Vehicle Description
Where else can you get this much luxury, vintage muscle for so
little cash? This real-deal code 93 1967 Mercury Cougar XR-7 offers
a powerful 289 V8, a luxurious A/C interior, and a killer dark
green-over-black color combination that will make it stand out
among the Mustangs, all for thousands less. Where's the
downside?
The Mercury Cougar was the Mustang's big cousin, and it carries
itself exactly that way today, six decades later. The proportions
are unmistakable, but this Inverness Green hardtop shows off
bodywork that would make any Mustang owner jealous. Repainted
recently back to its original shade, the work was done to a very
strong, top driver-quality standard that looks really darn good
today. While the overall look might be familiar, there's not a
single interchangeable body panel between Mustang and Cougar, so
the big cat has a look all its own. The slick paint has a fantastic
shine and shows off upscale details like the gently flared fenders
and the subtle arching crease that swoops up and down in the middle
of the car's profile, all of which has been beautifully preserved
over the course of the last six decades. The Cougar's hidden
headlights and matching "electric shaver" grille are more Lincoln
than pony car (yes, the headlights work properly!), and the new
chrome bumpers are extremely nice up against the green paint, while
the XR-7 spec exterior brightwork is likely original but still
looks good. The black vinyl roof gives this Cougar a more grown-up
look, and yes, the uber-cool sequential taillights are fully
functional, too, while the XR-7 badging is right where it's
supposed to be, which means you won't be sneaking up on anyone in
this cat.
The Cougar's slightly larger footprint shows itself most inside,
where the upgraded interior feels spacious and upscale. Twin black
vinyl buckets might look familiar, but look how much stretch-out
room there is between them, and the back seat is totally usable by
real adults. Beautiful Dark Ivy Gold (Mercury's fancy name for dark
green) matching door panels are XR-7-spec and are more high-end
than what's in a Mustang, and matching Dark Ivy Gold carpets are
the perfect complement, contrasted nicely by a set of thick, vinyl
Cougar floormats. Instrumentation is nicely done, with simple
gauges that almost look like Smith's instruments on high-end
British cars, all surrounded by woodgrain trim that covers the dash
and the factory middle console is a work of art that features an
ornate, center-mounted clock in the stack - further cementing the
car's upscale XR-7 vibe. This particular Mercury also offers a
3-speed "Merc-O-Matic" automatic transmission (AKA a C4 3-speed), a
remote driver's side mirror control, an overhead console, a modern
retro-sound AM/FM/AUX radio, and factory Whisperair A/C that's been
upgraded with modern hardware, all of which are more in line with
the Cougar XR-7s easy-going, luxurious lifestyle. And what we found
to be most impressive is that absolutely everything works - all the
gauges, all the dash lights, dome lights, dash switches, and even
the gear-shift indicator light illuminates. There's even more room
in the trunk, and it's finished with a new mat, a space-saver spare
and no surprises underneath.
The Cougar XR-7 always packed strong muscle, so there's a potent
289 cubic inch V8 under the hood, just like it was optioned from
the factory. It's been detailed for show under the hood, with Ford
Blue engine enamel on the block, finned Cougar valve covers at the
flanks, and a bright chrome air cleaner up top. You'll also note
that the inner fenders, shock tower braces, and firewall have been
finished with satin paint and match the quality of the rest of the
car, and all the components look fresh and clean. The A/C is
blowing cold, and power steering and a big front sway bar are the
options you want in a car that's itching to be driven. Underneath
you'll find the aforementioned 3-speed automatic transmission and a
9-inch rear with easy-cruising 3.00 gears, so this big cat just
whispers down the highway. Easy living shows up in gorgeous floors
that show only a light dusting of satin black undercoating, so it's
not hiding anything, and a throaty Flowmaster dual exhaust system
gives the Cougar a nice V8 rumble without getting out of character.
Shiny Mag wheels add an upscale finish to this sporty Merc, and
they wear thick and grippy 225/60/14 BFGoodrich T/A white-letter
rubbers all-around.
A little off the beaten path, but this Cougar XR-7 is every bit as
delightful as an early Mustang to own and drive, all for a lot less
money. Call today!
