This 1972 Mercury Cougar XR-7 with a 351-cubic-inch Cobra Jet V-8, a four-speed manual and 73,000 miles is described as “very rare,” and offered by a dealer in Salem, Ohio here on eBay. The asking price is a fairly steep at $49,800. Thanks go to Curvette for the tip!
The second-generation Cougar was launched in 1971, with a 112.1-inch wheelbase and a unibody chassis it shared with both the Falcon and the Mustang. This was the muscle car era, so the front track was widened to make way for big blocks. All the engines were V-8s. The two-barrel 351 was actually the base engine, with 166 horsepower.
Vehicles with the Ram Air induction system got a functioning hood scoop. Since this one has a possibly original hood scoop (but not the lock pins?), this should be the 351 Cleveland engine. Available for performance customers was the 266-horsepower Cobra Jet and the four-barrel R-code power plant with 275 horsepower. You could also order a 370-horsepower 429 CJ.
Power front discs with rear drums were standard. The four-speed was an option with the 351 CJ cars. The Ram Air package got the buyer a bunch of goodies, including dual exhaust, heavy-duty suspension and either an automatic or the four-speed manual.
The styling of this period is an acquired taste, and it was best acquired if you were 16 in 1972. I find the Cougar’s massive front-end treatment (in part due to the five-mile bumper requirement) a bit off-putting compared to the neat Mustang-like first-gen styling. Mercifully, there is no opera window, half vinyl roof, tufted velour upholstery, or other period atrocity. Both the side and rear styling are comparatively tasteful.
For whatever reason, 1972 was the slowest sales year for the second-gen Cougar, with 53,702 sold. This shakes out as 23,731 base hardtops, 26,802 XR-7 hardtops, and a combined 3,169 convertibles (base and XR-7). With its mag wheels, raised-letter Firestone tires and hood scoop, not to mention its bright blue paint and dual exhausts, this Cougar looks ready for stoplight derbies if not the race track. The ad gives us very little information, but it certainly looks very spiffy, and the engine bay is detailed.
The black bucket-seat interior with copious fake wood could be original. The XR-7 package came with the wood grain, high-back seating, unique door panels and a center console.
Is the price excessive? It would seem to be a reach. Hagerty says $20,000 for an XR-7 convertible in good condition. A really nice red convertible sold at Hagerty Marketplace in October for $35,000, and that was the top sale recorded by the company. Well, the ad for this blue beauty does say “or best offer.”
I like these “big” Cougars. This one does look good. Eye-catching blue paint (Competition Blue, in Mercury parlance?). That striped upholstery is cool. Well-equipped, as one would expect for the higher-market Cougar. Manual transmission…
The Marti Report is in the ebay ad. It is hard to read, but it shows the car as originally Light Pewter Metallic with an automatic transmission.
Your thoughts CATHOUSE?
Thanks Jim.
I agree with everything you say Bob. I love the car too. With that said, I will never pay a premium price for a car that has had a color change, no matter how good it looks. It just kills the value for me. The auto to manual swap also isn’t helping to retain the value although I would prefer the manual. With all that said, if this car were original as it presents today I think we are in negotiating distance of the price being asked.
Kind of lost it’s very rarity didn’t it?
No rear trunk spoiler either Jimmy👍
Agree w Bob, good looking big cat.
That’s actually the top engine for 1972,the 429CJ’s last year was 1971…I prefer a 351 Cleveland in any form anyways,it’s my all time favourite engine.
Right after graduating hs I traded a 69 Torino fb 351 auto for a 71 Cougar gt 4v Cleveland 4sp and that was a fun car to drive.
Seems high for the Cat 🐈⬛ but it’s what the market will bear.
I love the color and extra pedal.
I am biased for first gen models ..😎
Good luck with sale..
This car doesn’t have the 5-mile front bumper as those weren’t mandated until ’73 (for good measure, the rear 5-mile beams were required in ’74) but the styling is still rather heavy handed. And the asking price? Typical dealer marketing. We have a couple of classic car dealers here that typically price their cars stratospherically above what they’re worth. This car is nice, but not $49k nice. A second-gen Cougar will never be a late 60s Mopar or Camaro/Mustang.
I happened to have been 16 in 1972 (so yes, I’m old)(ugly too) but that means I like this car. Mostly because it’s kind of a unicorn – how many Cobra Jet engine 4 speed stick Cougars were built in 1972? How many are left?
Not as iconic or good looking as the first generation 65-67 Cougar, or even as the contemporary 71-73 ‘big’ Mustang, but still an interesting car. You’d be the only one at any Cars & Coffee with this.
The listing reminds me a little of the fabulous 62 Jetfire on here, with the seller probably having the same mindset – ‘I know what I got’ and ‘looking for the right buyer.’
It’s cool and interesting, but IMHO probably not $50k worth.
Mercury lost me, when they got rid of the hidden headlights, but I do prefer the Cougar to the same year Mustang. Every time I see a dealer selling a car, the word “RARE” always finds it way into the ad. Nice car but, $50k is a bit steep.
This is the same car that was just listed on BaT last month. It was bid to $37,500, RNM.
It also went through, both Mecum and GAA auction and was a no sale at $35k. Seems around $35k is the value.
More info and better pics here:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-mercury-cougar-19/
At least you can spot the car in the parking lot.
Started out with a/c when new and now seems to be missing, not the original color. The market has spoken a few times, but the owner still does not believe it.
Great write up. I always learn something new on Barn Finds. I’ve always preferred the Cougar over the Mustang. I just like the styling better. I think the seller is asking more than what the car is worth or more than I would pay anyway. Here is hoping it will go to a good home.
That driver’s seat looks like it has been laden with someone overweight.
Although not original, still a very good looking kitty cat.
Thanks Jim/ Curvette
i think the market spoke @ 35k. not a big following on these big cats.
I’ve always been a fan of the ‘67-‘68 Cougars ‘69-‘70 have grown on me, partially because of the availability of a convertible. ‘71-‘72, not so much, but I have to admit this car is sharp! $49k is ridiculous for this car, even with good provenance. This car has had a color change, and modified to a 4 speed. No way. That being said, he can ask whatever he wants. No skin off my nose. 🤷♂️