This 1967 Mercury Cougar is a two-owner classic that recently received plenty of TLC. It presents extremely well as a result, but the original owner’s decision to order it with a four-speed manual transmission helps it to stand out from the crowd. It is a turnkey proposition that should provide its next owner with years of classic motoring pleasure. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvete for spotting the Cougar listed here on Craigslist in Port Orchard, Washington. The seller set their price at $21,500 for a car with no genuine needs.
Mercury introduced the First Generation Cougar in 1967, offering buyers a more luxurious alternative to the Ford Mustang. That model year also marked the release of the Chevrolet Camaro and the Pontiac Firebird, so competition was becoming fierce as each badge fought for its share of the sales pool. This first-year example looks pretty stunning in Caspian Blue. The seller, who is only the car’s second owner, indicates that they recently had the car repainted, and the results justify the effort and expense. The Cougar’s appearance is almost beyond criticism. The paint shines beautifully, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and there is no evidence or mention of rust. The sparkling trim perfectly contrasts the relatively dark paint shade, and there are no visible glass issues. The sports wheels and narrow whitewalls add the perfect finishing touch to the exterior.
Unlike its Mustang cousin, the 1967 Cougar was V8-only territory. The first owner selected the C-Code 289, producing 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque. What makes this classic interesting is its transmission, because the first owner selected the four-speed manual. The seller claims that only around 6% of buyers ticked that box on the Order Form. I can’t find information supporting that claim, but considering Mercury’s focus on luxury, it does sound plausible. However, a Marti Report would put the claim beyond question, and I’m surprised the seller didn’t invest in one to remove any doubts. It is also unclear whether this classic is numbers-matching. What the seller does, rather indirectly, confirm is that potential buyers can consider the Cougar a turnkey classic.
It seems that this Cougar’s exterior isn’t the only aspect of the car that received plenty of recent attention. The seller states that the interior is freshly retrimmed. Once again, the presentation is pretty impressive. Some faux chrome trim items show mild deterioration, but the Blue vinyl and carpet are excellent. The dash is spotless, as is the console. The seller states that the factory radio is inoperative, which appears to be the only genuine interior shortcoming.
It seems somehow fitting that the final photo in this article is of this 1967 Mercury Cougar with its Ford cousin. The pair continued to dominate the pony car market, though the arrival of the Chevrolet Camaro and the Pontiac Firebird brought serious competition in that segment. Wind the clock forward fifty-nine years, and the Mustang is effectively the last man standing. Chevrolet discontinued the Camaro at the end of 2023, while Pontiac and Mercury are little more than distant memories. I have always thought that to be ample justification to preserve pony cars from this era, and this 1967 Cougar offers someone that chance. Are you tempted to rise to the challenge?
This Cougar is stunning in dark blue. And a 4 speed is icing on the cake. I like that last photo with the drop top Mustang too. I know I’ve mentioned too many times how as a little kid I fell in love with the sequential turn signals in the tailights, but thats just a great memory for me. I’m not an expert on prices, but it seems pretty reasonable to me, interior work and paint jobs are not cheap. Curvette, you found one stunningly beautiful Cougar here. And Adam, I really enjoyed your write up over my morning cup of coffee.
What Dave said! 👍🏻
Reminds me of Cheech & Chong.
Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Dave.
Dave’s not here.
Repeat about 5 times. LOL!
Ok, I scrolled the comments. So who’s Dave? seriously.
My first in-the-flesh encounter with a 1967 Cougar left a lasting impression, not unlike Dave’s experience. For me, I had seen pics in Motor Trend Magazine, but the first one I saw in person was at a dealer display at a local city’s fall festival. Ten-year-old me was smitten with its classy look. I remember walking around it, over and over, taking in every detail. I liked it then, still like them now.
With the 4-speed and fresh paint and interior, this one looks like a keeper.
Very nice AND a four speed. This one ticks all the boxes. Seems like a reasonable price if its as solid and clean as it looks in the pictures.
I like the style and body better than the Mustang. Didn’t know Cougar was a V8 only. And as Drivinstile said, the sequential turn signals. I think I’d convert to power disc brakes for safety. Other than that, start shifting gears away from the stoplight! Guaranteed lots of admiring looks with this fine fellow.
About the only thing that could make this car any better would be the “XR7” option, gorgeous.
A good friend, on my advice at the time, in 1967 ordered and bought a 4-speed green-over-tan-leather XR7. I never knew that 4-speeds were so uncommon.
I had the XR7 with the 4 speed, let my first wife drive it and she totaled it. Loved that car. Haven’t seen one since mine. Had it the mid to late 80’s
Gotta have the tunes? This one’s not for you.
Here I go again drooling in my cereal! I love the ’67 Cougars and this one is perfect EXCEPT the color. I like the color, but after 4 totalled blue cars (I don’t even have to be in the car or the keys even in the ignition. And none were my fault) I have learned to stay away from blue cars. Now if it was white or green. I might have to find something to sell.
You must own a copy of one of the great instrumental songs in history, Love is Blue, by Paul Mauriat which hit #1 in ’68! Lol!
It reminds me of some advice I gave to a neighbor. He owned three soul red Mazdas. One was a Mazda 6 that was hit on two different occasions while parked on the street. He then bought a new soul red Mazda Cx5. He was going to have some work done on it at the dealership by an independent contractor. The lift that was used collapsed while the SUV was on it, and the vehicle was totaled. His new Cx5 is white.
good looking cat. love the color combo
I don’t see air conditioning; I need that in Phoenix, otherwise perfect
Vintage Air.
texas too.
My fav Cougar was a ‘69 XR-7 trim 351w car. Drove better than Mustang and had real options, unlike most Mustangs. This seems like a low mileage second or third car. Many with Summer homes on the San Juan Islands just drive in the Summer. These and Collection cars are the best…
These ’67/’68 Cougars rank right up there with contemporary beauties such as the early Riv’s, ’69 Grand Prix, ’70 Firebirds/Camaros.
But I must disagree regarding the ’69 Cougar…they ruined a classic design with that blooper.
The ’69 Mustang was an excellent redesign though…’69 Toro and Riv were outstanding “second acts” too.
BTW, my vote for UGLIEST?
The’70 Riviera (yeccch!)
nice
New paint and only asking $ 21,00.00
My shop owner says thats no less than
10 k,I guess he’s not clearing much.
Dad bought a 1967 Cougar in 1968 put foremost mags look like torque thrust and dual gas’s packs I was 16 wow what a car! I figured out that if you turned on emergency flashers and I blinker at the same time both would sequence at same time ! I thought it was cool to speed down roads with them flashing
In high school, a good friend’s parents had one of these and I always liked riding in it. It was an automatic but that was expected. A 4 speed make this car a really fun driver….but…. too many in the stable right now!!
Boy this car is Really close by. I can walk to the boat launch where several of those pictures were taken in five minutes. Too bad our garage is too short for this to fit.
Sure with a 289 it won’t be fast but it does have a nice four speed to row as you drive through town. With the parking lights on and the sun low on the horizon.
Guess it’s not odd the data tag is not on the door – it looks really nice – reproduction ?
There were 150,893 1967 Cougars built. There were 7953 4 speed 1967 Cougars built. So the 6% figure would be pretty close to correct.