1969 Cougar Convertible 351 Engine Automatic Power Top 0 Rust Ca Car Immaculante on 2040-cars
Reseda, California, United States
Body Type:Convertible
Engine:351
Vehicle Title:Clear
Fuel Type:Gasoline
For Sale By:Private Seller
Number of Cylinders: 8
Make: Mercury
Model: Cougar
Trim: CONVERTIBLE
Warranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
Drive Type: REAR WHEEL DRIVE
Options: CD Player
Mileage: 9,999
Sub Model: ELIMINATOR CLONE
Exterior Color: Red
Disability Equipped: No
Interior Color: White
THIS IS SOME HISTORY ABOUT THESE CARS Mercury Cougar is the name applied to a diverse series of automobiles sold by the Mercury division of Ford Motor Company from 1967 to 2002.
As was common with Mercury vehicles, the Cougar shared basic platforms with Ford models. Originally, this was the Mustang, later the Thunderbird, and the last a version of the Contour/Mondeo.
The Cougar was important to Mercury's image for many years, and advertising often identified its dealers as being "at the sign of the cat."[1] Female models holding big cats on leashes were used on Cougar ads in the early 1970s.[2]
The car was assembled at the Dearborn Assembly Plant (DAP) (one of six plants within the Ford Rouge Center) in Dearborn, Michigan from 1967 to 1973, at the San Jose Assembly Plant in Milpitas, California from 1968 into early 1969 and at the Lorain Assembly Plant (LAP) in Lorain, Ohio from 1974 to 1997.
Contents
[hide]First generation (19671970)
1967 Mercury Cougar | |
Model years | 19671970 (196970 are the second body shape) |
---|---|
Assembly | United States: Dearborn, Michigan |
Body style | 2-door hardtop coupe 2-door convertible |
Layout | FR layout |
Engine | 289 cu in (4.7 L) Windsor V8 390 cu in (6.4 L) FE V8 302 cu in (4.9 L) Windsor V8 351 cu in (5.8 L) Windsor V8 428 cu in (7.0 L) FE V8 427 cu in (7.0 L) FE V8 |
Wheelbase | 111 in (2819 mm) |
Related | Ford Mustang |
The introduction of the Cougar finally gave Mercury its own pony car. Slotted between the Ford Mustang and the Ford Thunderbird, the Cougar would be the performance icon and eventually the icon for the Mercury name for several decades. The Cougar was available in two models (base and XR-7) and only came in one body style (a two-door hardtop). Engine choices ranged from the 200 hp (149 kW) 289 in3 two-barrel V8 to the 335 hp (250 kW) 390 in3 four-barrel V8. A notable performance package called the GT was available on both the base and XR-7 Cougars. This included the 390 in3 V8, as well as a performance handling package and other performance enhancements.
The 1967 Cougar, with the internal code T-7, went on sale September 30, 1966.[3] It was based on the 1967 refaced first-generation Mustang,[4] but with a 3-inch-longer (76 mm) wheelbase and new sheet metal. A full-width divided grille with hidden headlamps and vertical bars defined the front fasciait was sometimes called the electric shaver grille. At the rear, a similar treatment saw the license plate surrounded on both sides with vertically slatted grillework concealing taillights (with sequential turn signals), a styling touch taken from the Thunderbird. A deliberate effort was made to give the car a more "European" flavor than the Mustang, at least to American buyers' eyes. Aside from the base model and the luxurious XR-7, only one performance package was available for either model: the sporty GT. The XR-7 model brought a simulated wood-grained dashboard with a full set of black-faced competition instruments and toggle switches, an overhead console, a T-type center automatic transmission shifter (if equipped with the optional Merc-O-Matic transmission), and leather/vinyl upholstery. The GT package, meanwhile, supplied a much larger engine, Ford's 390-in3 (6.4 L)FE-series big block to replace the small-block 289-in3 (4.7 L) standard powerplant. Along with this came an upgraded suspension to handle the extra weight of the big engine and give better handling, more powerful brakes, better tires and a low-restriction exhaust system. Introduced with the music of Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass' The Work Song, the Cougar was a sales success from its introduction and helped the Lincoln-Mercury Division's 1967 sales figures substantially. The Cougar was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1967.
The Cougar continued to be a Mustang twin for seven years, and could be optioned as a genuine muscle car. Nevertheless, it gradually tended to shift away from performance and toward luxury, evolving into something new in the market a plush pony car. The signs were becoming clear as early as 1970, when special options styled by fashion designer Pauline Trig`ere appeared, a houndstooth pattern vinyl roof and matching upholstery, available together or separately. A reskinning in 1971 saw the hidden headlights vanish for good, although hidden wipers were adopted. Between 1969 and 1973, Cougar convertibles were offered.
Not much changed for the Cougar in its second year. The addition of federally mandated side marker lights and front outboard shoulder belts were among the minor changes, but the biggest changes were under the hood and in performance for the XR-7 model. A 210 hp (157 kW) 302-in3, two-barrel V8 was the base engine on all XR-7s and early standard Cougars. Three new engines were added to the option list this year: the 230 hp (172 kW) 302-in3, four-barrel V8; the 335 hp (250 kW) 428-in3, four-barrel V8; and the 390 hp (291 kW) 427-in3, four-barrel V8. In addition, the 289-in3 engine was made standard on base cars without the interior decor group midway through the model year. Mercury was serious about the Cougar being the performance icon for the company. The XR7-G, named for Mercury road racer Dan Gurney, came with all sorts of performance add-ons, including a hood scoop, Lucas fog lamps, and hood pins. Engine selection was limited only to the 302, 390, and 428 V8. A total of 619 XR7-Gs were produced, and only 14 Gs were produced with the 428 CJ. The mid-year 7.0-L GT-E package was available on both the standard and XR-7 Cougars and came with the 427 V8. The 428 Cobra Jet Ram Air was available in limited numbers on the GT-E beginning 1 April 1968.[5] Conservatively rated at 335 hp (250 kW), the 428 Cobra Jet could produce much more (306 kW (410 hp)) from the factory. A total of 394 GT-Es were produced, 357 with the 427 and 37 with the 428.[6] The GT-E came with power front disc brakes as standard.[7]
The third year of production, 1969, brought several new additions to the Cougar lineup. A convertible model was now available in either standard and XR-7 trim. These highly anticipated soft tops proved quite popular and today are considered, by many, among the most desirable of the '67-'70 production run. On the exterior, the grille switched from vertical bars to horizontal bars, and a spoiler and a Ram Air induction hood scoop were added as options. A new performance package appeared and several disappeared. The XR-7G and the 7.0-L GT-E disappeared, but the 390 and 428 V8s remained. The 290 hp (216 kW) 351 Windsor V8 was added to the engine lineup. The Eliminator performance package appeared for the first time. A 351-in3 four-barrel V8 was standard under the hood, with the 390 four-barrel V8, the 428CJ and the Boss 302 available as options. The Eliminator was the new top-of-the-line performance model of the Cougar lineup. It also featured a blacked-out grille, special side stripes, front and rear spoilers, an optional Ram Air induction system, and a more performance-tuned suspension and handling package. It also came in a variety of vibrant colors, such as White, Bright Blue Metallic, Competition Orange, and Bright Yellow. Only two Cougars came with the Boss 429 V8, making them the rarest Cougars ever built. Both were factory drag cars built for "Fast Eddie" Schartman and "Dyno" Don Nicholson.
For 1970, the Cougar appearance was similar to the 1969 model, but numerous changes were made inside and out. It now sported a new front end which featured a pronounced center hood extension and electric shaver grille similar to the 1967 and 1968 Cougars. Federally mandated locking steering columns appeared inside, and the aforementioned new nose and taillight bezels updated the look on the outside. The 300 hp (224 kW) 351 "Cleveland" V8 was now available for the first time, though both the Cleveland and Windsor engines were available, if the buyer selected the base model two-barrel motor. The 390 FE engine was now dropped, and the Boss 302 and 428CJ soldiered on.
Total production: 1967: 150,893 1968: 113,720 1969: 100,069 1970: 72,343
Second generation (19711973)
1971 Mercury Cougar | |
Model years | 19711973 |
---|---|
Assembly | United States: Dearborn, Michigan |
Body style | Two-door coupe Two-door convertible |
Layout | FR layout |
Engine | 351 cu in (5.8 L) Windsor V8 351 cu in (5.8 L) Cleveland V8 429 cu in (7.0 L) Super Cobra Jet V8. |
Wheelbase | 112.0 in (2,845 mm) |
Related | Ford Mustang |
For 1971, the Cougar was restyled, weighed less, and had only a one-inch-longer wheelbase than its predecessors (112 vs. 111 - which was similar to GM's intermediate-sized two-door models, such as the Olds Cutlass). The front end now featured four exposed headlights; the disappearing headlights were eliminated. The center grille piece was now larger. The rear featured a semifastback with a "flying buttress" sail-panel. The convertible returned, as did the XR-7 and the GT package. The Eliminator package was dropped, but the Ram Air option remained. The engine lineup was revised for 1971, as well. Now only three engines were offeredthe standard 240 hp (179 kW) 351 Windsor two-barrel V8, the 285 hp (213 kW) 351 Cleveland four-barrel V8, and the 370 hp (276 kW) 429 Cobra Jet four-barrel V8.
By 1972, the climate had begun to change as the muscle car era ended. No longer able to use gross power numbers, the manufacturers had to use net power figures, which dropped the once-mighty figures down substantially. Engines were shuffled around a bit with the 429 engine option no longer available. They were now the standard 163 hp (122 kW) 351 Cleveland two-barrel V8, or the 266 hp (198 kW) 351C four-barrel Cobra Jet V8. Other than that, the Cougar remained a carryover from 1971. Only minor trim details were changed in 1972. The big-block engines were gone for 1972 and 1973. The days of performance-oriented muscle cars were coming to an end.
Aside from minor grille and taillight changes, 1973 would be largely a carryover year for the Cougar, but it would mark the last year of the Mustang-based Cougar, and the end of Cougar convertibles. (A light blue/white Cougar XR-7 convertible was actually the "last" convertible built by Ford Motor Company.) Many changes were scheduled for the 1974 models. Power figures continued to change, as new federal/EPA regulations began their stranglehold on the V8 engines. The new figures continued to fluctuate, but engine options remained unchanged from 1972. The standard engine continued to be the 168 hp (125 kW) 351 Cleveland two-barrel V8. Optional was the 264 hp (197 kW) 351 Cobra Jet V8. The following years changed to the Thunderbird/Torino chassis.
Total Production: 1971: 62,864 1972: 53,702 1973: 60,628
WE HAVE HERE A 1969 MERCURY COUGAR REAL CONVERTIBLE THE OWNER HAD THIS CAR FOR 10 YEARS IN THE 10 YEAR EVENT HE HAD THIS CAR HE HAD THE ENGINE REBUILT NEW BRAKES NEW TRANSMISSION NEW PAINT 2 STAGE PPG PAINT IT WAS COLOR SANDED AND BUFFED OUT THE FLOORS AND RAILS IT STILL WEARS ITS ORIGINAL BLACK AND YELLOW LICENSE PLATES NEW CONVERTIBLE TOP ALL NEW INTERIOR SEATS FOAM VINYL NEW CARPET KIT NEW DOOR PANELS NEW DASH NEW SEALS NEW CONSOLE ITS A REAL SUPER CLEAN CAR IN AND OUT A MUST SEE TO APPRECIATE YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED THE CARS BODY LINES ARE CLEAN NO BONDO WAVES THE SIDES ARE STRAIGHT ALL THE CHROME IS IN GOOD SHAPE ALL THE LIGHTS WORK THE FRONT HEADLIGHT DOOR OPEN AND CLOSE TAIL LIGHTS WORK RAKES LIGHTS INTERIOR LIGHT WORK WHEN YOU OPEN THE DOORS THIS IS A CAR THAT;S READY TO GO ITS IS A TURN KEY IT HAS A VERY NICE DUAL EXHAUST FLOW MASTER SOUNDS VERY GOOD HAS A NEW CONVERTIBLE BOOT ALL 4 WINDOWS WORK NO PROBLEM WHEN YOU DRIVE THIS CAR EVERYBODY GIVES YOU THUMBS UP PLEASE CALL FOR A TEST DRIVE BOB 818-355-2620 WE WELCOME 3RD PARTY INSPECTIONS IF YOU LIKE THE CAR WE HAVE THE TITTLE IN HAND A CLEAR CALIFORNIA TITTLE PLATES ARE CURRANT WE SELL WORLD WIDE CALL ME IF YOU NEED SHIPPING ANY WERE OVER SEAS OR IN THE UNITED STATES THE TIRES ARE IN GOOD SHAPE IF YOU HAVE ANY KIND OF QUESTIONS CALL MY NAME IS BOB (818)355-2620 THANK YOU FOR VIEWING OUR AUCTIONS
Mercury Cougar for Sale
Auto Services in California
Zube`s Import Auto Sales ★★★★★
Yosemite Machine ★★★★★
Woodland Smog ★★★★★
Woodland Motors Chevrolet Buick Cadillac GMC ★★★★★
Willy`s Auto Service ★★★★★
Western Brake & Tire ★★★★★
Auto blog
NHTSA closes probes on Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey
Wed, 09 Jan 2013The Detroit News reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has officially closed its investigations into 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2004-2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey models. The separate probes found no issues that pose safety concerns. NHTSA began investigating certain Grand Cherokee SUVs over complaints that power steering hoses could detach during operation, thereby increasing the risk of a vehicle fire. Of the 24 reports of failure, none alleged smoke or fire in the engine bay, and Chrysler has since modified the power steering cooler assembly to reduce the likelihood of the failure.
Meanwhile, certain Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles garnered a government probe after receiving complaints that the models were equipped with faulty scissor jacks. The agency had received six reports of the jacks failing or causing injuries, including one incident that resulted in a fatality. But NHTSA says the jack failure rate is similar to those found in other vehicles. In those six cases, the government agency found the jacks were being used for something other than changing a tire, and investigators could not determine whether the emergency brake was set or the rear tires were properly chocked.
What do you do with a fake Bugatti Veyron for $60k?
Tue, Mar 29 2016Replica cars are a challenging labor of love because builders spend countless hours recreating a vehicle that people immediately compare to the real thing. Perhaps, the person behind this Mercury Cougar-based Bugatti Veyron should look for another way to pass that time. The coupe is currently for sale on eBay Motors for $59,900. The builder deserves some credit because the fiberglass body looks acceptable in the photos from farther away. The car might even fool a few people from a distance. However, the devil is in the details, and the closer you look, the worse this gets. The side intakes are especially rough. The red interior is atrocious. It's essentially the Cougar's cabin but in an eye-searing shade accented with lots of fake carbon fiber. The seller's eBay Motors ad really tries to market the look, though. "You slide in to [sic] this extremely comfortable leather interior and you feel like your bank account just quadrupled in size," the listing says. Don't expect to win any top speed titles in this Veyron replica, either. Rather than a mid-mounted quad-turbo W16, a 3.0-liter V6 from a Mercury Sable sits at the front. Thanks to an upgraded intake and exhaust, the seller claims, "It doesn't sound like your grandmas [sic] Sable." We wish the seller the best of luck, but the asking price of nearly $60,000 is probably too optimistic. We would still think twice about buying it even after taking a zero off that figure, but at least this thing is fun to look at. Related Video:
Junkyard Gem: 1991 Mercury Capri XR2
Mon, Jun 5 2023Just a year after the Mazda MX-5 Miata first went on sale in the United States, Ford's Mercury Division began selling a similarly-priced two-seat convertible here. This was the 1991-1994 Mercury Capri, and I've found an example of the hot-rod turbocharged version in a northeastern Colorado car graveyard. The Capri name has an illustrious history within the Ford Empire. First used on a Lincoln in 1952, it went on to serve as the name for a hardtop version of the early-1960s Ford Consul in the UK, then as the designation for a low-end trim level on the 1966-1967 Mercury Comet. Starting in the 1969 model year in Europe (1970 in North America), Ford began selling the best-known Capri of all: a sporty coupe based on the Cortina, sold through Mercury dealers in the United States but never badged as a Mercury here. Sales of that Capri halted here after 1978 (they continued through 1986 in Europe), but the Mercury Division then moved the name over to its version of the 1979-1986 Ford Mustang. After that, Ford Australia took the Capri name for a new Mazda 323-based sports car beginning in 1989. Then Dearborn decided that an Americanized version of the Australian Capri would be a success on this side of the Pacific, and left-hand-drive Capris began showing up in American Mercury showrooms in late 1990. Today's Junkyard Gem is one of those first-model-year cars, and it's the very rare turbocharged XR2 version. While this car was intended to be a competitor for the Miata, it's really that car's Mazda cousin. Both cars got their power from 1.6-liter versions of Mazda's versatile B engine, though the Capri had the same front-wheel-drive setup as its 323/Protege (and Escort/Tracer) platform siblings. At the same time, Ford was selling Kia-built Mazdas with Festiva (and, a bit later, Aspire) badging, alongside Mazda MX-6s with Probe badges. Just to make things interesting, American Mazda dealers were selling Ford Explorers as Mazda Navajos, while Rangers with Mazda badges followed starting in 1994. The 1990s were Mazda-riffic times at Ford! This car wasn't the first Australian-designed, Mazda-based Ford product sold in the United States. That honor belongs to the 1988-1989 Mercury Tracer, which was based on the same Mazda 323 platform as the Capri and built in Mexico. Later on, the Tracer remained a member of the 323 chassis family but was a nearly identical twin to its Ford Escort sibling.