WELL-PRESERVED SURVIVOR XR7, 28K MILE, 302 V8 J-CODE, C4, PWR FRNT DISC, PS, AC

Where else can you get this much luxury muscle for so little cash? This low-mileage survivor 1968 Mercury Cougar XR7 offers a numbers-matching V8, luxurious interior, and a unique look that will make it stand out among the Mustangs, all for thousands less. Where's the downside?The Mercury Cougar was the Mustang's big cousin, and it carries itself well today, more than four decades later. The proportions are unmistakable, but this Grecian Gold hardtop shows off bodywork that would make any Mustang owner jealous. We have every reason to believe that the 28,787 miles it shows are authentic, and the condition of the original paint bears it out. While the overall look might be familiar, there's not a single interchangeable body panel between Mustang and Cougar, so the big cat has a look all its own. The original paint has a fantastic soft shine and shows off the upscale details like the gently flared fenders and the subtle crease that runs along the tops of the fenders and doors, all of which has been beautifully preserved over the course of the last five decades. The Cougar's hidden headlights and matching grille are more Lincoln than pony car (yes, the headlights work properly!), and the chrome bumpers are extremely nice despite their age. And yes, the cool sequential taillights are fully functional, too. Even the vinyl top appears to be original, and that's where this car's preservation really shows, because it isn't faded, dried out, or even scuffed. Nice!The Cougar's slightly larger footprint shows itself most inside, where the interior feels spacious and upscale. Twin Light Nugget Gold (yes, that's the name, I checked) buckets might look familiar, but look how much stretch-out room there is between them, and the back seat is totally usable by real adults. Beautiful matching door panels have Cougar insignias and more bright trim than the Mustang, and darker gold carpets add contrast. Instrumentation is nicely done, with simple gauges that almost look like Smith's instruments on high-end British cars, further cementing it's upscale vibe. This particular Mercury also offers a 3-speed "Merc-O-Matic" automatic transmission (AKA a C4 3-speed), tilt-away steering wheel, an AM/FM radio, and ice cold A/C, all of which are more in line with the Cougar's easy-going lifestyle. There's even more room in the trunk, and it's finished with a new mat and spare tire cover, with no surprises underneath.The Cougar always packed muscle, so there's a J-code 302 cubic inch V8 under the hood. It's not quite detailed for show, but at the same time, for an original car, it looks fantastic and I wouldn't change a thing. You'll note the chrome air cleaner wears its original decal and the inner fenders and firewall are as spotless as the rest of the car. The A/C has been converted to R134a refrigerant, but that appears to be the lone modification. Underneath you'll find the aforementioned C4 3-speed automatic transmission and a 9-inch rear with easy-cruising 3.00 gears, so this cat just whispers down the highway. Easy living shows up in solid floors that show only a light dusting of undercoating, so it's not hiding anything, and a mild dual exhaust system gives the big cat a nice V8 rumble without getting out of character. Factory spoke hubcaps are an upscale finish to this sporty Merc, and they wear recent 215/70/14 BFGoodrich T/A radials.A little off the beaten path, but this Cougar is every bit as delightful as an early Mustang to own and drive, all for a lot less money. Call today!