Mercury Cougar XR-7 351 CID V8 1973
General description :
Mileage : 58078
Interior Color : White
Exterior Color : White
VIN : 3F94H570827
Transmission Description : 3 Speed Automatic
Doors : 2
Description : Gateway Classic Cars of Dallas is excited to offer for sale a Rarely seen 1973 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Convertible. After the gigantic success of the Mustang, it wasn't long before Mercury got their own version called the Cougar. Starting with the Mustang's platform, they stretched the wheelbase for more rear-seat room and added plenty of luxury features to make it a more sophisticated alternative to the original pony car. At the same time, the car saw success in Trans-Am with Dan Gurney behind the wheel, proving it to be more than a watered-down muscle car.
However, its original role was short-lived, with its nameplate being placed on everything from big station wagons to small front-wheel-drive coupes over the next 30 years. The 1973 XR7 Convertible was the last gasp for the original Cougar.
At first glance, the giant headlights and grill of the 1971 redesign make the Cougar look big, and the mandatory crash bumpers added in '73 exaggerate this even further. However, the car's wheelbase grew by just an inch, and the body is slightly shorter than a contemporary Mustang, netting a 100- to 200-pound weight advantage over the Ford.
Like its predecessor, Mercury didn't skimp on the luxury. The top-of-the-line XR7 was lined with wood-grain paneling and had a range of options, including power leather seats, electric windows, and a factory-installed air conditioner. Disc brakes and a compliant suspension round out the package, making the car a good daily driver.
The switch from gross to net power figures meant the Cougar was down on power, but, aside from some option changes, maintained the performance of earlier models. The 428 was gone, but buyers still had a choice between a 168 hp 351 Cleveland V8 or a 264 hp 351 Cobra Jet. Under the old system, these engines would have been rated at around 250 and 325 hp respectively.
Less than 4,500 convertibles were built that year, of which 3,166 were XR7's. That makes them rare today, but these comprised the highest single-year sales for drop-tops in Mercury's history. This was due to impending safety regulations that lead buyers into believing this would be the last convertible Mercury would ever build.
A combination of rarity and practicality has made the '73 XR7 Convertible a hit with collectors. It has features that are expected in modern-day cars, yet its lightweight design means it doesn't sacrifice performance over the Mustang.
This 1973 Mercury Cougar is featured with our Dallas showroom and can be seen in detail including 100+ HD photos and an HD video at http://www.GatewayClassicCars .com. For additional information please call our staff at 817-310-9400 or email us at Dallas@GatewayClassicCars .com. If you want to see it for yourself, come by our Dallas Showroom located by the DFW airport.
https://www.gatewayclassiccars.com/vehicle/DFW/1962/1973-Mercury-Cougar
1973 Mercury Cougar XR-7 351 CID V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in DFW Airport by Gateway Classic Cars for $25000.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercury Model : Cougar Model Version : XR-7 351 CID V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1973 Location : Dallas
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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.