-only territory, with the company offering 1969 buyers a choice of four engines to power their new purchase. This car’s first owner walked the middle ground, selecting the 351-4V, producing a factory-quoted 290hp and 385 ft/lbs of torque. The remaining major mechanical components include a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power-assisted front disc brakes. Although not the most potent Cougar available that model year, most potential buyers would feel that the motor provides respectable performance, and the drivetrain makes driving an effortless experience. This beauty is in excellent mechanical condition, running and driving exceptionally well. The deal includes the original books and a selection of unspecified additional parts.
The upgraded V8 is only this Cougar’s first optional extra, and it appears that the first owner focused on comfort. They ticked the boxes on their Order Form beside air conditioning, a swing-away rim blow wheel, a console, and an AM radio/8-track player with dual door speakers. Buyers ordering the ’69 Cougar in Red could choose from three interior trim shades, with this one trimmed in Dark Red. If this Mercury is as original as the listing suggests, the condition is extremely impressive. There is no significant wear on the seats or the carpet, and no evidence of splits or tears. The dashpad hasn’t been affected by UV exposure, and the woodgrain hasn’t faded or deteriorated. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions, just an interior that comfortably meets “driver-grade” expectations.
Some classics survived 2025 with barely a blip on the radar, but the 1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 saw values fall significantly. However, the situation has somewhat stabilized, which may signal an impending recovery. Buying any vehicle as an investment prospect is high-risk, and there have been plenty of examples of owners being bitten financially by what appeared to be a sure thing. Of course, if your focus is more on enjoyment than on financial gain, this 1969 Cougar XR-7 could, thanks to its factory options, be an ideal candidate for your garage. Do you agree?
Weeee doggies, not particularly a fan of red cars, but if you saw the ’69 Eliminator post, this was the ANTI- Eliminator, and what made Cougar famous, not the Eliminator. People that bought Cougars were a more sedate, often female type,,, secretaries, librarians, that hip single HS art teacher, all drove Cougars. I read a base Cougar sold for about $2854, while the “loaded” XR-7 shown here was almost $4500! Secretaries, I read, made about $400/month in 1969, or about $2.50/hr. So unless daddy chipped in, and most times they did, a XR-7 was out of reach for most. Still is, but I am thinking of some kind of traveling, and a FUN car would make the trip,,,um, fun. This, I feel, was Cougars best offering, and what a Cougar should be remembered for.
This Cougar looks stunning to me, especially if its original. Great options too with a 351 4 barrel. And like Adam said, very comfortable. I like it. A lot.
I like the vibe from this Cougar. It illustrates how it was successful in its market niche: upscale pony car. The interiors were particularly well-done. This example looks very nice.
It looks like a pretty decent car. All I can see wrong are the aftermarket style interior door pulls. The originals were probably all cracked. Someone got a little carried away with the black spray paint under the hood. The fender lips and part of the lower cowl should be body color. Another plus for it is that it does appear to have the original underhood insulation pad. Those are very hard to find.
This is exactly the style of Cougar that I recall. Usually driven by some upscale “ahem” cougar (think Loni Anderson) out on a manhunt. Oh, to be 20 again…
I can’t recall seeing such a well preserved version of this luxury car, but this one is a winner and priced great.
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL Loni Anderson, Good one. BOTH of these are real BEAUTIES alright.
It doesn’t have to be pristine. What matters (to me anyway) is how well it drives and how well maintained it was.
what a nice cougar. looks to be in great shape. only issue i see is that goofy body molding going down the side. love the caps and the w/w tires
I agree with Harry Olds . Loose the goofy side molding , Unless this is going to be your grocery getter and have to fight off all the disrespectful grocery cart pushers at Food Town parking lot . Pobley some old folk glued it on, they like to fix everything with glue and tape.
I agree. I’m not a fan of side molding anyway. Unless it’s used to protect the car from opening car doors or from grocery carts, why should it be on the car?
Really love this gen. of Cougars. Never cared for when the cat got fat after 70′ period.
This looks like a really nice driver example. Great colors too.
Is that ugly glue on side trim necessary?, is that factory?
That lowers the value by $5000.
Hate to tell you this, but that Bodyside molding appears to be of the rivit-on variety. I used to be in the business of installing this sort of product; mine were all self-adhering, but the competition came out with this and it involved drilling holes in the sheet metal and rivitting the bottom ‘track’ onto the vehicle. Then, the soft vinyl filler was added and was held in place by way of its shape.
Ugh ! Yes upon closer look you are correct Jeff . T, Mann …I almost agree with you , lowers price by $5,000.00 + or more . What was someone thinking, or not. Other wise beautiful car.