Mercury Cougar 390 V8 1968
General description :
If you're a fan of '60s muscle, it seems like everywhere you turn you see MoPar this or GM that. It's almost as if a large segment of the hobby has simply forgotten about all the hot cars Ford produced during Detroit's golden era. Or, maybe it's just selective memory. And maybe GM and MoPar guys are too ashamed to admit that cars like this sweet Mercury Cougar, a correct, rotisserie restored cruiser, are much cooler and much more exclusive than their beloved classics. At any rate, the proof is on the pavement. And if you buy this fully sorted piece of Americana, you'll be able to school 'the other guys' on the road AND at the show. Are you a diehard Ford fan who's looking for some rock-solid muscle that's stylish, powerful and roomy enough to take your other-minded friends on enlightening journeys? Then this slick Merc is just the car you need!
RETRO-CHIC
Originally constructed for the Canadian market, this slick Cougar has been subjected to a detailed rotisserie restoration that ensured a correct and tidy appearance. A big part of the car's fantastic appeal includes glossy Glacier Blue 2-stage. And today, the coupe rolls as a top-notch classic that turns the best attributes of Motor City history in to glorious road trips and years of weekend adventures! 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 stainless-trimmed glass that's caged behind satin wipers, a standard mirror and bright vinyl roofing. At the sides of that glass, fashionable marker lamps cage stylish rocker trim, traditional door handles and Canadian-spec displacement emblems. And at the back of those lamps, fast 'Cougar' branding leads sequential taillights, which float between a trick trunk lock, small reverse lamps, a second cursive 'Mercury' script and a second squared bumper.
6.5 LITRES
Befitting the Cougar's origins as Dearborn's luxury pony car, this classy coupe draws motivation from 390 cubic inches of Ford FE V8. At the top of that Ford Blue block, a polished and decaled air cleaner feeds a big Holley carburetor, which is wedded to a cast iron intake, clean stainless fluid lines and a stylish K&N filter. At the front of that plane, a traditional points distributor sequences spark through pliable Pertronix plug wires. At the sides of that distributor, polished 'Power By Ford' valve covers seat a polished breather over correct, cast exhaust manifolds. Cooling is provided by a shrouded radiator, which cycles water through pliable Autolite hoses and old school squeeze clamps. And, aesthetically, the car's satin engine bay looks good enough to show off to anyone!
RESTORED TO CRUISE
Behind the car's reliable powerplant, a cooled C6 3-speed drives a rebuilt Ford axle. That versatile drivetrain rides a factory suspension that's been augmented with dual sway bars and KYB Gas-a-Just shocks. At the front of that chassis, factory power steering makes for easy turns. Competent stops are provided by retrofitted power discs. Between those binders, aluminized exhaust shuttles spent gases through an H-shaped crossover and throaty Dynomax mufflers. Power meets the pavement through attractive Styled Steel Wheels, which spin 205/70R14 Michelin X Radials around snazzy Mercury profiles. And the whole kit is framed in clean Glacier Blue floors.
MOSTLY ORIGINAL
Open the doors and you'll find a Deluxe vinyl interior that, apart from fresh carpet, is 100% original to the car. At the center of that cockpit, factory bench and bucket seats are restrained by optional shoulder belts. In front of those seats, a modernist dash hangs roulette-style telemetry above a modern Custom Autosound head unit. Below that dash, a long console surfs a polished shifter behind hidden Auto Meter accessory gauges. The driver turns a faux wood steering wheel around a Tilt-Away column. And the passengers stow essentials in a fully restored trunk that features a correct jack and full-size spare tire.
VEHICLE SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
* A vintage Owner's Manual * Vintage factory literature * Deluxe Marti Report * Pictures of all the car's pertinent drivetrain numbers * A large display board * A vintage FoMoCo 8-track player
When it comes to maximizing the amount of metal your money buys, you simply can't go wrong with a timeless pony car. Thanks to its thorough restoration, this awesome Merc is a great driving piece that's fun, historic and reliable. If you're looking for a stylish classic that commands respect on both the boulevard and the show field, this super cool Cougar is just your style!
----------
HIGHLIGHTS
* The beneficiary of a detailed rotisserie restoration * Correct 390 cubic inch Ford FE V8 * Correct C6 3-speed automatic transmission * Power steering * 4-wheel power disc brakes * Mostly-original Deluxe vinyl interior * Correct Glacier Blue paint * 14-inch Styled Steel Wheels * Deluxe Marti Auto Works Report
https://www.rkmotors.com/vehicles/3136/1968-mercury-cougar
1968 Mercury Cougar 390 V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Charlotte by Donald Berard for $49900.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercury Model : Cougar Model Version : 390 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
109000 $
Houston
Mercury Cougar
89000 $
Houston
Mercury Cougar
79900 $
Plymouth
Mercury Cougar
20500 $
Indianapolis
Mercury Cougar
32900 $
Port Charlotte
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.