Vehicle Description
Most folks just think of the Cougar as Mercury's version of the
Mustang, but the truth is that this big block powered 1968 Mercury
Cougar is a lot more car than a mere Mustang. Sure, it carries a
lot of the same performance hardware as the Mustang, but the Cougar
also adds a big dose of luxury, making it the grownup's pony car
and one that gets a lot more attention than your garden-variety
Mustang.
Originally painted code B Black Cherry, this big cat now sports a
slick charcoal silver finish that's probably close to something
they might have used in '68, but more modern and in tune with the
car's luxury/performance mission. Refinished several years ago, the
paint remains in good condition, and all appearances suggest that
this car was never rusty or a basket case. Instead, it is a nicely
maintained car that has never needed major surgery, and the
factory-style panel gaps and alignment bear this out. Sometimes
dark, sometimes light, the paint depends on how the light is
hitting it, but nobody can argue that it isn't handsome. The chrome
may be original and the stainless rocker moldings and window
surrounds are still bright and shiny. The Cougar offered unique
lighting, with folding headlights up front and sequential turn
signals out back, and they all work properly, giving this cat a
very distinctive look.
Interior design in the Cougar was clearly inspired by aircraft, and
it has a very cool '60s vibe that makes you think of Steve McQueen
and Sean Connery movies when you're at the wheel. The red front
buckets have been recovered, and the vinyl is a close match to the
original, but perhaps a little brighter and the back seat is a
perfect match. The dashboard features round gauges with delicate
markings and needles, and they're augmented with a set of
white-faced dials underneath. Even the shifter for the automatic
transmission, sans console, looks like the throttle lever of a jet.
Too cool. A modern AM/FM/CD stereo with remote has been fitted in
the original location, and there was no cutting, so it looks like
it belongs and can be returned to original without worries. The
surprisingly roomy trunk features a correct mat and spare tire with
cover.
Lift the Cougar's unique hood and you'll find a correct (and very
rare!) X-code 390 cubic inch V8. The 390 makes effortless power and
torque, building speed without being too high-strung, which is the
right choice in the Cougar. Finished in bright Ford Blue, it is the
centerpiece of a nicely maintained engine bay, although a few
upgrades like a Holley double-pumper carburetor and an Edelbrock
intake help add a few horsepower but stay neatly hidden out of
sight. It starts easily and idles with an easy lope, perfect for
the Cougar's upscale performance mission. The transmission is, of
course, a stout C6 3-speed automatic driving a 9-inch rear that has
been spins a set of 3.00 gears for relaxed highway cruising. The
floors are original but it's clean throughout with no glaring
issues or signs of trouble, just not shiny and perfect. The new
exhaust system sounds healthy, but subdued, as it should, and there
appear to be recent shocks all around. Traditional 14-inch Cragar
mags wear staggered BFG radials that really fill the wheel wells
and give it a bit of a rake.
This is a very handsome car that drives exceptionally well. The
ride is smooth and tight, and performance with the robust V8 is
impressive, and the overall impression is that this car has always
been well maintained and appreciated. All the performance of the
Mustang, but in a more mature, luxury-oriented package, all for
less money than a comparable Ford sure sounds good, doesn't it?
Call today!