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Most folks just think of the Cougar as Mercury's version of the Mustang, but the truth is that they're very different cars with very different missions. While it packed all the same performance hardware as the Mustang, the Cougar was actually a very upscale, luxurious car that was both larger and better appointed than the Mustang. With a unique body and interior, the Cougar is instantly recognizable, and nice ones, like this 1968 coupe, are an absolute pleasure to own and drive. Originally painted code M Polar White, this big cat was treated to a bare-metal respray about eight years ago, and the modern urethane finish is more in tune with the car's luxury/performance mission. Thanks to quality work, the paint remains in very good condition, and all appearances suggest that this car was never rusty or a basket case. Instead, it appears to be a nicely maintained car that has never needed major surgery, and the factory-style panel gaps and alignment bear this out. It's more or less the same as Ford's familiar Wimbledon White, but nobody can argue that it isn't handsome on Mercury's awesome performance coupe. The chrome is similarly nice and may be original, and the stainless rocker moldings and window surrounds are still bright and shiny. The Cougar offered unique lighting, with folding headlights up front and sequential turn signals out back, and they all work properly. Interior design in the Cougar was clearly inspired by aircraft, and it has a very cool '60s vibe that makes you think of Steve McQueen and Sean Connery movies when you're at the wheel. This is also a place where you could take this Cougar up a few notches. The front buckets are original, as are the door panels, and they're showing their age. Fortunately, replacements are inexpensive and will pay big dividends if you upgrade. The vast dashboard features round gauges with delicate markings and needles, reminiscent of the Smiths gauges found in British sports cars and the Shelby Cobra. Especially cool are the switches for interior lighting and the very aircraft-like levers for the A/C and ventilation controls to the driver's left. Even the shifter for the automatic transmission, sans console, looks like the throttle lever of a jet. Too cool. A modern AM/FM stereo has been fitted in the original location, and there was no cutting, so it looks like it belongs and can be returned to original without worries. The surprisingly roomy trunk features a new mat and spare tire cover. Lift the Cougar's hood and you'll find an F-code 302 cubic inch V8 that was rebuilt 10,000 miles ago. The 302 was new in '68, and made comparable horsepower and more torque than the 289, which was the right choice in the Cougar. Finished in Ford corporate blue, it is the centerpiece of a nicely maintained engine bay. The air cleaner looks like it did in 1968 thanks to reproduction decals and a modern A/C compressor uses R134a refrigerant for easy maintenance. The transmission is a C4 3-speed automatic driving a sturdy 9-inch rear that spins a set of 3.00 gears for relaxed highway cruising. The floors are clean throughout with no glaring issues or signs of trouble. The single exhaust system sounds healthy, but subdued, as it should, and the gas tank appears to be a recently installed item. Beautiful Magnum 500 wheels wear perfectly sized 225/70/15 BFG radials that really fill the wheel wells. This car includes a build sheet, owner's manual, title documentation, receipts, and other information so you can buy with confidence. All the performance of the Mustang, but in a more mature, luxury-oriented package, and for less money than a comparable Ford. Sounds good, doesn't it? Call today!
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