Very Sharp Cougar! Strong 351W V8, Auto, Cold A/C, PS/B w/ Frt Disc, XR7 Options

Where else can you get this much luxury, vintage muscle for so little cash? This real-deal code 93 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 offers a powerful 351 Windsor V8, luxurious interior, and a unique look that will make it stand out among the Mustangs, all for thousands less. Where's the downside? The Mercury Cougar was the Mustang's big cousin, and it carries itself well today, five decades later. The proportions are unmistakable, but this Medium Gold Metallic hardtop... shows off bodywork that would make any Mustang owner jealous. Repainted in 2015 back to its original shade, the work was done to a high, driver-quality standard that still looks really darn good today. While the overall look might be familiar, there's not a single interchangeable body panel between Mustang and Cougar, so the big cat has a look all its own. The slick paint has a fantastic soft shine and shows off the upscale details like the gently flared fenders and the subtle arching crease that swoops up and down in the middle of the car's profile, all of which has been beautifully preserved over the course of the last five decades. The Cougar's hidden headlights and matching "electric shaver" grille are more Lincoln than pony car (yes, the headlights work properly!), and the new chrome bumpers are extremely nice up against the gold paint, while the XR-7 spec exterior brightwork is likely original but still looks good. And yes, the cool sequential taillights are fully functional, too, and the XR7 badging is right where it's supposed to be, which means you won't be sneaking up on anyone in this cat. The Cougar's slightly larger footprint shows itself most inside, where the interior feels spacious and upscale. Twin Light Nugget Gold (yes, that's the name, I checked) buckets might look familiar, but look how much stretch-out room there is between them, and the back seat is totally usable by real adults. Beautiful matching door panels are XR7-spec and are more high-end than what's in a Mustang, and darker gold carpets add a nice contrast. Instrumentation is nicely done, with simple gauges that almost look like Smith's instruments on high-end British cars, all surrounded by woodgrain trim that continues on the dash and middle console, further cementing its upscale XR7 vibe. This particular Mercury also offers a 3-speed "Merc-O-Matic" automatic transmission (AKA a C4 3-speed), a remote driver's side mirror control, a modern retro-sound AM/FM/AUX radio, factory A/C, and ultra-rare power windows and locks, all of which are more in line with the Cougar XR7s easy-going, luxurious lifestyle. There's even more room in the trunk, and it's finished with a new mat and no surprises underneath. The Cougar always packed strong muscle, so there's a period-correct 351 cubic inch Windsor V8 under the hood, just like it was optioned from the factory. It's not quite detailed for show, but at the same time, for an stock vintage car, it looks fantastic and we wouldn't change a thing. You'll note the chrome air cleaner is finned just like the matching valve covers, and the inner fenders and firewall have been finished with satin paint and match the quality of the rest of the car. The A/C is blowing cold, and power steering and power front disc brakes are the options you want in a car that's itching to be driven. Underneath you'll find the aforementioned 3-speed automatic transmission and a 9-inch rear with easy-cruising 3.00 gears, so this cat just whispers down the highway. Easy living shows up in solid floors that show only a light dusting of what is likely factory undercoating, so it's not hiding anything, and a throaty Flowmaster dual exhaust system gives the big cat a nice V8 rumble without getting out of character. Shiny American Racing Torque Thrust chrome wheel are an upscale finish to this sporty Merc, and they wear thick 225/45/17 front and 245/45/17 rear perfromance radials. A little off the beaten path, but this Cougar XR7 is every bit as delightful as an early Mustang to own and drive, all for a lot less money. Call today!