For Sale: 1973 Mercury Cougar in Lavergne, Tennessee

So you want a drop-top classic that's both rare and luxurious? This 1973 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible gives you all of this and also adds enhanced V8 power, a cool color combo, and a value price.

The Cougar was meant to be the upper-class counterpart to the Mustang. That's especially true in the more expensive and rarer XR7 trim. The light blue paint has a nice upper-class tone thanks to a later respray and plenty of gloss. It's not too fancy to drive, but it certainly looks distinct and premium when a drop-top has the same look as a clear blue sky. These Cougars have a more luxurious appearance that includes the angular hood leading to the waterfall grille, and the rear bumper that nicely integrates the taillights for a clean total look. Plus, there are good fundamentals that give this a quality overall style. It's in the way the panels align, the convertible top fits, and the doors close with confidence. And there are nice subtly sporty details, like the dual exhaust tips, rear badge delete, and classic GT wheels with a touch of color-matched style.

While the black roof looks good in place, it's even more impressive when you take it down. After all, the exterior blue looks like a sunny blue day, and the white interior is like a puffy cloud. And it's a comprehensively well-done style with the white convertible boot and the dash and carpeting are in light blue to coordinate with the exterior. So it's a thoughtfully laid out package that fits with the Cougar's premium image. Just like the exterior, this is done to be stylish with a true cruiser nature at its heart. You'll even appreciate the little things, like the working map light and the smooth wood-like trim. This also was built with provisions for some nice features like power windows, power locks, and air conditioning, and you can choose to restore any of these to gain full function. But this is easy to enjoy from day one, because after all, you have a fun drop-top with a full upgraded AM/FM/CD stereo system.

Under the hood is a hardy 351 cubic-inch V8. We've been told from a previous listing that the motor has been enhanced and fortified with an upgraded cam, an Edelbrock intake, an HEI distributor, and topped with a Holley four-barrel carburetor. While we don't have the full confirmation, this certainly warms up to feel like a stronger powerhouse. And a set of headers lets this exhale into the H-pipe dual exhaust with authority. There's even a 2100 stall on the three-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip rear to give this a better performance car attitude. Out on the road, this feels exceptionally shaper thanks to newer front end components, the rear was given a Fays2 Watts link, and there are KYB shocks all-around. Add in power steering, power brakes, and front discs, and you can understand how this one makes for a great choice for a true driver.

This Cougar XR7 drop-top is stylish, upgraded, powerful, and quite affordable. It all makes for the right recipe for the kind of cruiser you'll love. Call today!!!