Vehicle Description
23,245 original miles. Two owners. Interesting color combination.
Strong-running H-code 351 cubic inch V8 with automatic
transmission. Cold A/C, power windows, center console. Super clean
Cougar convertible ready for preservation class judging. We're very
pleased to see that Mercury's Cougar is finally seeing some strong
enthusiast support compared to its Mustang cousins. Cars like this
beautiful all-original XR7 convertible have lived in the Mustang's
shadow for too long when they're actually excellent cars that are
much more than a rebadged Ford. This particular Cougar XR7
convertible shows just over 23,000 original miles and no, that's
not a misprint. It has had two long-term owners who each cared for
the car as if it was something special and as a result, it remains
almost entirely original. The white paint is almost like
traditional Wimbledon White, a little softer and creamier, and it
works well on the upscale Cougar. There are no touch-ups or areas
that had to be re-sprayed, and all the sheetmetal is original and
unmarked. The Cougar's upscale look is apparent in the front end,
which was restyled to match other Mercurys in the lineup, plus a
simple pinstripe along the flanks to highlight the curve of the
quarter panels. All the chrome is in excellent condition, the
plastic lenses are almost like new, and even the massive taillights
are in beautiful shape. There's no question this is a low-mileage
car that has been loved all its life. If you wanted white
upholstery in your Cougar, you had the choice of black or green
accents, with this car carrying the more desirable green carpets
and dash. The leather bucket seats are extremely well preserved and
still quite comfortable, and the back seat looks almost unused. The
carpets are likewise quite nicely preserved, partially assisted by
a set of rubber floor mats that have probably been in there since
it was almost new. Four round gauge pods hold all the instruments,
including a tachometer, and they all work like they should. Other
options include cold factory A/C, AM/FM stereo radio, and power
windows, and everything works. Even the clock ticks away reliably!
Overhead, that's the original power top believe it or not-it's
incredibly nice and includes the original glass rear window and a
matching white top boot. The trunk is nicely finished with the
original mat and what might just be the original spare tire that
doesn't look like it has ever been used. Nice! Power comes from the
familiar H-code 351 cubic inch V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor. By
1973, it wasn't about horsepower, but the torquey Cleveland is
impeccably smooth and makes the Cougar fun to drive. The engine has
never been opened or out of the car, so that's original Ford Blue
engine enamel and aside from a few maintenance items, it's entirely
as the factory made it. There's a newer reproduction battery that
looks right under the hood, proper wire hose clamps, and factory
markings throughout. Turn the key and it fires up easily, idles
nicely, and has a nice V8 burble from the single exhaust out back.
It has been recently and extensively serviced, so it's 100% ready
to enjoy. The C6 3-speed automatic transmission is a great partner
for the easy-going 351 and with 2.75 gears out back, it's a
fantastic highway cruiser. It's completely original underneath,
which means it's not shiny but there's exactly zero evidence of rot
or other structural issues and the car feels solid going down the
road. Steel wheels wear rare factory wheelcovers and a fresh set of
215/70/14 whitewall radials. Documentation is extensive, including
the original owner's manual, window stickers, build sheet, Deluxe
Marti Report, and service receipts. Much more car than a comparable
Mustang, the Cougar XR7 is the convertible for grown-ups.
Comfortable, nicely optioned, well documented, and ready to enjoy,
this awesome survivor represents the opportunity to enjoy the
appreciation of Cougars while you enjoy driving the car. Call
today!Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or
professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to
purchase.