AB77 • Mercury Cougar coupe V8 289 this '67

Bridging the gap between Ford and Lincoln, is the vocation of Mercury models. With the Cougar, referring to the cat of the same name, the American company proposed a real super-Mustang. A model iconic design, quality encased ... But again, not really reasonable. But what is the secret to the Mercury Cougar?

Technical sheet

Model	Mercury Cougar coupé
Engine	4.7 V8 twin barrel carburetor 200 horsepower
Dimensions	4.83 x 1.81 x 1.32 meter
Mass	1 414 kg
Marketing	1967 - 1969
average coast	30 000 €
0 to 100 km / h	NC
max	NC km/h
Consumption	15.5 l / 100 km
Date and place	June 9, 2015, Ruaudin

History of a feline . If today, the image of the Cougar is assimilated to a mature woman loving life and its pleasures, it is the animal that Mercury has referred. First, Mercury was purchased by the Ford group to position in mid-range, above the Ford brand that produces popular models (and sports!) And Lincoln, who put on the very high end. The 60s marked the arrival of muscle cars but also pony cars , but slightly less powerful that attract a large audience. Chevrolet created a stir with his Corvette, Camaro and El Camino while Pontiac Firebird displays a quite formidable. The response of the Ford group was founded in 1964 with the Mustang and 1967 with the Cougar, Mercury. A longer model and luxurious than the Mustang and well marked style!

Base or XR-7 . From the beginning of production, the first Cougar snapped! His style please unanimously. At the time, however, it is a bit of an ONIR with its headlights hidden behind gates, its very slim design, its bucket seats and seat belts with retractor. Lincoln is a bit overwhelmed by the pace it needs to follow but quickly takes the opposite of the situation and offers only a few months after the start of production a Dan Gurney Special kit, which comes in the form of a sticker and black gold on the rear quarter panel right window, a chrome kit for the engine, hubcaps, trim specific seats and several mechanical changes. Dan Gurney, it's a very famous pilot in America, a Ayrton Senna before the hour! Two finishes are available on the Cougar: basic one, we have here (and nothing wrong!) And XR-7, which also brings a new tack, scoops on the hood, leather coverings, roof vinyl and specific tags.

In James Bond . Exclusively available in coupe, it clearly feels the inspiration Mustang in the line of the Cougar. The result is equally elegant and even more refined than the standard. The attention to detail goes even further, with equipment revised upwards, a front and a very mature and meticulous back. " But it does not have headlights? " Did we hear the outskirts of the beautiful American. Indeed, they are conveniently located behind the grille, the outer parts make a complete rotation on itself to reveal the lighthouse block. An appendix to the James Bond makes its effect. Car-oriented luxury, Mercury has left nothing to chance. The dash is padded, seat belts have automatic winders (there's even an indicator of recall) and the gear lever is in the floor because yes, this American is then proposed with a single transmission manual three reports.

Dynamic . Inside, the place is not lacking. The broad-based offer excellent comfort while complete equipment allows for quality travel and we imagine willingly wander Route 66 on board. Especially when we know that like any good American car that respects, it has a delicious V8. Just like that fitted to the Mustang in its first phase, it is the 289 cub'inch that is found under the hood. An engine with a displacement of 4.7 liters, not very powerful but still developing 200 horsepower. A power that energizes the default behavior to make a real sports. For it is the GT side bonus with this Mercury Cougar. Other slightly more generous engines will emerge during the restyling appeared in 1969. But then, it is the very first version of the Cougar that we are dealing, the more authentic.

Car of the Year . Two wheel designs were proposed by 14 inches. This is an optional mounts, high-offset and five branches. A model that is strangely reminiscent of some wheels Porsche 911! But the comparison stops quickly when we know that these rims could be painted in six different shades, matched to the body or inside.The possible color combinations, there were more than thirty counting any different shade for the roof. For versions XR-7, it is vinyl, which limits a little choice. But this entry-level version (which makes it hard to say, I must admit) has yet everything to seduce: it is a rich model of a design, level of equipment and a engine that make the Cougar a reference. It is for these reasons she was elected Car of the Year 1967.

Talbot mirrors . In performance, they are average, with accelerations and Hair-raising but not the correct times. The circuit will never be his Violon d'Ingres, but this is a car that enjoys dynamic and smooth driving. A swallower kilometers without ever tiring. In addition, it has air conditioning! Everything was done to provide the best experience possible conduct. The seats are soft enough, the seats are set ... As the wheel with no less than nine different positions. For the record, in order to reduce costs, several parts from other cars. This is the case of exterior mirrors from the Talbot catalog, rims, purchased from a walking wheels and logos, under-treated equally. Another feature: whether they are equipped or not, all Cougar feature a roof opening control ... This suggests that they should all benefit by initially but obliged restrictions (and surely the US safety standards ) , it was necessary to trim the equipment.

Elegant . At the rear, there is the Cougar logo on the rear fenders and masked behind a grille lights. A set where also very stylish and well with the front. Our copy with the 289 it therefore benefited from a double barrel carburetor that significantly increased consumption. If we replace in the context of the time, with the price per barrel to $ 3.12 in 1967, an appetite for more than 15 liters per 100 kilometers was not so mindless(no, really!) . But today is a different story. A Mercury Cougar is assessed as a whole and for its lifestyle and better not be confined to want to save, this is no vocation ca palace with four wheels that consumes like a truck and rejects enough CO ² in the atmosphere it would lose his head Jean-Louis Borloo.

Heart stroke . You'll understand the Mercury Cougar, this is an actual purchase heart stroke, to which the rational not intervene. Real sport in its time, it still offers a perfect compromise between luxury and dynamism. Studded with quality and well equipped, it is however quite hard to find these days. Although the Cougar was sold until 1997 and from 1999 to 2002, it has gradually lost its soul and temperament to become Ford Cougar. A winning line but too unreasonable to continue. Maintenance is more expensive enough because the pieces do not run the streets. But many sites offer items to the more digestible costs.

Should I buy a Mercury Cougar?

On the used market, it will provide a budget of approximately € 30,000 for a nice copy of Mercury Cougar. But he will first find interesting. And this step is not easy. It gradually returns to the front of the scene, especially since the demise of the Mercury brand in 2011. You hesitate to buy a Cougar? See above all in terms of finance because consumption and maintenance are quite expensive. For the rest ? Some pleasure. Nothing but fun.