1969 Mercury Cougar

Description

This 1969 Mercury Cougar convertible is a great example of the Mustang's less famous cousin. With a sweet-running M-Code 351 under the hood, luxury features like A/C, an automatic transmission, and a more spacious interior, it's more like what the Mustang wanted to be when it grew up. Nicely finished and ready to drive and enjoy today, it's a great alternative to the much more common Ford pony car, and you don't have to give up any performance to enjoy it.

Dressed in black with a white convertible top, this upscale cat has been nicely refinished very recently. With the same long hood/short deck styling as the Mustang, it's instantly recognizable, but much more unusual-when was the last time you saw one? A clean design with a minimum of ornamentation, there are neat details like the peaked fenders, the slight kick-up behind the doors, and, of course, the famous hidden headlights. Paint and bodywork are very nicely done, and you know that with a black car there's no place for shoddy workmanship to hide, so they went the extra mile to get it right. The hidden headlights are fully functional, and they match the taillights, which use the same cool sequencers that the Shelby Mustangs borrowed from the Thunderbird. Chrome like the bumpers and emblems is in good condition, and all the stainless shows well. The overall look is smooth, sleek, and highly refined, exactly the image Mercury was trying to cultivate in 1969.

The black bucket seat interior is a fabulous place to spend some time. Clearly related to the Mustang, it's actually much more spacious, and the materials used throughout are of a notably higher quality. The seats are still vinyl, but they're wider and softer than Mustang seats, and in this car, they're nicely restored with correct covers and headrests. The dash sports a funky '60s-chic woodgrain pattern that matches the steering wheel rim and center console, and the A/C system was finally integrated into the dash rather than tacked on under the dash. The center console houses a T-handle shifter for the 3-speed automatic, while an AM/FM/CD stereo has replaced the original radio and powers a set of door-mounted speakers. The white convertible top fits beautifully and offers a crystal clear rear window and hides under a matching white boot for a welcome bit of contrast. There's also a spacious trunk with a reproduction mat, so it's ready to join you on your next road trip.

The engine is a freshly rebuilt 351 cubic inch V8 with a bunch of new performance parts. An aluminum intake manifold, 4-barrel carburetor, and an open-element air cleaner surely add a few horsepower. The brand new A/C compressor is front and center, but you'll also find power steering and power brakes included on the Cougar's roster of features. Stock cast iron exhaust manifolds control noise and heat, dumping into a great-sounding Flowmaster dual exhaust system. All the mechanical pieces are clean and well-maintained, and it's obvious that someone has cared for this car all its life, although the chassis is not detailed for show. Handsome Magnum 500 wheels give it a sporty demeanor and wear brand new 215/65/15 front and 235/60/15 rear BFGoodrich T/A radials that make this one great-looking cat.

If you're a fan of the unusual, and like your performance with a bit of luxury, this Cougar is the hot ticket. Bigger, more luxurious, and less ordinary than a Mustang? Don't wait, call now!