Even if it’s rough and rusty, a classic will generate significant interest if the price is low enough. Take this 1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 as a perfect example. It has undoubtedly seen better days, prompting the seller to question whether it is a project or a parts car. However, their decision to list it with No Reserve has generated a bidding frenzy. You will find the Cougar here on eBay in New London, Wisconsin. The bidding has raced to $2,125 as this XR-7 prepares for a new home.
Life treats some cars more kindly than others, as this Cougar shows. It would have been a striking car in Dark Ivy Green with a Black vinyl top. However, the paint is tired, the vinyl is splitting, and the panels have accumulated a few minor bumps and bruises. None of these problems are insurmountable, especially considering that apart from the lower rear quarter panels, the lower extremities look pretty clean. Things deteriorate rapidly when we climb beneath this car because the floors, torque boxes, and front inner fender wells have rust. Making a definitive call is difficult, but I think the back rails may also be developing problems. If so, the winning bidder would need to adopt a nut-and-bolt approach to its restoration. Most of the trim is present and would be presentable once polished, and the tinted glass looks okay. Therefore, if we look beyond its potential as a project, this Cougar has many great parts to donate to another restoration.
Trimmed in Dark Ivy Green leather, this Cougar’s interior springs a genuine surprise. The carpet is tired, but the leather looks soft and supple, with only the typical wrinkles associated with elegant aging. The dash is in good condition; the woodgrain shows no evidence of problems, and I can’t spot any crumbling plastic. The CB radio appears to be the only aftermarket addition. With fresh carpet, a deep clean, and some leather conditioning, this interior would present acceptably as part of a driver-grade restoration. The first owner didn’t load it with factory options, but it retains its air conditioning and AM/FM stereo radio.
The 351-2V V8 was the XR-7’s entry-level motor, and is what we find under this Cougar’s hood. That year’s Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 250hp and 355 ft/lbs, fed to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Emphasizing the Mercury’s luxury leanings are power steering and power brakes. The seller states that this Cougar doesn’t run, and I suspect it hasn’t for a fair while. If the 351 turns, coaxing it back to life might be possible. However, any restoration may require a mechanical refurbishment, so the winning bidder should brace for the worst.
The fact that this 1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 has attracted 24 bids is the tip of the iceberg. The Listing View and Watch List tallies of 542 and 77, respectively, demonstrate that people see potential in this classic. The big question is whether they consider it a viable project or a source of some pretty impressive parts. It will be fascinating to gauge your response. Would you return this Cougar to its former glory, or has it passed the point of no return?
Rusty, not running, but potentially inexpensive. This is probably what one should expect for a 57 year old car donated to a charity in Wisconsin. No one should expect a detailed description from a charity, they really don’t know the history nor have time to diagnose them. Potential buyers should realize these cars sell for cheap, and it’s their responsibility to inspect the car in person prior to purchase.
Steve R