I acknowledge that we haven’t reached the mid-point of 2026, but this 1967 Mercury Cougar could potentially be one of this year’s best buys. “Why is that?” I hear you ask. Well, the seller has listed this classic with No Reserve, and there hasn’t been any auction action at the time of writing. Throw in its rust-free status and the healthy V8 under the hood, and this classic pony car looks like it could be a winner. The seller has listed the Cougar here on eBay in Crumpler, North Carolina. Although the No Reserve auction opened at $7,500, there have been no bids so far.
Mercury released its First Generation Cougar for the 1967 model year. Ford was initially reluctant to give the green light for production, but saw greater benefit in Mercury using the existing Mustang architecture than in going it alone with a unique pony car. The decision proved wise, because the Cougar badge remained a staple of the company’s model range for over three decades. This first-year Cougar looks a little rough, with its cause not helped by the existing coat of Black primer. There is no evidence of the original paint shade, making the Mercury a bit of a mystery machine. The Trim Tag will provide the answers required if the buyer elects to undertake a faithful restoration, and that process should be relatively straightforward. The panels have only accumulated a few minor imperfections, with none severe enough to justify steel replacement. However, the car’s best news hides beneath the surface. The seller provides some pretty clear underside shots, revealing that this gem hasn’t been affected by rust, which can often sour the ownership experience. Therefore, the grinder and welder can remain in the cupboard during the build. The trim looks pretty respectable, and the glass is clear. The seller confirms that while the sequential turn signals work as they should, the same cannot be said for the headlight doors. These items can be troublesome, and many owners have converted the system to electric operation. Kits retail for around $650, and although it isn’t a cheap investment, it will permanently eliminate one potential weakness.
Unlike its Mustang cousin, the 1967 Cougar was V8-only territory. Decoding the VIN confirms that this Mercury’s first owner teamed the C-Code 289ci with a three-speed manual transmission. They didn’t select power assistance for the steering or brakes, making this the cheapest variant available during that model year. As with the Mustang, the C-Code developed 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque. Of course, because the more luxurious leanings of the Cougar made it slightly heavier than the Mustang, it lagged marginally in outright performance. Still, the differences weren’t significant enough to cause many sleepless nights. That said, the shiny new Edelbrock carburetor atop this motor may have liberated a few additional ponies. The seller recently installed new front shocks, air shocks in the back, a new fuel pump, and a new battery. They say that this beauty runs and drives perfectly, ready to provide the winning bidder with immediate classic motoring pleasure.
I admire this Cougar’s consistency, because its interior needs as much love as its exterior. Trimmed in Red, the dashpad is badly warped and cracked. The headliner is ripped in a couple of spots, the radio is missing, and the seats exhibit a few seam separations and other shortcomings. It is serviceable, but could definitely present far better. I have discussed retrims in previous articles, and I remain in favor of that approach. A high-quality kit will produce a factory-fresh look, while proper, respectful treatment should keep the interior in good condition for decades. Having performed many project builds over the years, I can confirm that there are few experiences more satisfying than stepping back to admire an interior you have brought back from the edge with your own hands.
I am a realist. Therefore, while I have stated that there have been no bids on this 1967 Mercury Cougar, the growing Watch List tally suggests that some may be biding their time and will pounce during the auction’s closing stages. If that doesn’t happen, someone could become its new owner with a single mouse click. I can understand the Cougar’s appeal as a project candidate because the winning bidder won’t have to spend countless hours cutting, welding, or grinding to achieve a rust-free state. That makes it ideal for a rookie to tackle as a first project. Is that thought enough to tempt you?
This “gentleman’s Mustang” appears to have good bones. I’m wondering about the shifter. Is it now “3-on-the-floor” or did someone put in a four speed? With its strong drive train, this car should be fun to drive. If I had it, I’d replace its spray can exterior with some real paint after finding out what shade it’s supposed to be, then daily-drive it while slowly replacing the interior bits. Or at least drive it to Karz and Keratin once weekly.
A 3 speed manual transmission was the base transmission for a 1967 Cougar. An automatic or 4 speed manual transmission were optional. All 1967-1973 Cougars were floor shift no matter which transmission it was equipped with. There were zero 1967-1973 Cougars built with a column shift transmission. The ad states that this car is a 3 speed manual transmission.
Appears to be a good value, but I certainly expect the price to rise as it gets closer to the end date. I like the stance with period correct wheels. First things on the list would be the dash pad and headliner. Swapping in a 4 or 5 speed would be on my list. Hood and trunk need some adjustments to alignment. There is no sense in painting before all the minor dings and imperfections are addressed. I always liked this generation of Cougar and the styling has weathered time favorably IMHO.
No side marker lights, either. They look so much cleaner without ’em on this body style.
I had the same car with the 3 speed too. Excellent basic car with all the power you need! Nice shape overall! It looks like black was the original color judging from the trunk. I don’t see anything that would imply a color change. No power brakes and no power steering is a plus to many! I think this will sell!
Lots of potential if price stays reasonable. Clean, no rust, midsize, mid 60’s ford with a running v-8 & a stick under the hood. I don‘t even mind the primer as that can change down the road.
Buy it and drive it, fix it as you can. I would get rid of those big meats out back.
looks solid could be a good deal if you can score it for the right price. under 10k you would be in and have room for improvements
Motor Trend Magazine Car of the Year 1967.
I had a 67 XR7 black with tan leather wish I kept that one. This one is nice the body looks rust free the only concern I have is the big puddle of water on the passenger front floor, could be bad door / window seal or worse the cowel is rotted which these and the Mustang were very common areas. The repair is not easy. Still this could be a fun project.
The puddle could be from the heater core. No biggee.. The primer also saved this baby from surface rust. Good move. I had a 1969. 351. Green/blk vinyl top.
I had a ’68 that passed through my hands as a buy low- sell higher project. The one thing that always stuck in my mind was the sequential tailight which was expensive even way back then. I took it apart and cleaned the contacts and got it going which seemed a foreshadowing of the future. Now we have marvelous solid state technology whereby your sequential taillite is interconnected to the body control module, which receives it’s can bus signal via the transmission module which gets all it’s information from the gateway module which gets commands from the ECU. Instead of that screwdriver and point file you now need a 2000.00 scanner and access to the manufacturer wiring diagram via a 200.00 subscription. Ain’t progress grand.
Ain’t that the truth of it.
Car brands have figured out that they can rake in money once a car leaves the lot by offering these subscriptions. The remote starter in my 2021 car (which was $43K when new) only works if you pay the $15 per month subscription. I can afford it but would never pay it on principle.
This car looks like it got wet.
Crumpled NC is near Jefferson NC in the hurricane Helene battered western NC mountains.