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Mercury Cougar 351 cubic inch V8 1970

General description : 57,390 original miles. Two owners from new. Fantastic color combination with beautiful original interior. M-code 351 Cleveland V8, automatic. Nicely optioned, heavily documented. A gorgeous Cougar XR7 that’s a lot more car than a garden-variety Mustang!

We’re seeing quite a bit of interest in anything that’s not a Mustang these days: Falcons, Comets, and particularly the Cougars, which all benefit from the Mustang’s awesome parts support but offer something a little bit out of the ordinary. Think of this 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible as a Mustang for adults with a more grown-up look that’s arguably far more attractive than a comparable 1970 Mustang. Finished in bright red paint (one of only 190 built, by the way) it definitely looks sporting and the longer, leaner Cougar looks athletic where the Mustang can look chunky. With just two owners, including the first owner who kept it for nearly 40 years, it’s led an easy life as a summertime cruiser and the condition of the undercarriage and bodywork bears this out. It almost looks like original paint, but it was repainted perhaps 25 years ago and was recently treated to a professional cut and buff with color correction so it looks amazing. There’s a deep shine, the color is vivid, and like all cars that have never been fully disassembled, it fits together extremely well. Even gaps, doors that close solidly, and crisp body lines highlight the stylish Cougar bodywork and a simple black pinstripe highlights the unique curve of the quarter panels. And since it’s a Cougar, you're probably eager to know whether the headlights work (they do) and whether the sequential taillights are operational (they are). There’s also some nice chrome, including those outrageously expensive-to-restore taillights, and polished stainless along the rockers that makes the car look lean. From any angle, this is a really good looking car.

If you’re wondering about how well-maintained this car really is, look no farther than the black leather interior, which is almost entirely original. That’s right, the seats, door panels, dash pad, and other soft parts date to 1970 and are in such good condition that you could be forgiven for thinking it has been restored. There are newer carpets on the floor, but aside from that, it’s original. Even better, everything works, including all the gauges which include a factory tach. The Marti Report says this car originally came with an AM/8-track radio but during a recent freshening it was fitted with a factory AM/FM stereo unit that works well (the original AM/8-track unit is available if the new owner wants to have it). Other equipment includes a tilt steering column, remote driver’s side mirror, intermittent wipers, and a center console. The back seat looks virtually unused, the seat belts are still flexible and supple, and even the clock keeps time. Overhead there’s a brand new power convertible top with a glass back light that fits better than any folding top we’ve ever seen, and it stows under a matching black boot. The trunk is correctly dressed with a new plaid mat but the original mat is underneath, and that just might be the original spare tire. Nice, right?

Power comes from the desirable M-code 351 “Cleveland” V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor. It’s rated at 300 horsepower and 380 lb-ft. of torque, which is impressive as hell. It makes the Cougar feel downright fast around town and effortless on the highway. The engine bay is highly detailed with correct Ford Blue engine enamel, a factory air cleaner assembly, and even the little stuff is right: hoses and clamps, Autolite battery, and original-style ignition components. It runs superbly, starting easily, idling nicely, and generally pulling the bright red ragtop around with genuine enthusiasm. There’s a wonderful burble from the fresh dual exhaust system and thanks to rebuilt suspension components and fresh shocks, it rides superbly. The 3-speed automatic feels energetic, not lazy, and firmly clicks through the gears without any hesitation. Best of all, there are 3.00 gears out back on a Traction-Lok limited slip, so it’s comfortable on the highway and hooks up well under any conditions. The chassis is as nicely detailed as the engine bay, with red oxide primer on the original floors, lots of new hardware, solid torque boxes, and a fresh gas tank hanging out back. Ride and handling are comfortable yet confident, and it looks awesome sitting on those 14-inch Magnum 500 wheels with fresh 215/70/14 BFGoodrich T/A radials.

Documentation is extensive, including the original window sticker, owner’s manuals, Ownercard and warranty card, and even the original registration lip. There are also some period Cougar brochures and a Deluxe Marti Report.

Look at the details, the specifications, and the history, and this car nails it on every level. Cougars are red hot on the market and if you’re looking for something a little more polished than a Mustang and not as formal as an Oldsmobile or Buick, perhaps this is the better choice. It’s fun to drive and looks awesome. A really impressive car that’s ready to enjoy right away. Call now!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.

1970 Mercury Cougar 351 cubic inch V8 is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in Ohio by Harwood Motors for $59900.

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