Beautiful & Clean! 351W V*, Auto, A/C, PS/B w/ Frt Disc, Marti Report, Runs GR8!

Description

Mercury Cougars occupied a very distinctive place in the automotive marketplace of the late 60's. Seeking to inject some sophistication into the muscle car mix, Lincoln Mercury worked off the existing Mustang platform, but added some decidedly "across the pond" styling cues into the mix - and was met with strong results. This 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible is a rare chance to own a true classic with its wheels planted firmly on U.S. soil, yet tempered with some European refinement.
Despite sharing a number of elements with the Mustang, the distinction between the two models becomes pretty clear at first glance. This first-generation Cougar has a longer profile than its Ford brethren - the result of its longer hood and the addition of 3" between the front and rear wheels. With its very slightly inclined stance, it still sits plenty low enough to the ground to keep an effective center of gravity intact for good handling. Code C Dark Ivy Green Metallic is a killer original-spec paint job, shifting from a shade reminiscent to a sparkling green and then to turquoise blue - depending on the angle from which you're viewing the car - it's very eye catching! Look up front, you'll see just one example of that European influence - hidden, flip-up headlights lurk behind that textured black, razor-blade grille. They were only available for a scant three years, and with the fog lights and aggressive chin spoiler just below, this Cougar looks downright mean. In back, those distinctively broad taillights, their vertical ribbing nearly spanning the width of the car, are yet another distinctive "continental" feature that Merc fans brag about every chance they get, and deservedly so. The fun doesn't stop there, as this XR7 also comes equipped with a contrasting black hood scoop up front, a tall black spoiler in the rear, and a set of gold decals that really pop against the Ivy Green finish. Convertible tops are often the first area to show vulnerability on classics, but this one appears to be in great shape, with no wear marks or tears and even the folding seam in its very clear glass window is untorn.
Inside, you'll find that the Medium Saddle vinyl upholstery is in great shape. Mercury went with tall backs on its bucket seats by this time and this added height, plus the inclusion of headrests, offering much more support and safety than what was found on early models. In back, the bench seat also looks good, as does the quarter trim on either side of it, often another stress area in convertibles, with their snaps to connect a tonneau cover still intact. There are some European touches inside here, as well, including the wood grain paneling on the instrument cluster and steering wheel, a prominent oval clock presiding over the glove box and a set of toggle switch controls over the center console. On either side, the door panels sit nice and flush, with their power window controls prominently displayed, and the options list is rounded-out with R134a A/C, a power convertible top, and a retro-style AM/FM/AUX stereo that looks just right inside the dash. One of Mercury's priorities was to find a sweet spot between the Mustang and Thunderbird and they succeeded on that account, as the Cougar's extra length also provided an obvious increase in rear passenger legroom. It still looks and is powered as you'd want in a muscle car, but it's one that will have no issues bearing four passengers while cruising.
Unlike Mustangs, Cougars of this era all came with V8's, with this one bearing a 351 Windsor in its very clean and detailed engine compartment, topped by a chrome air cleaner and paired with a FMX 3 speed Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission. The powerplant exhales efficiently into original-style exhaust manifolds leading into a throaty dual exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers that sounds great. Featuring power brakes on all four corners - with discs in front and power steering - city conditions and stop and go driving will place no roadblocks to interfere with your motoring enjoyment, and lots of recent maintenance means this droptop is ready for the road today. Finishing off the look, this eye-catching Cougar sits on a set of factory-style Mags wrapped with 225/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A white-letter radials with plenty of grip.
Looking for a unique, classic drop-top with unabashed flash and undeniable appeal? This 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 is the one for you. Call today!