Vehicle Description
Mercury Cougars occupied a very distinctive place in the automotive
marketplace of the late 60's. Seeking to inject some sophistication
into the muscle car mix, Lincoln Mercury worked off the existing
Mustang platform, but added some decidedly "across the pond"
styling cues into the mix - and was met with strong results. This
1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible is a rare chance to own a true
classic with its wheels planted firmly on U.S. soil, yet tempered
with some European refinement.
Despite sharing a number of elements with the Mustang, the
distinction between the two models becomes pretty clear at first
glance. This first-generation Cougar has a longer profile than its
Ford brethren - the result of its longer hood and the addition of
3" between the front and rear wheels. With its very slightly
inclined stance, it still sits plenty low enough to the ground to
keep an effective center of gravity intact for good handling. This
is a truly unique paint job, shifting from a shade reminiscent of
root beer to blue and even green, depending on the angle from which
you're viewing the car - it's very eye catching! Look up front,
you'll see just one example of that European influence - hidden,
flip-up headlights lurk behind that textured black, razor-blade
grille. They were only available for a scant three years. In back,
those distinctively broad taillights, their vertical ribbing nearly
spanning the width of the car, are yet another distinctive
"continental" feature. Convertible tops are often the first area to
show vulnerability on classics, but this one appears to be in great
shape, with no wear marks or tears and even the folding seam in its
very clear glass window is untorn.
Inside, you'll find that the black vinyl upholstery is in great
shape. Mercury went with higher backs on its bucket seats by this
time and this added height, plus the inclusion of headrests, offer
both more support and safety than what was found on early models.
In back, the bench seat also looks good, as does the quarter trim
on either side of it, often another stress area in convertibles,
with their snaps to connect a tonneau cover still intact. There are
some European touches inside here, as well, including the wood
grain paneling on the instrument cluster and steering wheel, a
prominent oval clock presiding over the glove box and a set of
toggle switch controls over the center console. On either side, the
door panels sit nice and flush, with their power window controls
prominently displayed. One of Mercury's priorities was to find a
sweet spot between the Mustang and Thunderbird and they succeeded
on that account, as the Cougar's extra length also provided an
obvious increase in rear passenger legroom. It still looks and is
powered as you'd want in a muscle car, but it's one that will have
no issues bearing four passengers while cruising.
Unlike Mustangs, Cougars of this era all came with V8's, with this
one bearing a 351 Windsor in its very clean and detailed engine
compartment, topped by a chrome air cleaner and paired with a C4 3
speed automatic transmission. The powerplant exhales efficiently
into a set of aftermarket long tube headers leading into dual
exhausts. Featuring power brakes on all four corners - with discs
in front and power steering - city conditions and stop and go
driving will place no roadblocks to interfere with your motoring
enjoyment. This eye-catching Cougar sits on a set of Z racing rims,
wrapped with Cooper Cobra Radial GT tires.
Looking for a unique, classic drop-top with unabashed flash and
undeniable appeal? This 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 is the one for you.
Call today!