When Mercury introduced its Seventh Generation Cougar in 1989, buyers weren’t aware of its significance. It represented the final rear-drive variant, with the Eighth (and last) Generation migrating to a front-wheel-drive configuration. Those seeking extra performance could order their 1990 Cougar in XR7 form, which the original owner did with this classic. It presents well for its age and is ready to provide enjoyment to a new owner. The Cougar is listed here on eBay in Lincroft, New Jersey. Bidding is short of the reserve at $3,600, although there is a BIN option of $5,000.
Although many considered the styling of the new Cougar evolutionary, it was below the surfaces where the changes were most dramatic. The previous generation rode on the Fox-Body platform, with the newer model sharing the Ford MN12 underpinnings with the Thunderbird. It features striking styling that polarizes opinion, but this one wears Vermillion paint which makes a striking statement. It is a one-owner vehicle, and its overall presentation is pretty respectable. There are some paint scuffs on the front bumper. I can’t tell whether the plastic is scratched, but a paint shop should be able to address the issue without costing a fortune. The car carries a nice shine, and I can’t spot any other significant paint or panel problems. The vehicle has remained garage-kept since new, which explains why the underside is spotlessly clean and rock-solid. The glass looks flawless, and the 16″ alloy wheels are free from stains and physical damage.
If this Cougar packs a surprise, it is revealed when we open the doors to examine its interior. Gray velour cloth upholstery can look stunning when new, but it is prone to stains and deterioration. However, there are no such concerns with this classic. The seats and other upholstered surfaces are excellent, with the only issue being a stain on the passenger-side visor. Floormats protect the carpet, and although the one on the driver’s side is badly stained, a new set in their packet is located in the trunk. If ever you need a graphic demonstration of the value of such additions, this Cougar provides one. The plastic trim and dash are immaculate, and an aftermarket CD player occupies the spot previously reserved for the factory stereo. Luxury features abound, with the new owner receiving air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power front seats, and cruise control.
When a buyer confronted mechanical choices when ordering a 1990 Cougar XR7, there weren’t many from which to choose. All cars rolled off the line with a supercharged 3.8-liter V6 under the hood. Buyers could select a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, with this car’s original owner opting for the latter. Anti-lock brakes were standard, as was power steering. The V6 should produce 210hp, allowing the 3,803lb XR7 to clock the ¼ mile in 16 seconds. Aerodynamic efficiency means it won’t run out of breath until the needle hits 137mph. For potential buyers, this Cougar comes with plenty of positive news. It has a genuine 97,000 miles on the clock and runs and drives perfectly. The engine starts easily, the transmission is smooth, and the fluids are clean. If the new owner wanted to build a relationship with their new toy by flying in and driving it home, that would be a realistic goal.
The 1990 model year was successful for the Mercury Cougar, with 76,467 buyers parking one in their driveway. Of those, only 3,288 selected the auto-equipped XR7. The manual version is rarer at 841, but seeing either in the current classic market is uncommon. This Cougar would have cost its original owner around $20,500, and considering it’s now thirty-two years old, the depreciation is not as dramatic as for some cars from this era. Recent sales results suggest the price for this car is competitive, making it interesting to see how long it takes for this XR7 to find a new home.
The beauty of this platform is this is true 4 wheel independent suspension. The Bird and the Cougar had so much potential yet the buyers didn’t seem to care for them. Keep looking for a nice 5 speed V8 car but don’t seem to be many of them out there. Maybe some day.
I’m right there with you and loved these when new, but wasn’t financially in this market.
There was never a V8 manual Fox or MN12 T-Bird or Cougar, but the Fox turbos and MN12 supercharged 3.8s offered plenty of fun. Thankfully, the T-Bird SC kept the manual option through the end of its life cycle (1995 model).
I agree with the comments from Cadmanls. I like this generation of T-Birds and Cougars, in fact I think the distinctive (and often unliked) stand-up backlite looks pretty good here. I also pay attention for a manual transmission Cougar, but they are rarely seen.
I dont recall them ever making a manual tranny V8. Definitely didnt make em for this gen
be looking for a long long time ⏲️ 🛌
I had a 1995 Ford Thunderbird with the 4.6L V8 paired with an automatic. Purchased it with 108K on the clock and over the years went to 215K easily. It held up well with few issues, but the tin worm along the rockers and up underneath caused me to sell it to some kids down the street. Wouldn’t you know they just kept driving and driving it. Good cars.
Just bought (delivered day before yesterday) 1990 35th anniversary Tbird SC, mechanical twin to the XR7. Like everybody else, I woulda preferred a 5 spd, but settled for an automatic. Have only driven it from the delivery trailer into the parking lot so far, but I think I’m gonna like it. I’m surprised at how cheap nice low mileage examples are. Lots of bang for the buck, and a real head turner.
Good deal man. Congrats. I owned a brand new 1994 Thunderbird SC, that had every option available that year. Had a hate/love relationship with that thing for 6 years….until I totaled it & almost myself….in 2000.
Hope you have better luck with yours than I did !
While this was a new gen….it keep the old inverse slanted rear window from the previous 6th generation Cougars.
Unlike the platform sharing 10th generation Thunderbirds which had a much more aerodynamic rear window and entire rear end.
The 10th gen T-Birds were much sharper vehicles and sold about a Million units over it’s run. About 50% more than Cougars over the same period.
Had an “Old lady, garaged always” Thunderbird. ( had to do an engine swap, and redid, all the fiddly suspension parts though). Didn’t really know what I had, till inspection, and alignment time, when every mechanic that looked underneath, asked if I wanted to sell it. Funny how mechanics will tell you “you could get $6000+ easy, for this”, right up until you ask em, how much they want to buy it for lol.
In 1989 I bought a showroom new 1989 Cougar XR7. Black exterior with platinum gray leather interior. Supercharged 3.8 liter (IIRC) V6 with 5 speed manual transmission. I added a tasteful wing spoiler on the trunk lid, otherwise kept it completely stock. It was my pride and joy, washed, waxed and garaged for the 7 years I had it. Traded it in 1996 with less than 25,000 miles for a Camaro Z28. Gorgeous car and a great cruiser that I wish I had today!
I don’t recall ever seeing one of these back in the day.
I would have chosen the Thunderbird SC, much better looking, IMO.
Not really a bad price for a clean car, when everybody thinks “their” car is worth $75K “because I saw it on Barrett-Jackson”! Can probably make that 3.8 run a little better also?
This and the T-Bird were one of the quietest and smoothest cars on the highway I had ever driven. you really had to use the cruise, or you would be going 90-100 without realizing it. Great driving car.
No way that car in stock would hit 137, but the quarter mile time is about right
Jet sure it would. Car&Driver tested the same basic car with a 5 speed , Super Coupe. Did 143
Test drove a T-bird when working for Ford and had it at 115, and let off but it was still pulling Hard! I do believe it would top 130 Easily. Very aerodynamic car.
And plenty of torque. More than the 5.0 V8 Mustang
I would do a compression check on this. Great little engines these 3.8’s. Hook up a super charger and wow- lots of power. Lots of pressure and “hard work” to provide 200+ hp.I would want to be sure just what the engine is putting out as that would tell me approximately the internal overall condition is. These are great cars with awesome looks and design, definitely worth looking into on this one. It will be a great car for the next owner.
If you want a car that loves curved highways, this is one you’ll want to check out. I’ve owned a 91 T-Bird 3.8 and a 94 T-Bird LX 4.6 and both just hunker down and handle pretty much any curve you throw at them. They’re not the fastest cars around but they will put a smile on your face on a curvy road.
I still have the 94 T-Bird and have no plans to get rid of it. It complements the Vette nicely. One advantage is it has a back seat and trunk so you can take them on a trip and not be cramped.
The same engined T Bird Super Coupe with a 5 speed hit 146 for Car & Driver