1970 Mercury Cougar – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 16.10.2019

Think of the Cougar as an upmarket Mustang alternative

The Mercury Cougar was launched in late September 1966, a few years after the Mustang burst on to the scene and invented the personal Pony Car movement.

"Untamed Elegance" was the Cougar’s tagline: built atop the Mustang’s floorpan and other major components, but had its wheelbase stretched by 77mm and gained softer suspension in keeping with its more up-market positioning.

In 1967, the Cougar wore an MSRP of US$2851, a few hundred more than the Mustang – but gained V8 engines as standard across the range.

The convertible body was launched in 1969, where the base V8 was now the 216kW US-produced 351 Windsor, with the 224kW 351 Cleveland appearing as an option in 1970.

This 1970 Mercury Cougar convertible was imported from the US in 2003, and underwent restoration which was completed in 2008.

The seller states that the car is not Concours standard, but in very good condition.

It’s specified with the 2V 351 Cleveland coupled to a three-speed automatic. The motor is said to be strong, reliable and "idles beautifully and does not run hot".

From the copious amounts of photos in the listing, the car appears to present very well both outside and in, with visible lustre in its red paint, and a clean like-new saddle interior.

The Cougar would make a great summer cruiser and offers something a little different to the casual classic owner, than the all-iconic Mustang.

Cougars are also a smart value-filled alternative to the mainstay Mustang: you won’t find a classic V8 Mustang convertible for this price.

The Cougar is listed for $34,500 without RWC, or $36,000 with Victorian RWC.

The car is based in Victoria, check out the full listing here!

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