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. Code
C Dark Ivy Green Metallic is a killer original-spec paint job,
shifting from a shade reminiscent to a sparkling green and then to
turquoise blue - 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, and with the fog lights and
aggressive chin spoiler just below, this Cougar looks downright
mean. In back, those distinctively broad taillights, their vertical
ribbing nearly spanning the width of the car, are yet another
distinctive "continental" feature that Merc fans brag about every
chance they get, and deservedly so. The fun doesn't stop there, as
this XR7 also comes equipped with a contrasting black hood scoop up
front, a tall black spoiler in the rear, and a set of gold decals
that really pop against the Ivy Green finish. 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 Medium Saddle vinyl upholstery is in
great shape. Mercury went with tall backs on its bucket seats by
this time and this added height, plus the inclusion of headrests,
offering much 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, and the options list is
rounded-out with R134a A/C, a power convertible top, and a
retro-style AM/FM/AUX stereo that looks just right inside the dash.
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 FMX 3
speed Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission. The powerplant exhales
efficiently into original-style exhaust manifolds leading into a
throaty dual exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers that
sounds great. 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, and lots of recent maintenance means this droptop is
ready for the road today. Finishing off the look, this eye-catching
Cougar sits on a set of factory-style Mags wrapped with 225/60/15
BFGoodrich T/A white-letter radials with plenty of grip.
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!