Mercury Cougar 302 V8 1968
General description :
There's no question that survivor metal is commanding more and more respect. Nearly every major car club has a survivor category, and the prices of credible survivors continue to climb. That's an understandable trend, considering anyone can restore a car but the factory only bolts it together once. This 2,171-mile Merc is a mostly-original survivor in the best of ways! Not only is it a numbers-matching example of one of the coolest pony cars to ever leave Detroit, it's also an ultra-clean, virtually untouched classic that's loaded with a roster of desirable features. Looking for some unique muscle to bolster your collection? Here's your documented ticket to a glorious, octane-fueled past!
GRACEFULLY AGED
Slotted between the raucous Ford Mustang and refined Ford Thunderbird, the first-generation of Mercury's Cougar provided buyers an urbane ownership experience thanks to heavy European influence. Over the last 50 years, this Cougar's solid and stately body has been carefully protected from Mother Nature's worst temper tantrums. That body's paint is far better than you'd expect from five decades-exposed pigment, reflecting a silky Grecian Gold sheen that's spiced with a lot of character. Black pinstriping and a tight vinyl roof highlight original brightwork. And today, this Merc rolls as an impressive piece of storied Dearborn history that's guaranteed to win fans and start conversations!
Focused more on luxury than performance, the Cougar was at the forefront of the Personal Luxury Coupe movement that defined a large part of the 1970s. Much of the car's upscale feel can be attributed to tasteful accoutrements that impress both outside and in. At the leading edge of this old school pony, a prominent Mercury badge splits an ornate, 'Cougar' branded grille, which hides bright headlights behind a squared bumper and bullet-style parking lamps. At the top of that grille, a cursive 'Mercury' script leads the eye to crisp glass that's caged behind, satin wipers, bright drip rails and a full suite of dent-free stainless. At the sides of that glass, fashionable marker lamps corral a standard mirror, stylish rocker trim and traditional door handles. And at the back of those lamps, fast 'Cougar' branding leads chrome-trimmed taillights, which float between a trick trunk lock, small reverse lamps, a second cursive 'Mercury' script and a second squared bumper.
POWER BY FORD
Under the car's sculpted hood, solid power comes courtesy of a reliable, 302 cubic inch Ford V8. Tracing its roots directly to Le Mans competition, the Windsor proved a trusted ally on the highway, drag strip and road course. That bodes well for the buyer of this exclusive Cougar, since all the engine's original components can be easily replaced or repaired if needed. 'Original' is the key word there, as everything, aside from the car's fresh battery, appears just as the factory left it. Like all correct, first-generation Cougars, this Ford's tidy engine bay sports a clean coat of Satin Black paint. And with just over 2K miles on the clock, the spry mill would, with a bit of exercise and maintenance, be a great candidate for decades of casual cruising!
TIME CAPSULE AUTHENTICITY
We'd like to take a moment to expound that title a bit more. Time Capsule Authenticity is exactly what you might imagine, in that this Mercury simply hasn't been altered much throughout its entire 50-year existence. This Cougar's proven V8 leads an original C4 3-speed. Naturally, that smooth drivetrain feeds a requisite 8-inch axle, which is finished with an open differential and mild, 3.00 gears. That rear end rolls on a factory-spec suspension that's fitted with factory power steering. Exhaust travels through factory pipes and a vintage FoMoCo muffler. And factory drum brakes provide quick and reliable stops to counter capped steel wheels and a round of mostly-original tires.
GOLD STATUS
Grab a seat in this awesome classic and you'll find a correct Nugget interior that's detailed with tasteful vinyl accents and bright stainless trim. The first thing you'll notice is the car's plush bucket seats, which feature comfortable pleats on top of straight frames and firm foam. The second thing you'll notice is fade-free carpet, which neatly frames metal-trimmed foot pedals. And the third thing you'll notice is a correct console that's centered on a polished T-handle shifter. At the sides of the car, Cougar-branded door panels hang cool chrome handles in front of crack-free armrests. At the front of the car, a stylish, 2-tone dash highlights fantastic roulette wheel instrumentation. In front of the driver, a wood-trimmed steering wheel mixes good form with great function. And at the back of the car, a roomy trunk sandwiches a full-size spare tire between a vintage decal and correct mat.
VEHICLE SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
* An original Owner Card * An original Owner's Manual (with the original owner's information inside) * An original Warranty Booklet and the car's original factory accessory literature * The car's Marti Report * Reassignment documentation from 1988 and 2013 (both state the car's actual miles) * A Vehicle Registration from 2014
While this Ford might not be the rarest pony car ever produced, time has greatly increased its exclusivity. This has to be one of the lowest-mileage first-generation Cougars in existence. Don't miss your chance to own some super cool, highly-original muscle!
----------
SUMMARY
* Highly original Cougar survivor that's logged only 2,171 miles * Original 302 cubic inch Windsor V8 * Original C4 3-speed automatic transmission * Original Grecian Gold paint * Original Nugget vinyl interior * Sale includes: An original Owner Card / An original Owner's Manual (with original owner's information) * Sale includes: Reassignment documentation from 1988 and 2013 (both state the car's actual miles) * Factory 8-inch rear axle / Open differential / 3.00 gears * Factory power steering * 14-inch steel wheels
https://www.rkmotors.com/vehicles/2977/1968-mercury-cougar
1968 Mercury Cougar 302 V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Charlotte by Donald Berard for $39900.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercury Model : Cougar Model Version : 302 V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1968 Location : Charlotte
Sold
Seller Information
Sold
People who viewed this Mercury Cougar also viewed similar Mercury listed at ClassicDigest
Mercury Cougar
89000 $
Houston
Mercury Cougar
79900 $
Plymouth
Mercury Cougar
20500 $
Indianapolis
Mercury Cougar
32900 $
Port Charlotte
Mercury Cougar
59900 $
Ohio
Other cars listed for sale by this dealer
Chevrolet Chevelle
177900$
Charlotte
Chevrolet Corvette
147900$
Charlotte
Ford Fairlane
169900$
Charlotte
Chevrolet Chevelle
99900$
Charlotte
Dodge Challenger
Charlotte
About Mercury
Mercury, the automotive brand, has a rich history that extends beyond its role in the customization and hot-rodding scene, particularly with the iconic Mercury Eight. Here are some key points to know about Mercury:Formation and Early Years:
Mercury was introduced by the Ford Motor Company in 1938 as a mid-priced brand, positioned between the affordable Ford models and the luxury Lincoln lineup. The brand aimed to fill the gap between these two segments.
Mercury Eight:
The Mercury Eight, launched in 1939, is perhaps the most famous model in the brand's history. It featured a sleek design and a powerful V8 engine. This model became popular for customization and hot-rodding, earning it a significant place in American automotive culture.
Customization Culture:
The Mercury Eight, with its distinctive styling and relatively affordable price, became a favorite among custom car builders. It played a pivotal role in the development of the custom car and hot rod culture, particularly in the post-World War II era.
Lead Sleds and Customization:
The term "lead sled" is often associated with heavily customized cars from the 1940s and 1950s. These cars, including the Mercury Eight, were often modified with lowered suspensions, chopped roofs, and other stylistic changes. Lead sleds were a prominent part of the custom car scene, and the Mercury Eight was a popular choice for such modifications.
Post-War Prosperity:
In the post-World War II period, Mercury, like many other American automakers, experienced a surge in popularity as the economy boomed. The brand contributed to the era's fascination with stylish and powerful automobiles.
Evolution of Models:
Over the years, Mercury continued to produce various models, contributing to Ford's lineup. Some notable models include the Mercury Monterey, Mercury Comet, and Mercury Cougar.
Decline and Discontinuation:
Despite periods of success, Mercury faced challenges in establishing a unique identity separate from Ford. As consumer preferences shifted, the brand struggled, and Ford eventually announced the discontinuation of Mercury in 2010.
Legacy in Popular Culture:
Mercury, especially models like the Mercury Eight, holds a significant place in American popular culture. Its association with the customization and hot-rodding scene, as well as its distinctive designs, has left a lasting impact.
In summary, while the Mercury Eight is celebrated for its role in the customization and hot-rodding subculture, Mercury as a brand played a broader role in automotive history, contributing to mid-priced segments and reflecting the automotive trends of its time.