Vehicle Description
Exceptional restoration of a 45,000-mile original car. Stunning
original leather interior, highly detailed throughout, loaded with
options. Known ownership history and well documented. Quite
possibly the finest Cougar XR7 convertible in the world.Only 1997
XR7 convertibles were built in 1970, making it rarer than a Boss
302 Mustang. This particular convertible is simply stunning in
every way and is very close to a #1 quality car. Thanks to a fresh
and very expensive restoration, it is ready to show at virtually
any level and drives superbly. The color is the original Bright Ivy
Yellow, which is a bold cream that looks exceptional on the upscale
Cougar bodywork. Underneath, it's laser straight, and this car has
never been rusty or wrecked and still carries all its original
sheetmetal. The crease that defines the Cougar's flanks is sharp
enough to give you a paper cut and details like the folding
headlights and sequential taillights are 100% operational. All the
chrome has been restored to show standards and the emblems and
lenses are either originals or accurate reproductions. It's
finished with a bright red pinstripe that makes the car really pop,
the perfect finishing touch on one of the finest cars we've ever
seen.Remarkably, that Dark Ivy Green leather interior is almost
entirely original, including the seat covers, door panels, and even
the carpets (which have been re-dyed but not replaced). The Cougar
was available with leather upholstery and it certainly feels more
luxurious than a Mustang when you're behind the wheel. Options
include functional factory A/C, automatic transmission with
console, gauges with tachometer and clock, and something Ford
called the 'visual check panel' which are those switches in the
center of the dash for managing the interior lighting. During the
restoration it was upgraded to a factory AM/FM radio, but that's
hardly a sin, and it, too, is fully operational. The burled walnut
appliques throughout the interior add to the upscale feel that
Mercury was aiming for in 1970, and the effect is sophisticated not
cheesy. There's a black power convertible top and a matching green
vinyl boot that gives it a finished look with the top down. And the
trunk is correctly finished with proper mats and a full-sized spare
tire.The engine is the original 351 Windsor V8 topped by a 2-barrel
carburetor. No, it's not a fire-breathing 428 but don't let that
distract you from the quality and the overall competence of the
powertrain. It starts easily, idles properly, and the 351W makes
plenty of torque to give the Cougar moves to match its
image-confident and smooth. Highly detailed and treated to an
optional dress-up kit, it will always be worthwhile to open the
hood on this cat. You'll note that everything is right on this car,
including the hardware, hose clamps, tags, decals, and production
markings. There's a reproduction Autolite battery and a correct
yellow-top ignition coil. The A/C has been converted to R134a
refrigerant, so it'll be easy to service in the future, but
otherwise it remains just as Ford built it 51 years ago. If you
want to show this car, you'll be hard to beat and if you want to
drive it, you'll always be looking for another reason to hit the
road. Underneath, it's just as highly detailed, right down to
factory-style overspray on the red oxide floors. Floors are
entirely original with no patches or replacements, and all the
factory spotwelds are still visible on the rockers and subframes.
The all-important torque boxes are unmarked and it has been
upgraded to a factory-style dual exhaust system that gives the 351
a wonderful V8 purr. The C4 3-speed automatic transmission shifts
cleanly and feeds a properly detailed rear end with 3.00 gears
inside, making this Cougar a fantastic highway cruiser. Brakes have
been rebuilt, the gas tank and lines are new, and even the
driveshaft has proper balancing marks. It drives superbly, smooth
and comfortable, and as a low-mileage car, there are zero squeaks
and rattles inside. Optional styled steel wheels add a sporty look,
especially when wrapped in 215/70/14 redline radials.Documentation
is extensive, including a deluxe Marti Report, receipts, ownership
history, and much more.You simply will not find a nicer Cougar
convertible, never mind an XR7. With Mustang prices heading skyward
all the time, Cougars are looking more attractive all the time.
They're unique at shows and offer what is arguably a superior
driving experience. Add in the fact that this car is just gorgeous
to look at, and you get one of the finest cars we've ever offered.
Call today!Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal
or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior
to purchase.