1973 Mercury Cougar Convertible

In 1967, the Mercury division of Ford Motor Company introduced a new breed of pony car, called the Cougar. It shared many components with its Ford Mustang sibling, though its wheelbase was stretched three inches. It was a more luxurious sports car, bridging the gap between the Mustang and the Thunderbird. The car featured hidden headlamps, a 289 cubic-inch V8, contoured body panels, a plush interior, and sequential turn signals. There was an upscale XR-7 model that added leather seating, wood-grain dash applique and full instrumentation. The GT model added a 390 cubic-inch V8 and handling-oriented suspension. The Cougar was Mercury's most popular model despite only being offered in one body-style, a 2-Door Hardtop Coupe. During its first year of production, 150,893 examples were sold. In 1969, a two-door convertible was added to the lineup.

For 1971, the Cougar was given a redesign. It was given slab sides and a more formal appearance. Base and XR-7 versions remained part of the lineup.

The 1973 model was a continuation of the 1971 with minor trim changes. Equipment included sequential turn signals, high-back bucket seats, wheel lip moldings, two-spoke color-keyed steering wheel, consolette with ashtray and power front disc brakes. There were less than 4,500 examples of the convertible Cougar produced for 1973, spelling an end to the topless Mercury for the rest of the decade. 1,284 base models and 3,165 XR-7 convertibles were produced in 1973.

The current owners of this Cougar purchased in August of 1988. It has wire wheel covers, power steering and brakes, automatic transmission and AM Radio. Other than a repaint, the car remains original.

In 2010, the car was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $10,000-$15,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $11,000 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2010