The seller of this 1967 Mercury Cougar is listing it as a parts car, with the reasons being that the floor is rusty and there’s no title. I’m going to have to beg to differ here, as I’ve seen numerous far worse condition and less desirable cars saved, so I’m hoping someone steps up and turns this one into a project instead of removing parts. It’s also a first-year example, and complete for the most part. This Cougar is priced reasonably too, so somebody please pay the seller $1,500 and start restoring this one before it gets dismantled!
We don’t get much background, but overall, the body really doesn’t look all that bad. It’s probably been sitting for a while and perhaps a respray may be covering some defects, but to call this one only a parts-quality car seems a bit unreasonable. Unless there’s some rust on the exterior that’s hard to detect, I’m not seeing any panels that don’t appear salvageable. For that matter, even if it’s left as-is on the outside for a period, I wouldn’t mind being seen behind the wheel of this hardtop in its current appearance using it as a fun weekend driver.
Unfortunately, this cat isn’t quite ready to be back on the road just yet, as the 289 has been torn down to the block, with no explanation as to why. The heads and numerous other engine parts are being stored inside the trunk, which I’m finding a testament to the strength of the trunk floor. Not to say the pan is necessarily in great shape, but at least it didn’t collapse under all that weight.
Some positive news in the drivetrain department is that the seller is also including an extra 302 engine with the sale, including the stand. This V8 isn’t exactly complete either and there’s no word on if it’s running, but let’s not forget we’re only talking 1500 bucks for everything here.
The instrument panel still looks pretty good, but from the looks of things the pad has spent lots of seasons baking in the sun. As the seller mentions, you can see the ground under the floors, but I don’t think I’d allow that or the lack of a title to relegate this one to simply a parts car. Whatever your intentions, this 1967 Mercury Cougar is in Des Moines, Washington, and can be found here on Craigslist. What would you do here- parts or project?
Fix the floors drop a garage rebuild engine with a four speed and drive it like you stole it! What do u have to loose on 1500$
Worth a look if you life in the area. There have been a lot worse for a lot more featured on this site.
Steve R
That is not an XR7. It’s a base Cougar.
Thanks for clarifying Craig! The seller mentions it’s an XR-7 in his listing, but I believe you are correct that it’s a base model, as the dash gauges aren’t solid black. Do any other readers have input on this?
Not an XR-7. XR-7 has a different dash with extra gauges, toggle switches and a “simulated walnut” overlay. Also different door panels. Also leather (seating surfaces) and vinyl upholstery. I owned a base ’67 Cougar for a decade in the ’70s-’80s.
This is absolutely not an XR7. As stated, the XR7 has a walnut dash, more gauges, XR7 emblems on the C-pillars, and map pockets on the door panels. This still looks to be very restorable, especially for $1,500. Who knows, the seller may even take less.
I think he put that at the end of the description in case anyone is looking specifically for parts for an XR7. He also listed Mustang and Falcon in there.
My girlfriend is a Cougar.
Is she on Medicare yet? 😉
Yes but is she an XR7?
My wife said she is too
4 speed or automatic?
The first question is why no title and what you have to do to get one.
I don’t think there is any huge problem with a replacement title in Washington
Best way to find out is check with motor vehicles department in Olympia.
I am in Oregon and recently sold a newer car I lost the title on. It was just a matter of going to motor vehicles and my signing an official bill of sale. Since it was in my name there was no problem
Would grab this in a second if it was closer to FL.
Posting deleted by author. Oh well. If it sounds too good to be true… I liked this year of Cougar. It would have been worth it to restore.
Much to nice to be a parts car, and $1500 is a steal. Probably why it’s already been deleted by the author. Oh well.
Motor Trends 1967 Car of the Year!