Vehicle Description
GR Auto Gallery is pleased to present this outstanding 1968 Mercury
Cougar XR-7 GT-E 428 Cobra Jet for your consideration. In May 1968
Mercury decided to replace the 427ci V8 with the 428ci V8 CJ Ram
Air as the top-of-the-line motor option for the Mercury Cougar. The
motor was initially rated at 340 horsepower and routed the power to
the rear wheels through a Select-Shift Merc-O-Matic automatic
transmission (Ford's C-6 transmission). The 3.50 Traction-Lok rear
axle was ordered instead of the 3.90 thus gaining more top end
performance. According to the selling owner the motor and
transmission were rebuilt in 2010 and continues to be mechanically
sound. With two quick pumps of the gas pedal and a simple turn of
the key, the 428 Cobra Jet engine roars to life with its
quad-chrome tipped exhaust.
This GT-E left the assembly line with an Augusta Green upper body
and Argent (grey-silver) lower as all GT-E's had the Argent lower
paint. It was repainted roughly 11 years ago according to the
selling owner in the original colors. This Cougar also features
hide-away headlights, 7.0L GT-E badges, a functional fiberglass
hood scoop, and chrome styled steel wheels with beauty rings and 7L
center caps.
The interior is in great condition with recently reupholstered
black leather interior. This example was ordered from the factory
with the black leather bucket seats and accessory headrests. Also
featured inside the car is the original wood steering wheel, wood
trimmed dashboard with a unique placement of the oil pressure gauge
in front of the passenger seat, Philco AM radio, map lights, center
console, and black carpeting. Inside this Cougar is a pleasant
place to be and makes piloting this great car an even more
memorable experience.
As a GT-E optioned car this Cougar came equipped with front power
assisted disc brakes and power steering. Also included in the
package was an upgraded suspension, trumpet quadruple exhaust, and
revised body work which includes the new grille and taillight
treatments as well as the functional hood scoop. Only 37 cougars
were optioned with the 428ci CJ motor and GT-E package and there is
the documentation that verifies this example's pedigree.
According to the Elite Marti Report that accompanies this vehicle
it is the only one with the combination of 428 CJ motor with the C6
automatic transmission, in Augusta Green, with the black leather
bucket seats, GT-E package, and the 3.50 Traction-Lok rear axle.
Also detailed on the Marti Report and reprinted window sticker,
this is a true GT-E car with the 428 CJ motor. It was sold new out
of Fletcher Ford Mercury of Summit, NJ. This example was produced
on May 7, 1968, which was twenty-two days ahead of the scheduled
production date.
The Mercury Cougar was the upscale cousin of the iconic Mustang. It
offered consumers a chance to take home a premium muscle car and a
chance to stand out. This is a fantastic example that has been well
preserved. We are happy to provide additional information and
answer any questions that may arise.
Gr Auto Gallery, LLC and our sister company, Wheelz Sales and
Leasing Inc. makes every effort to represent each vehicle
accurately and with integrity. We also welcome third party
inspections when necessary. Although we try to do our very best to
be accurate in our description writing we are human and do make
mistakes. Unless otherwise noted, All vehicles are sold AS IS, No
Warranty Expressed or Implied. All sales final. GR Auto Gallery and
all its affiliates reserve the right to charge a 3% processing fee
on any credit card sales of over $2,500.
