Several new competitors for the Ford Mustang to contend with entered the “pony car” market in 1967. And the Mercury Cougar was one of them. It was designed to be a little bigger and better equipped than the Mustang, which was priced in economy car territory. This 1969 edition looks to be in top shape, with a 351 cubic inch V8 employing Ram Air and a bench seat rather than buckets, a rare option. Located with a dealer in Bradenton, Florida, this badass-looking ride is available here on eBay for $24,997 OBO. “Curvette” does it again with tips.
The Cougar found itself competing for third place in the pony car space behind the Mustang and the Chevy Camaro. Its main push for that position was the Pontiac Firebird. The 1969 Cougar was in its third year and received a tasteful styling update that improved its looks (IMO). That resulted in sales of 100,000 units that year, and 98,400 of them had bucket seats. Just 1,600 buyers opted for a bench seat like the one here if it’s original to the vehicle. It looks like it is, and the upholstery has stretch marks for its age, unlike the matching rear seat.
Residing under the hood of this Cougar is a 351 “Cleveland” V8 paired with a 4-speed manual transmission (automatic trannies went into most Cougars). The odometer is 142 miles away from turning the 100,000-mile mark. We assume the Ram Air is from the factory, but the Flowmaster dual exhaust is a more recent addition. Hidden headlights continued to differentiate the Cougar from the rest of the pack. And they have been converted from vacuum-operated to electric for a more reliable application.
American Racing wheels and BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires complement the muscular look of this automobile. Undercoating has helped keep the Cougar mostly rust-free after 57 years, and we don’t know if the black paint is a redo, but it certainly presents well enough for local shows like Cars & Coffee. Air conditioning has been adde,d but it seems all the vents are on the front passenger side. That means he/she may freeze while everyone else strives to just be comfortable. $25k for a car like this seems reasonable in today’s market.
Bench is fine by me Dixon, the great 351 on board, and rare 4sp is icing on the cake here. Love the Cougar model👍🏁
I enjoy any year Cougar – especially the Muscle years. This one is unique with the bench and 4 speed. The original engine, per VIN, was a 351 2bbl. I started reading the dealership bullsh…er, hyperbole that is just AI regurgitated from several enthusiast sites and lost interest. I wonder if the front seat could be saved with new foam? Or is it beyond help, being stretched too much?
I’m going to enjoy the remarks from regular Barn Finder commentator/Cougar expert CATHOUSE on this one…
Looks like a sharp Cougar. I see some areas which could be improved. I also tried (but failed) to read the write-up; paragraphs sure would help. Like Class_room I am eagerly awaiting CATHOUSE’s review.
Ok, you guys asked so here we go. First not to nit pick but the actual correct numbers are there were 100,085 total 1969 Cougars built and 1616 received a bench seat. Now about this particular car, at first glance it appears to be a fairly decent car for someone who just wants to drive and enjoy it. That is as long as they do not mind all the modifications.
The 351C is an obvious change as no 1969 Ford product left the factory with that engine. Ram air was not available for any Cougar with a 351W-2V engine. With the information provided by the seller there is no way to say whether the 4 speed is original or not. I will go out on a limb though and say that I would bet that it is not. There were only 489 standard Cougar hardtops built with an H code 351W-2V and a 4 speed.
I have questions about the bench seat too. As far as I know all 1969 Cougar front seats had adjustable headrests. They are not on this seat. Perhaps they were removed when the seat was recovered. I also question how it appears that this seat may be bolted to the floorpan. It appears that there are 2 bolts on each corner. My experience says that there should only be 1 bolt per corner and there should use the same mounting holes as the outside track of a bucket seat. Bolts should not be visible protruding through the floorpan.
Any seller that wants to make claims about a vehicle should be prepared to back up those claims with a Marti report or at least a photo of the door data plate.
I see things that make me question the workmanship. There are screws holding the door panels on. That is just a lazy way of installing them. The passenger dash panel is not correct, again a lazy way to “fix” something when it is not hard to get the correct part. Under the hood the fender to hood bumpers are missing. Again something that is easy to fix as they are reproduced and not expensive.
Well I hope that this will hold you over.
Excellent review as always, CATHOUSE. Thank you.
That is a lot of insight. Thanks again, CATHOUSE.
Yes. It’s really just a made over old car. And not a real well done makeover.
Cathouse you didn’t mention the lack of not showing the underside of the hood. Which either has a cobbled up hole or as I prefer none at all. So I can get rid of the none original scoop for the cougar.
It’s the standard interior not XR7.
Obviously, Mustang steering wheel ? And the fin on back. I’m wondering how solid the body really is since the seat is double bolted. Notice no underside shots. The lack of head rest tells me the seat is not of 69 vehicle. Or they pulled them when putting on a cover. It would be interesting to see close up under a magnifying glass. I messed up on an awesome southern car offer 69 XR7 for $1500 garbage a long time. Original garage find covered with , you know, the bags n boxes of unwanted clothes ! But divorce can make lots of opportunities missed.
Cathouse 👍 👍
Glad to oblige with my thoughts. One other lazy fix is how the rear license plate bracket is attached to the bumper.
MTBorst, this car has the optional decore style interior. The standard interior is all plain vinyl. The decore will have the woodgrain sections on the door and rear interior quarter trim panels. The decore interior also would have included the 3 spoke rim blow steering wheel. You are correct, I did not mention the underside of the hood. Since there are no photos of it who knows if it has been cut or not.
This is a sad reminder of the “before” on the other ’69 Cougar that was crashed. Thing about the 4 speed. Typically, people that are looking at cars like this will want a 4 speed, it enhances the experience. I’m all for that. It’s the ho-hum cars with column shifts that don’t have a chance. These really were nice cars. My right shoulder aches just looking at the shifter and my left leg has cramps already. Think I’m kidding? Enjoy it now, kids. An automatic would take away a lot of zing here however.
Mustang wheel?
351 Cleveland a year too early..BUT..As the Cleveland is my favourite engine it’s a worthy upgrade.Bench seat is weird in a 1st gen Cougar but i really dig it,better for cuddling your sweetie at the drive-in :D
Hate the wood steering wheel.
Nice find. I always like the Cougars more than Mustangs. I think they are much nicer looking car. One of the few Ford vehicles I would consider. I had friend that we use to cruise Kenosha in her Cougar.
Beauty. Reminds me of Darth Vader.
good looking cat. tire/wheel combo works well on it. i would lose the spoiler and that lame steering wheel.
I traded a Peugot bicycle for a 1970/351 auto.When it was stolen and burnt,the black leather bucket seats stayed with me. Gorgeous.
I don’t think you could get a Cleveland in 69, JS.
The Cleveland engine isn’t as wide as the FE (390&428) engines that were an option in 1969.
Robert Gunn, you are right, the 351C was released in 1970 and became an option in the Cougar that year.
Steve R
There were no 1969 Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicles that left the factory with a 351C under the hood. Kevin Marti has confirmed this as fact.
Went to ebay…. Unpopular opinion apparently but using “ai” to write an advertisement… sorry nope. Turns me away. Tired of seeing ai slop everywhere
would like to see and Marti report on this one..
Inquiring minds want to know. Why to owners insist on putting goofy steering wheels on otherwise nice cars. See it done on euro cars as well. No accounting for taste.
Have you researched what it costs to buy either a nice original steering wheel or a reproduction steering wheel and all its components, if one is made? You are looking at several hundred dollars, minimum.
Steve R
Yes, it should cost several hundred or more for someone who is getting paid $$$ per hour to restore an original wheel with cracks. There are ways to restore a simple one yourself if you have time and patience. I restored one for my 53 Ford F-100 using a grey epoxy paste (can’t remember the name), sanding, then using a black appliance spray can paint. It came out very well. I saw an article with the steps in one of my car magazines some years ago.
if the steering wheel is your gripe, a reason to not appreciate the exceptional American manufacturing and design,..
its one nut buddy, one nut.
For those who know, the real wood ‘Supreme 500’ if i recollect correct was a desirable upgrade for Fords, Galaxies, etc and are worth good money.
This is not your Fathers Camery.
For those who need to pick it apart, obviously not looking to buy one, because though this may not have the right trinket or do hicky, its a ’69 Mercury, black, 4 sp, in beautiful survivor condition, with rare and tasteful upgrades.
A steal for $20k
Another great Barn Find !
The standard steering wheel in the cougar was the inside the wheel finger grip horn style. Fyi
The standard steering wheel for a 1969 Cougar was a 2 spoke wheel with a center horn pad. The 3 spoke rim blow was a part of the decore interior and the XR-7 interior.
Bench seat, 4-gear. Awesome.
if the steering wheel is your gripe, a reason to not appreciate the exceptional American manufacturing and design,..
its one nut buddy, one nut.
For those who know, the real wood ‘Supreme 500’ if i recollect correct was a desirable upgrade for Fords, Galaxies, etc and are worth good money.
This is not your Fathers Camery.
For those who need to pick it apart, obviously not looking to buy one, because though this may not have the right trinket or do hicky, its 69 Mercury, black on black, 4 sp, hide-aways, in beautiful survivor condition, with rare and tasteful upgrades; love the spoiler and the wheels.
Easily worth $20k
Another great Barn Find !
I have always preferred a Cougar over a Mustang. My favorite is a ’67. But I would not kick this off my driveway. The black looks cool, but would not be practical in my high desert domain. The 4 speed is a huge plus.
Beautiful Cougar, and I do like the upgrade styling Mercury did with the 69. 351 and a manual is a bonus for some. It wasn’t a factory AC car and looks like someone added an underdash unit on passenger side. Vintage Air would have allowed for a better distribution. The looks of the aftermarket steering wheel doesn’t bother me, but the original design 2 or 3 spoke are available and certainly feels better to me. Like someone here said it’s one nut and some $$ and easily changed.
My folks bought a 1970 Mercury Marquis in 1972. Even though it was a Brougham it didn’t have factory air. The add-on a/c unit was on the passenger side along with the only vents.
In relation to today’s prices, not bad at all even with non-show quality mods etc.