289cid/225hp 4bbl 8-cyl. $15,999. Mercury : Cougar XR-7 Sedan 2-Door 1997 mercury cougar xr 7 sedan 2 door 4.6 l $1,800 Hunt Valley, Maryland Year 1997 Make Mercury Model Cougar Category Hatchback Mileage 150000 Posted Over 1 Month there is 150,000 miles on the car. As part of the 1989 redesign, the MN12 chassis was powered solely by a 3.8L V6, as the lowered hoodline of the MN12 was too low to fit the 4.9L (302cuin) V8, making it the first time a V8 was not available in the Cougar or Thunderbird. A total of 619 Cougars were built with the XR7-G package. We test-drove the 1994 Cougar XR7 with the new optional, 4.6-liter V-8. To make room for the updated 1999 Ford Mustang and all-new Ford Escort ZX2, the Contour-based Ford Probe continued into production, with Ford shifting the vehicle to the Lincoln-Mercury Division to adopt the Mercury Cougar name. Needs windshield, door speakers and body trim. There were several paint and trim packages: For the 2001 model year, the Cougar was updated with new headlights, front and rear fascias, and updated interior trim. The Cougar XR7 was offered with two V8 engines. The third-generation Cougar uses the rear-wheel drive chassis used by the Mercury Montego and Ford Torino intermediates. A four-barrel "street" version of the Boss 302 produced 290hp, while a 2x4-barrel "racing" version was officially rated at the same 290hp. In what would become a long-running tradition for the Mercury brand, 1981 marked the debut of GS and LS trim lines for both the mid-size and XR-7 Cougars. It was also to be sold in Europe as the Ford Cougar ST200. Without the sport package, the speed governor was set at 115mph (185km/h) due to the H-rated tires with which the car was equipped. Classifieds for 1951 to 1970 Mercury Vehicles. The second-generation Cougar is the final version derived from the Ford Mustang and the final version offered as a convertible. XR-7 interior including leather seat upholstery; woodgrained dash with tachometer, trip odometer, oil pressure and amp gauges; map lights; rear seat courtesy lighting Unique interior console with. Other features included a model-specific trunk lid and C-pillar badging and an imitation trunk lid luggage rack. As part of adopting the Torino chassis, the Cougar shifted to body-on-frame construction for the first time. 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7, with MN CERT OF TITLE-SALVAGE for sale in Copart Ham Lake, MN on 03-14-2023 Lot #71696***. The Bosch-sourced sunroof assemblies were installed by the American Sunroof Corporation in Southgate, Michigan. A DSO code of 84 is listed in the company code list as "Home Office Reserve." This in itself does not automatically make a car with DSO 84 a factory show car. NOT original drive train ( from 68 Cougar GT ). [57], The 2.3L inline-four was paired with a 5-speed manual transmission; a 3-speed automatic transmission was optional. During the development of MN12, Ford designers sought to develop increased differentiation between the Cougar and Thunderbird. Good dash and good vinyl top. Initially, at risk for cancellation (following declining sales of the second generation compared to its competitors), Lincoln-Mercury instead repackaged the Cougar as a halo car for the Mercury brand. Secondary Interior Color Black . [76] Approximately 5,000 25th anniversary and 5,000 30th anniversary Cougars were produced.[75][76]. To expand potential competition for the model line, Ford benchmarked the design of the Cougar against the quartet of GM A-body coupes, placing the model line in competition with the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Largely intended as a stopgap during the development of future production models, the 1977 redesign of the Ford intermediate range transitioned the exterior from the early 1970s "fuselage styling" to the sharper-edge lines of the Fox and Panther platform sedans in development for the 1980s. Vibrant White Clearcoat Interior Graphite Leather *Driver/Passenger Air Bags *Side Impact Door Beams *5 mph Bumpers *Independent Rear Suspension *Rack & Pinion . Miles 59,868. Along with returning the standard Cougar name (for the first time since 1973), the change added three more body styles. As with its predecessor, the fourth-generation Cougar was based on the Ford Torino "split-wheelbase" chassis. And this one keeps up its appeal in modern times with solid investments in the shining paint, A/C interior, and upgraded V8 power. dropped the price from 8,500 to 6,000 Jeremy It is a kinda barn find car. City: Los Angeles, CA. There were 2,268 Eliminators built in 1970. This generation of Cougar had a far more contemporary package, with modern DOHC 24-valve six-cylinder Duratec engines, a fully independent multilink suspension, and front-wheel drive. C2 (20012002 model years) available in either French Blue, Silver Frost, or Vibrant White, along with special blue interior accents. Automatic Transmission,Power Steering,Drum Brakes.Factory air was replaced with new Vintage air package.New custom Auto Sound AM-FM radio. For 1970, the Cougar underwent an additional revision to the front fascia; the split "electric shaver" grille with vertically slatted trim made its return, with a new hood adopting a pronounced body-color center section. 1997 MERCURY COUGAR XR7 V-8 42,700 REAL MILES FLORIDA CAR LOW LOW RESERVE. While de-emphasized as the model line shifted away from high performance, the GT option package remained an option, including upgraded suspension, tires, and engine cooling components. The sixth generation Cougar (replacing the XR7) reverted the model line solely to the two-door coupe body style. For 1982, an all-new 3.8L V6 replaced the inline-6; in various forms, the engine would be used by the Cougar and Thunderbird through their 1997 discontinuation. The second-generation Cougar underwent a revision of the powertrain offerings. [25], For 1970, the standard engine for Eliminator became the 351C-4V. Ultimately, Mercury lost the championship to Ford by two points.[79]. [2], Available for both the standard Cougar and Cougar XR-7, the GT option package was developed as a sportier version of the Cougar. [2], The Cougar received the 1967 Motor Trend Car of the Year award, becoming the first (and only) Mercury-brand vehicle to do so.[5]. The 19992002 Cougars were available with two engine options, the 2.0L Zetec straight-4 engine with 125hp (93kW; 127PS), and the 2.5L Duratec V6 with 170hp (127kW; 172PS). Initially outranking its predecessor in sales, the eighth-generation Cougar (marketed towards younger buyers, similar to the ZX2) struggled to compete for sales against sedans (the Mercury Sable and Grand Marquis) in the Mercury model line. [55] While the Thunderbird adopted a fastback roofline, the Cougar adopted a notchback roofline with a near-vertical backlight, distinguished by upswept rear side windows.[55]. The headlight doors use spiral torsion springs to make the headlamp doors stay open in the neutral position. 1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 For Sale in Colonie, New York 12304 | 1997 Cougar XR7 - SPORT EDITION - One Owner - 4.6L Overhead Cam EFI Never seen a flake of snow or ice. 1997 Mercury Cougar XR7. it has rust in the floors and i have the new floor pans for the car and a new gas. Just Cars is the place for classic, vintage and unique cars. runs great, was in garage for 30 years. In addition to the 210hp supercharged V6 (replaced by a 5.0 L V8 in 1991), the XR7 featured four-wheel antilock disc brakes, electronically adjustable handling suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a 5-speed manual transmission. C6 with shift kit. There were 2,250 Eliminators built in 1969. During 1968, the 289 was temporarily substituted with the 302cuin (4.9L) V8 designed for the new federal emissions standards. 1971 Mercury Cougar XR7 (Convertible) 32,155 ACTUAL miles 351 Cleveland Engine Automatic Runs good Things needed to be done: New Gas tank to be installed (I have the gas tank) Needs brake work Needs tires For more information please TEXT only 928.278.1933 do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers The Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique (Ford Mondeo MkII) ended production in 2000, with the Cougar outliving it by two model years. From the full-size Mercury line, the Cougar also offered a 400 cubic-inch V8 and 460 cubic-inch V8 as options. The 4.9L V8 option was withdrawn from the Fox platform, leaving the 4.2L engine as the sole V8 offering for both the Cougar and Cougar XR-7. Following initial skepticism by Ford over both model lines, the Mercury version received approval in mid-1964, following the successful launch of the Mustang; the Cougar name was adopted from the winning design for the Ford Mustang. [2][6] The Cougar has a longer wheelbase than the Mustang, extended 3 inches to 111 inches. For 1971, a 240hp 351 Cleveland two-barrel V8 was the standard engine with a 351C four-barrel V8 as an option. A high-performance Cougar S (not to be confused with the concept) was discussed in the press, which was essentially a Cougar with a Contour SVT engine; however, this version never made it into production. Runs and drives, automatic transmission, original gauges and instrumentation work. [9][10] As a mid-year option, a 428 Cobra Jet Ram Air was introduced on April 1, 1968,[11] officially rated at 335hp. [1] Cat-related nameplates were adopted by the division such as the Bobcat and Lynx. The rarest of these was the 428, which fourteen buyers selected. The first ten XR7-Gs were factory show vehicles with DSO codes of 84. Always garaged. Hi, I have rot free 1979 Mercury Cougar XR7 Cheap project. A total of 112 were made during its two-year production. [52] Both trim packages were largely similar, though the LS was exclusive to four-doors. [62], The exterior design of the sixth-generation Cougar was designed largely in response to the negative market response to the introduction of the fifth-generation Cougar. XR-7 leather vinyl colors were Black, Dark red, Dark Blue, Parchment, Dark Ivy Gold, Aqua and Saddle. This XR7 has around 88,000 miles on it . The 8 cylinder, single overhead camshaft naturally . Email: [email protected] Address: 7400 E Monte Cristo Ave Scottsdale, AZ 85260 . This was the weapon of choice for sixty-two XR7-G buyers. The next year (1981) saw the previous Cougar teams switch to the Thunderbird when NASCAR mandated the smaller (110-inch-wheelbase) cars, though oddly the Thunderbirds had to have their wheelbases extended 6 inches because the actual wheelbase of production cars was 104 inches. [36] Alongside its namesake color, the trim package was also offered in six other colors: ivy glamour metallic, green metallic, medium brown metallic, saddle bronze, medium yellow gold, and white.[36]. "Cougar A Source Book, edited and annotated by Thomas E Bonsall, 1967 Thru 1976" page 118. Similar in size and performance, the Mercury Cyclone intermediate (derived from the Mercury Montego) was quickly overshadowed by the Cougar, leading Mercury to end sales of the Cyclone during 1972. Slotted above the Montego, the Cougar became the counterpart of the Ford (Gran Torino) Elite. [78] Without the Mercury brand in Europe and Australia, Ford marketed the Cougar as the Ford Cougar through Ford of Europe and Ford of Australia from 1999 to 2002. 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 project car. SOLD Back Full Gallery. Package A included: unique pinstriping, "turbine" style wheel covers, rocker panel moldings with simulated side scoops, and a remote-control racing-style side mirror. This Mercury Cougar is a Full Rotisseri more. For its eighth generation, the Cougar returned for the 1999 model year as a sports compact hatchback. Great driver,needs nothing. The second-generation Cougar carried over both the hardtop and convertible body styles from its predecessor. [35] For 1973, the GT option was discontinued. [44][45] Six-passenger seating was standard with a "Twin Comfort Lounge" 50/50 split bench seat with cloth or vinyl upholstery. Restored Car with a Beautiful Black finish. All of the Hertz Eliminators were equipped with the 351-4V engine and FMX automatic transmission. Alongside the Cougar XR-7 personal luxury coupe, Mercury now offered the Cougar two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and five-door station wagon. To visually stretch the roofline, a compound-curved rear window replaced the nearly flat rear glass and the rear quarter windows were redesigned (with a curve inversely matching the windshield angle). The hidden headlamps were retained; the mechanism shifted its power from dual vacuum actuators to a single, centrally-located vacuum actuator. This 1972 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible has a newly installed power-retractable top and is powered by a 351ci V8 mated to a C6 three-speed automatic transmission. new. [49] The increased number of body styles and market segments resulted in these Cougars to be more popular than any since its 1967 debut, selling about half as many copies as its first version.[49]. Mileage: 74,601 miles Body Style: Coupe Color: Green Engine: 8 Cyl 4.6 L . Optional engines included: 390-4V, 428 Cobra Jet or Super Cobra Jet (both available with or without Ram-Air), and Boss 302 (available only with the Eliminator Option). Ford also sold this generation of Cougar in Europe and Australia as the Ford Cougar. Package B included the Package A items, as well as adding the interior Decor Group option, which featured upgraded seating surfaces and interior trim panels with door-mounted courtesy lights, and a "rim-blow" steering wheel. $32,000 (OBO) Featured Private Seller. As part of the model line revision, the Ford Mondeo platform was no longer used in North America until its consolidation with the 2013 Ford Fusion; the Mercury Cougar was effectively left without a donor platform. [68] Offered as an option on the Cougar LS, the V8 replaced the supercharged V6 in the XR7 (which also marked the end of the 5-speed manual in the MN12 Cougar). [69] For 1996, the Cougar received a major restyling sharing its entire front fascia with the Ford Thunderbird except for the front bumper cover and grille. With the optional 351 cubic-inch, 4-barrel V8, the '70 Mercury Cougar XR-7 boasted 300 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with rear-wheel drive and an available 4-speed manual gearbox. For the first time, the model line was offered solely with automatic transmissions. At its 1989 debut, the Cougar was marketed largely as the flagship coupe of the Mercury division. For 1977, the Cougar was introduced in three trim levels: a base trim level and a Brougham trim (for wagons, a wood-paneled Villager trim was offered). Though sharing its front fascia with the standard Cougar, the XR-7 was distinguished with its own roofline (with its own hardtop-style windows), louvers on the opera windows, and its own rear fascia. Power Windows Power Mirrors Bucket Seats AM/FM Air Conditioning Leather Seats. For 1970, the two-barrel 351 remained the base engine, with the four-barrel engine replaced by a 351 cubic-inch "Cleveland" V8, producing 300hp. A 114-inch wheelbase was used for the two-door Cougar coupe and the Cougar XR-7; a 118-inch wheelbase was used for the four-door sedan and station wagon. For 1975, the Cougar saw revisions to its engine range. In a break from the previous generation, hidden headlamps were abandoned (replaced by four exposed headlamps). 1978 Mercury Cougar XR-7Absolutely one of the nicest ones available for sale anywhere. 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 GT Initially developed as a rebadged version of the Mustang, the 1967 Cougar received its own body design from the ground up, though the popular "long-hood, short-deck" proportions of the Mustang remained. Priced $284 more than the equivalent Ford Mustang, the base price of the Cougar was $2,854 ($23,836 in 2021 dollars [4]); a fully-optioned Cougar XR-7 was $4,500 ($37,583 in 2021 dollars[4]), essentially matching the base price of the Ford Thunderbird. Engine Type Gasoline. This vehicle has a 2 door coup type body with a front located engine driving through the rear wheels. [59] For 1988, the 3.8L V6 was given multiport fuel injection, increasing output to 140hp; the 4.9L V8 was retuned to 155hp. [65] Along with a limited-slip rear axle, the only options offered were a power moonroof, power antenna, illuminated entry, keyless entry, automatic climate control, and an engine block heater. The first Cougar not to offer a V8 as standard equipment, the standard Cougar was produced as a two-door and four-door sedan, adopting the five-door station wagon from the Zephyr from 1982; the model line was repackaged as the Marquis for 1983 as Ford revised its full-size and mid-size product branding. Returning from the previous generation, the Cougar XR-7 continued as a personal luxury coupe. fuel: gas odometer: 86000 title status: clean transmission: automatic. [57] For 1988, the analog XR7 dashboard made its return; along with the deletion of the boost gauge, the tachometer was revised for a lower-revving V8 engine.[60]. This engine was rated at 205 horsepower, 45 fewer than the 4.6 in the same-year Crown Victoria Police Interceptor I once owned. [36][37][38] A standard Cougar equipped with the Decor Group,[36] the "Bronze Age" Cougar was distinguished by its copper metallic (officially, saddle bronze[36]) appearance and a color-coordinated vinyl roof. [76] Distinguished by its use of Lincoln Mark VIII wheels, the 30th Anniversary Cougar featured model-specific C-pillar emblems, embroidered seat and floormat emblems; the option also included commemorative items shipped to the owner. 1969. While limited funds precluded a complete redesign or downsizing of the Torino intermediates, all sheet metal (above the bumpers) was revised. No Accident or Damage Reported; 3+ Owners; Multiple Use; Service History. [51] The Cougar XR-7 was produced upon an extended-wheelbase Fox chassis (to 108.5 inches), shared with the 19801982 Ford Thunderbird, 19821987 Lincoln Continental, 19841985 Continental Mark VII and 19861992 Lincoln Mark VII. CLEAN CALIFORNIA TI . 73 cougar on its way back, new exhaust, rebuilt transmission, gas tank, aluminum radiator, 4 barrel. For full car details see deluxe photo included. [28], For 1973, Lincoln-Mercury marketed a "Bronze Age" special edition promotion of the Cougar (alongside the Monterey, Montego MX, and Comet). 1973 Mercury Cougar XR7 Convertible Rare Q-Code 351 Cleveland 4 BBL V-8 Engine C-6 3-Speed Automatic Transmission Rare Medium Aqua Blue "Code #5137A" Exterior over White Interior White Convertible Power Soft Top One of Only 87 Produced with this Trim and Paint Combination for 1973 Rare XR-7 Convertible Special Purpose Vehicle Built and Used for Marketing the Cougar Model for Mercury Original . The seventh-generation Mercury Cougar is built upon the Ford MN12 platform. 69 Mercury Cougar XR7 with bright yellow paint and a very clean black leather interior. [26], For 1969 and 1970, the Hertz Rental Car Company purchased Cougar Eliminators as part of their "Rent-A-Racer" program. This page was last edited on 4 February 2023, at 22:33. The Wood Brothers Racing team with David Pearson and later Neil Bonnett was successful with the car and scored a number of victories until the body style became ineligible following the 1980 season. [45], For 1976, the Cougar saw minor revisions to the interior. The Cougar retains the XR7-specific wheels that still look sharp all these years later, and surprisingly sporty. [71], 1997 Mercury Cougar 30th Anniversary Edition, At its launch, the seventh-generation Mercury Cougar retained the same model trims as before, with the LS geared towards luxury and convenience features and the XR7 geared towards performance and handling. As part of the front fascia revision, the Cougar also received a new front bumper and revised front fenders. [33], For 1972, Ford adopted SAE net horsepower ratings, leading to a numerical decrease in advertised engine output. 1995 Mercury Cougar XR7. The seats underwent a redesign, with a full-width bench seat becoming standard; the 60/40 split bench seat became an option alongside the bucket-seat interior. Some XR-7s had the Rally Sport Tachometer and Gauge package (only 25% of all Cougars came with this option). The Cougar's body, and the New Edge idea in general, was introduced as a concept called the Mercury MC2 in 1997 and was considered a bigger version of the European Ford Puma. XR (2002 model year) available in either Black or XR Racing Red, with special black and red seats and interior trim, also came with 17-inch silver wheels with black accents on the inner spokes. Powered by a smooth and powerful V6, it comes equipped with power windows, locks and mirrors, A/C, and cruise control. Description: Used 1995 Mercury Cougar XR7 with RWD, Leather Seats, Alloy Wheels. [57] To further distinguish the model line from the Thunderbird, the 1987 Cougar received its own grille (with a large "cat" emblem), front bumper cover, and aerodynamic composite headlamps. These included the 351W-4V engine, a front air dam and body-colored rear spoiler, styled steel wheels (similar to the 1969 Mach 1 wheels), a black-out front grille, body-colored hood scoop (only functional with ram-air 428CJ engine), Eliminator-specific body side stripes in white or black (keyed to paint and trim color), left-hand remote-control racing-style side mirror, heavy-duty suspension, and a performance axle. . 92,392 Miles. The body side stripes (available in black only) were altered to run the length of the car along the upper belt line, and now included a hood stripe, rear spoiler stripe with "Eliminator" callout, and "Eliminator" callouts on the quarters behind the rear wheel. ClassicCars.com's first-class Customer Support team with a Stevie Bronze Award in 2019, celebrating the team's skills as exemplary customer support specialists. [15] While available on any Cougar, the sunroof was not a popular option. Replacing the Mercury Montego, the standard Cougar now served as the Mercury intermediate model line (slotted between the Mercury Monarch and Mercury Marquis), serving as the Mercury counterpart of the Ford LTD II (replacing the Torino/Gran Torino), introducing the first Cougar sedans and station wagons. Classifieds for Classic Mercury Cougar XR7. [55] To reduce production costs, the two model lines shared exterior body parts, including front and rear bumpers, both doors, the windshield, the hood, and front fenders. 1972 Mercury Cougar. [29] The Boss 302 and Boss 429 were discontinued, with both Boss engines and the 428 Cobra Jet replaced by a 370hp 429 Cobra Jet V8 (with or without Ram Air). Woodgrain dash with tach and Rally clock in console. For the 1969 model year, the Cougar underwent a mid-cycle revision alongside its Mustang counterpart. To accommodate federal safety standards, 5-mph bumpers were added to both the front and rear fascias (front 5-mph bumpers were required for 1973). Splitting from the Mustang (which became the subcompact Mustang II for 1974), the Cougar adopted a market position closer to the larger Ford Thunderbird. Initially developed as a pony car, it replaced the Cyclone muscle car in the Mercury model line. Auction Location: MN - Ham Lake | Sale Date: 03/14/2023 - 12:00 PM CST Again sharing much of its bodyshell with the Ford Mustang, the Cougar began to shift away from a "plush pony car", taking on aspects of both sporty cars and luxury cars.[28]. Along with its shift in model segment, the sixth-generation Cougar (and the Thunderbird) marked the first large-scale use of aerodynamic-intensive design for an American automobile; the Cougar/Thunderbird were the first Ford vehicles developed using computer-aided design (CAD). This Stunning Mercury Cougar XR-7 Comes With A History Via: Mecum According to Mecum, this model comes from the Dearborn, Michigan, assembly plant. The last Mercury Cougar rolled off the assembly line on 9 August 2002; following the end of its production, the Mercury model line offered no cars with four-cylinder engines until the 2006 Mercury Milan. [22] Offering a racing-derived 390hp 427 V8 (paired solely with a 3-speed automatic[9]), the GT-E received its own badging, quad exhaust, argent lower body paint delineated by chrome trim, and a redesigned grille; power front disc brakes were standard. Drive it on your trailer. [55] Within Mercury, the Cougar was slotted above the Capri and below the two-door Grand Marquis two-doors (both would be discontinued during its production). [2] The model line was marketed as having "European" style and features. Also have many extra interior and exterior parts available. Shared with the Mercury Marquis/Colony Park, a 4.2L V8 was standard, with a 4.9L V8 offered as an option; both engines were paired with a 4-speed Ford AOD overdrive automatic. The Cougar XR7, like the Thunderbird, was the higher positioned personal luxury car version of the Cougar/LTD II. Price: Click the link above for price. For 1977, Mercury replaced its Montego intermediate range with the Cougar nameplate. Intended for release as the third generation of the Ford Probe, the model line shifted to Mercury as its development neared completion. [2], Intended for a market position between the Ford Mustang and the Ford Thunderbird, the Cougar was intended as a luxury-type pony car. [66] Originally slated to be launched with dual airbags, cost overruns and market demand necessitated the use of automatic seatbelts to meet passive-restraint requirements. White Interior with Black. Doors 2. For 1991, a 200hp (149kW) version of the 4.9L (302cuin) Windsor 5.0 was introduced featuring a redesigned intake manifold to allow sufficient underhood clearance. For 1982 only, the mid-size Cougar was offered as a station wagon replacing the Zephyr station wagon. While a feature shared with its Ford Elite counterpart, the Cougar adopted its opera window design nearly directly from the Thunderbird. A light blue/white 1973 Cougar XR-7 convertible was the "last" convertible assembled by Ford Motor Company; at the time, American manufacturers ended assembly of convertibles during the 1970s in anticipation of increased rollover safety standards. The revised front end adopted a larger radiator-style grille and four rectangular headlamps. The models were distinguished by an exterior ranging in degree from grilles and lighting components to nearly the entire exterior, the Cougar shared its platform with Ford vehicles throughout its production. [74] In contrast to the previous LS, the 1993 XR7 offered both V6 and V8 engines. Evoking the flagship Continental Mark V, the rear fascia was given a (vestigial) continental tire trunk lid (with a trapezoidal design) and horizontal taillights similar to the Continental Mark IV. Both vehicles derive their underpinnings from the rear-wheel drive Ford Falcon unibody compact chassis architecture. This car features the X-Code 390-2V V8 that produced 280hp. Mileage 62,946 miles below avg. The engine produces 396hp at 4600 rpm and 458ft pounds torque at 4000rpm. 1973 Mercury Cougar. The fourth generation was split into two model lines; the Cougar replaced the Montego (matching the Ford LTD II), with the Cougar XR7 paired with the Ford Thunderbird. This was also the first hatchback Cougar, and the first to have its own body, unshared by any Ford (except its European twin Ford Cougar). Box has shelf wear and plastic has some scuffs and scratches. 1978 Mercury Cougar XR-7. It's got everything you want in a car-except front-wheel drive, if you are a front-wheel-drive loyalist. As a result of the wider interior, all Cougars were fitted with a center console with a floor-mounted shifter. Mechanics special. The XR7-G however, is a unique model and a totally different offering than the Dan Gurney Special, although few enthusiasts other than well-versed Mercury and Cougar fans know much about it.