1967 Mercury Cougar

Mercury introduced the Cougar in late 1966 as a more mature and upscale interpretation of the popular pony car with a slight European flair. The popularity and enthusiasm for the Cougar were immediate, attracting young, upwardly mobile customers interested in style, performance, and individuality.

The Mercury Cougar coupe was the company's first 'pony car' and was based on parent company Ford's Mustang. It was voted Motor Trend magazine's 'Car of the Year' for 1967 and would become one of the most iconic models on the road. In its '1st Generation' guise, the Cougar was available in one body style and two forms: the base model and XR-7. The XR-7 added an upgraded interior with a wood-grain dashboard. Two V8 engine options were offered including a 289 CID (4.7-liter) offering 200 horsepower or a 390 CID (6.4-liter) with 335 horsepower, the latter forming part of the optional 'GT' performance package.

Although based on the Mustang, its length was slightly longer and it wore a uniquely styled body with a full-width divided grille with concealed headlamps and a distinctive row of vertical bars that were nicknamed 'electric shavers.' A similar treatment could be found in the back, and the 1967 and 1968 Cougars are the only ones with these particular styling features.

The base Cougar hardtop coupe had a base price of $2,850 (just $350 higher than the Mustang) and 123,672 examples were sold. The XR-7 was priced at $3,080 and accounted for 27,221 sales.

Mercury Cougars were offered with a Plethora of performance and luxury options that included a heavy-duty battery, sports console, deluxe wheel covers, wire wheel covers, and styled steel wheels. A three-speed manual was standard on the base Cougar and a four-speed manual was standard on the XR-7. Additional transmission options included a Merc-O-Matic SelectShit automatic. A courtesy light group, tinted glass, oxford roof, two-tone paint, power brakes, tilting steering wheel, Comfort-weave vinyl interior, AM/FM radio, AM radio with Stereo-sonic tape system, and AM radio were also available for an additional cost.

The GT performance package added a 390 cubic-inch V8 with 335 horsepower, power disc brakes, performance handling package, low back pressure exhaust, and wide-oval whitewall tires.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2020