For the 1967 model year, Mercury launched its Mustang-based Cougar. While not as iconic as the car it was based on, Mercury had no problem selling Cougars 150k of them in the first year. Twenty years later, Mercury decided to commemorate the car’s birthday by building 5k special 20th Anniversary Cougars. These cars were tricked out, with the 4.9L V8, a sport suspension, limited-slip rear end, and power everything. You don’t come across these car’s often, but reader Dan B just happened to see this one in a parking lot in Traverse City, Michigan and it just happens to be for sale!
While it isn’t in perfect shape, this Cougar looks like it just needs a good detailing to be an exceptional example. The “24k gold” trim and wheels appear to all be present, as does the luggage rack and the unique badges. Polish the paint, maybe touch up a few spots, and this Cougar would look great!
The interior is looking a bit dirty, but might actually clean up. It’s equipped with an automatic and just about every creature comfort available in the late ’80s. A manual would add a little to the resale and fun to drive value, but unless you plan on driving it really hard, the automatic should be perfectly fine for a daily driver!
It might not be for everyone, but this Cougar looks like it could be a good buy! The asking price seems reasonable if the car is in good mechanical condition and there aren’t any major cosmetic issues. So, would you enjoy owning this Mercury? If you end up buying it, be sure to let us know how it goes!
You can have plenty of fun with the automatic too..I had the same drive train in a mustang and pretty much drove the crap out of it..I’m talking smokey burnouts power shifting to second at wot..all the while bumping the rev limiter ! I always used synthetic fluids though and never hurt it.
Pretty sure this was a 5.0 liter still at this point. Best Cougar outside of first gen.
5.0 EFI was a decent motor and lots of these could be hot rides. It was a cool car and lots of interest should follow.
I believe the manual was only available with the 2.3 turbo, but that combination ended in ’86 for the Cougar…only the Tbird had the 2.3 turbo powertrain for ’87 and ’88. This is a nice Cougar, but seems a tad expensive for what amounts to a trim package on a model with limited appeal.
In Mexico the manual was available in the Thunderbirds with the V6 engine.
It makes it a very nice driving car.
This one owner 1987 mercury cougar stayed in the family & now lives in Wapakoneta Ohio.