"It's tempting to say the Cougar was declawed in 1972, as stiffer
emissions laws doomed the big powerful engines. Sales were 53,702
units, divided into 23,731 base hardtops and 26,802 XR-7 models.
Base convertible sales skidded to 1,240 units but XR-7 Convertible
sales actually increased by 200 sales to 1,929. Sticker prices
dropped. The base hardtop started at $3,061, while the XR-7 cost
$3,323. Base convertible began at $3,370 and the ZR-7 was $3,547."
Hagerty.com
For consignment, a 1972 Mercury XR-7 convertible showing 3,336
miles, but the true miles are unknown due to a title exemption. An
astounding 25 exterior colors were offered in 1972 with the
potential of twelve interior colors, six vinyl top colors, and
three convertible top colors including Ford blue.
Exterior
Can we first take note of how the grille that surrounds the
headlights continues on to embrace the corner marker lights with
seamless horizontal strakes? That's a pretty cool feature that you
might miss as your attention is drawn to the upright center grille,
vertical this time, with the XR-7 badge front and center. This car,
bathed in White, has a long hood, a steeply raked windshield, and a
relatively long overhang in back, all held up by 15-inch Cragar SS
wheels and letters out 70 series tires. In back, the tail lights
exist in a drooping position within the low, chrome bumper and
below the sizable decklid, a really unique configuration that's
capped here by two exhaust tips protruding in unison. With that
raked windshield, the canvas top takes on a low, streamlined
profile and this one presents in very good condition. Imperfection
on the body include edge chips, dark inclusions in the paint,
various chips and scratches throughout, crazing of the trunk lid
paint, paint run in several places, minor blistering on a fender,
and evidence of filler.
Interior
Black vinyl contours make up the door panels adorned with electric
window switches and a stately black vinyl insert with a cougar
emblem and both doors show some light wear but remain fully intact
and generally clean. Grain vinyl covers the tall bucket seats in
front presenting in good condition, as are the rear seats with some
looseness to the vinyl over the tunnel hump. A wood rimmed sport
steering wheel fronts four coved gauges in woodgrain trim of the
instrument cluster that continues right to include two smaller
gauges, an interior light, an AM/FM radio, A/C panel, and finally,
a clock at the top of the center console where it abuts a standard
Ford T-shifter. Black loop carpet is below and appears clean while
the trunk is lined with a plaid mat over a clean painted stamped
steel floor.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a 351ci Cleveland V8 with an Edelbrock intake
manifold and Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor. A FMX 3-speed automatic
transmission is behind it and power is routed to the rear 9" with
2.75 gears. The car is equipped with power steering, power brakes,
and air conditioning.
Undercarriage
We'll call it clean driver quality underneath with some typical
surface rust, oxidation, and residual oil on the pan. The front
wheels get power disc brakes while the rears get power drums and
dual exhaust runs through FlowMaster mufflers on its way to the
aforementioned exhaust tips. Suspension is standard here with coil
springs in front and leaf springs in back.
Drive-Ability
Hello Cleveland! We put the V8 to work and it delivers a smooth
idle and adequate power for the test loop. The ride is comfortable
and one peers over the long hood to direct the car's direction. We
note the clock and reverse lights not working but all other
functions on this Cougarwork as intended. 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.
Less than 2,000 Cougar XR-7 convertibles were produced in 1972
making this a relatively rare find. The commercial proclaimed,
"Civilized like an elegant woman, savage like a cat, no car
combines more luxury and sportiness than Cougar XR-7."
2F94H558125
2-1972
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
94-Cougar XR7 Convertible
H-351ci 2bbl V8
558125-Sequential Unit Number
DOOR STICKER
BODY 76F-Cougar XR7 Convertible
COLOR
TRIM DD-Red Vinyl
TRANS X-FMX Automatic
AXLE 2-Ford 9" 2.75 Conventional
DSO 53 53-Oakland
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. All prices are before
state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of
state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and
fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the
vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible
for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer.
Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions
inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the
declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV
office to ensure compliance with your states titling and
registration process.
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
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
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