1969 Mercury Cougar

Description

Mercury finally got their muscle car in 1967, but didn't get the convertible version until '69. This one runs and drives great. It could be considered a good example of a survivor type of car because it hasn't been restored or modified through the years other than with a couple bolt on upgrades to the engine and receiving a color change paint job.

That color change was to a nice deep red that still looks pretty good with a nice shine to it, but does show some use from enjoying this great car throughout the years. The long, tapered lines of the fenders work particularly well with the convertible version. It looks good when the black roof is up, but when the power operated roof is put down, it presents a striking long and sleek, look which is also enhanced by an accent line that sweeps downward from the nose of the car to just ahead of the rear wheels. Up front, the grill presents a super clean look with horizontal lines that run all the way across the hideaway headlights and a Cougar badge that became the Icon for Mercury for several decades. It is trimmed in chrome along the leading edge of the hood and fenders and underlined by a sharp looking chrome bumper. Out back are those classic Cougar taillights that run all the way across the back underlined be another bright chrome bumper.

Open the door and you will find a Black interior that is most likely the untouched "survivor" interior of the original car. Everything is in good shape but has a patina to it that only comes with age. It has plenty of woodgrain treatment in it giving it a European flair, and the pleated bucket seats have been broken in nicely like a comfortable pair of jeans. The black door panel sets the tone with a wood panel across the top and a Cougar badge in the center. A three spoke steering wheel also has a Cougar center button and it sits in front of a stock dash with the speedometer in the center and engine gauges off on to the sides. The center console has a couple A/C vents at the top with an FM/Cassette deck under them and the ventilation controls below the stereo. The T-handle shifter for the automatic transmission rises out of a wood grained center console and the passenger gets a wooden glove box door.

Open the hood and you will find more survivor character in the 351 Windsor engine that first became available in these '69s. A blue air filter housing sits on top of an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor which flows through a stock intake manifold and heads and out through long tube headers and a dual exhaust system. Power flows back through a three-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels which are mounted on leaf springs along with a set of coil-overs which help get the chassis rake right and also help the car handle better. Up front, a fresh set of hydraulic brakes lines to the power front discs insure good braking performance while a beefy sway bar and power steering contribute to good handling. The rubber meets the road through 205/75R14 Firestone Firehawk tires mounted on polished Magnum 500 style wheels.

The first year for the Cougar Convertible with a healthy 351 Windsor and an automatic transmission. This car is just itching for a road trip! Come on down and see if it wants to go to the same places you do.