An immediate success when it was unveiled in 1967, the new Mercury Cougar was so popular upon release that it was even named Motor Trend's car of the year. The following model year saw relatively minor changes to the model but 1969 saw a number of styling changes as well as the addition of a convertible model, available for both the standard model and the upscale XR-7 package. This 1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 convertible was built October 4th, 1968 at Ford's Dearborn, Michigan plant and was originally from the Dallas, Texas area according to its door tag. Under the hood, the Cougar is powered by an H-code 351ci Windsor V8 engine mated to an FMX 3-speed automatic transmission and features power steering, power brakes with front discs, and factory air conditioning. Fully detailed following its restoration, the engine bay of the Cougar looks spectacular and is absolutely immaculate, while the exterior has been repainted in its original Dark Ivy green with gold accent stripes and features a tan pinpoint vinyl convertible top with glass rear window, front and rear spoilers, and an Eliminator hood scoop with hood stripes. Inside the interior, the Saddle upholstery shows well, while the rest, such as the door panels and dash area appear largely original and features power windows, the first year that option was available, along with a power top, AM radio with 8-track player, as well as a speedometer with trip meter, tachometer, and gauges for fuel, oil pressure, water temperature, and amperage. The convertible rides on a set of B.F. Goodrich Radial T/A tires mounted on a set of 15-inch Magnum 500 wheels with Cougar center caps, and add just the right muscle car look to this Cougar XR-7. This 1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 is an extremely well preserved example of a rare model, with only 4,024 XR-7 convertibles built in 1969 out of a total production of 102,319, representing less than 4-percent of total Cougar production that year. As one of the most desirable examples of the first-generation Mercury Cougars produced from 1967 to 1970 this convertible XR-7 is made even more unique with the added options such as power windows and A/C, a rather unusual option for a convertible, all of which make it a truly special car. Yet, despite its relative rarity, it's not so rare as to keep its future owner from putting the top down to enjoy a sunny summer drive whenever they please.
