Rare 4-Speed: 1967 Mercury Cougar

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?