Vehicle Description
1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Hardtop
One hundred thousand Mercury Cougars were built in 1969. Of the
24,000 with XR-7 hardtop option, a fortunate 504 of them were
equipped with a 428ci Cobra Jet Ram Air engine. And if the car was
blessed with that engine, it also received a heavy duty battery, a
massive 730cfm carburetor, a heavy duty radiator, and a larger
front sway bar, among other special components. They were also
given a hood scoop like the special edition Cougar Eliminators, but
what they didn't get was a special name. As such, outside of the
Cougar world, they're not widely known. A napping cat, perhaps,
until you turn the key.
For consignment, a 1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 showing 84 miles but
the true mileage is unknown. A numbers matching example, this car
is one of one according to the Marti Report, (included but yet to
be seen), and the only Cougar XR-7 428CJ with 3.25 gears and
Traction-Lock. This is one of only eight produced in this
color.
Exterior
Finished in Yellow, the Cougar is enhanced by a double black stripe
on the central rise of the hood which not only has a growling
cougar on the front, but CJ 428 embossed into the stripe just
before it disappears under the hood scoop. This is all fronted of
course by the hidden headlights that blend with the horizontal
strakes of the grille over a black chin spoiler. Out back, the
strakes are vertical over a light bar that runs the span of the
tail, underscored by a straight chrome bumper, a yellow valance,
and a pair of tailpipes. Oh, and let's not forget about the
pedestal wing that adds more sportiness to this rare pony car. In
profile, a black pinstripe runs the shoulder line accentuating the
gentle lift after the quarter window and black 14-inch Styled Steel
wheels with blue center caps complete the package, along with sport
style side mirrors. Imperfections include some bubbling down low
and some uneven filler.
Interior
Of the eight yellow XR-7 428's, seven of them had black bucket
seats and this is one of them. These seats are constructed of black
leather and the driver's seat shows some typical patina creasing
and compression but all are in excellent condition, including the
back leather seat, wonderfully stitched and robust. Black door
panels mimic the pattern and include a courtesy light built in.
Faux burlwood overlays dominate the view forward starting with the
3 spoke steering wheel followed by the gauge surround with
speedometer and tachometer taking center stage among the four
circles. Toggle switches, an AM radio with 8-track, and vent
controls take up the center stack and burlwood surrounds a clock in
front of your navigator's cove. A Hurst shifter rises from the
center console where we also find seat belt "rests" and a padded
and hinged armrest, all based in black loop carpet in fine shape
and topped by a perforated headliner also in good condition. The
trunk is clean and lined in a plaid vinyl period mat.
Drivetrain
The heart of the cat is a cleanly presented, numbers matching 428ci
Cobra Jet V8 rated at 335 horsepower and topped with a newer Holley
4-barrel carburetor, cooled by a newer aluminum radiator. It's
backed by a rebuilt Toploader 4-speed manual transmission which our
consignor states is also numbers matching and it sends power to the
Ford 9 inch in back with 3.25 gears and TracLoc, the key feature
that differentiates this car from others similarly equipped. Power
brakes are supplied as front discs and rear drums.
Undercarriage
A glossy undercoating highlights a clean underside with virtually
no surface rust and clean components including the knuckles. We
note oil blow back from the engine covering the flooring, frame,
oil pan, the flywheel cover, transmission drain plug, and one at
the bottom of the rear diff. Our consignor states the exhaust is
new and is dual style that enters stainless steel mufflers before
exiting via steel pipes. Typical coil spring suspension up front
with leaf springs out back.
Drive-Ability
Another day, another legend here at Classic Auto Mall, and we're
thrilled to prime the carb, turn the key, and let this Cougar roar
its way onto the test loop. 70 series tires provide plenty of
cushion and the engine has obvious power underfoot, while handling
is typical for the time and adequate at speed. Our only demerits
come with the radio not working and the very cool sequential tail
lights not sequencing with turn indicators. Beyond that, shifts are
crisp and all functions operate as they should. While Classic Auto
Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of
our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working
at the time of your purchase.
Show up at car shows and those unaware will ask you when you
swapped in a 428. An informative show placard will save you from a
lot of explaining, but talking at a car show is half the fun,
right? And you'll have plenty of talking to do when you introduce
this rare car to the masses. "You know what an Eliminator is right?
Well, this ain't it.". Cool factor is off the charts and so is
rarity. If you're a Ford/Mercury collector, this one's for you. If
you're new to collecting, this first purchase is approaching Holy
Grail status. Operators are standing by!
9F93R536923
9-1969
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
93-Cougar XR7 Hardtop
R-428ci Cobra Jet Ram Air V8
536923-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 65B-Cougar XR7 Hardtop
COLOR W-Yellow
TRIM 6A-Black Leather Buckets
DATE 02A-January 2nd
DSO 16-Philadelphia
AXLE R-Ford 9" 3.25 TracLoc
TRANS 6-Close Ratio 4-Speed Manual
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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