For Sale 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 390FE Auto
Up for your consideration is a beautiful ’68 XR-7. Below I will go through the condition of the entire car, top to bottom, inside and out. Furthermore, I will break down the data tag and the known history of the car.
Overall condition – Beauty is not just skin deep here; this car is beautiful through and through as it’s a wonderful useful car. On the surface, she is a triple black California car (paint color change). Deeper and equally as important, she is a well-maintained car, its possible to just jump in and go at any time. It’s a very user-friendly car thanks to the disk brakes, power steering, C6 Automatic, air conditioning, radial tires and well-tuned & potent 390 FE! From California this vehicle went to Georga finally ending up here, north of Pittsburgh. It has never been in bad weather or salt ***IS AND ALWAYS RUST FREE***
History – Ordered by the infamous Bob Estes of California to sell at his Lincoln-Mercury dealership. For more on the life of Bob, check out this article. https://www.historicracing.com/driverDetail.cfm?driverID=7971
Mechanical – The factory optional Marauder 390 cracks to life quickly. The 390 has had a few improvements since she was born as a 2 barrel cruiser. The 390 has been rebuilt years ago and received a custom hydraulic camshaft, aluminum 4 barrel (4V) intake & carburetor. Before making this ad, for the purpose of giving as much info as possible, I did a compression test on all 8 Cylinders. Cold, each cylinder was between 179 and 181 – a great reading! All fluids are fresh along with necessary tune up items i.e.. Plugs, cap, rotor & wires. Firing the spark is an electronic distributor & MSD ignition box. The cam shaft gives the car a very nice sounding idle and smooths out right off of idle. Power is transferred through a tough C6 into the notorious Ford 9” rear end. Wheels have been upgraded to Mercury rally wheels & radial tires. Stopping power comes from front disks and good brakes all the way around. Steering is easy with factory power steering assist. This car starts quickly, idles nice, runs VERY STRONG, stays cool and shifts very firm. The air conditioning has been upgraded to an aftermarket system making it use less power and function flawlessly. Sometimes at idle, the power brakes have to be applied a little harder due to idle vacuum from the upgraded camshaft. Idle can be turned up to make that go away, but we like the loping of where the idle is set at. Its not noticeable enough to add a reservoir can or vac pump. The power brakes feel like a modern car when coming to a stop.
The 390 block is original to the car, along with the C6. Check out the engine date code casting in photos.
Interior – The black interior is original and in excellent condition. The seat foam was just replaced with TMI firm foam, front and rear. Carpet, dash and door panels are in good condition. The door panels are not perfect but the flaws do not take away from the car. Need door, window and trunk seals/runs have been changed this fall. The rubber is new. Windows, doors, trunk and hood operate as they should. The OEM tachometer doesn’t work. You can have the factory tachometer repaired, replaced or put an aftermarket tach in the car. The woodgrain steering wheel is fully restored and flawless. The interior work on this car is all fresh and professionally done.
Exterior – Black paint & black vinyl top make this car look like a civilized gentleman in a tuxedo…until the 390 starts up and he instantly gives off a sinister villain attitude. While looking so stellar, the paint has been changed since birth. The car was born with Grecian Gold paint (still always had a black vinyl roof). The vinyl roof is in excellent condition along with the black paint, trim, lights and glass. This car can be a show cruiser or a user. Its up for both tasks. The fold away headlights, all lights and indicators work as they should. The emblems are all either new or NOS.
Underside – Rust free, damage free, solid & texture coated to eliminate road noise/rock damage. This is not undercoated, its painted. Dual exhaust. Just about spotless!
This car is a great driver or show car. I have driven this car around the city and on the highway – its very user-friendly. Don’t be afraid to use it and show it. Overall, the condition is excellent. I have done my best to describe the car in full detail. It is up to you to come inspect or send a 3rd party inspection for your interpretation. I am a car appraiser, builder and collector. This is a special car. If purchased, the new owner is responsible for transportation, insurance, title and any storage fees associated with the car. The car is sold as is, it has no warranty. There are companies that will offer warranties, funding, insurance and transportation for the car. Payment can be cash, bank check, check. The car cannot leave until all funds clear (this could take a few days so please don’t show up with a check and expect to take the car). If cash is in hand, it can leave anytime. Once funds clear, the car can be taken. The title must be transferred to your name. We have a notary on sight to notarize seller signature. Plate and transferring to your name is your responsibility at your local DMV.
Thank you VERY MUCH for viewing this ad. I hope this Cougar gets a good home.
Data Tag Breakdown: 8R93X518396
