1 of 96 Cougar XR-7 Convertible 428 Ram Air V8 C6 w/AC

Even though the Ford Mustang may have inspired the pony car era there are plenty of other options available if you are in the market for a pony car. Barracudas, Camaros, and Challengers are often popular choices for restorations and custom builds. However, one pony car that doesn't get as much limelight as others is the Mercury Cougar. When you take a close look at examples like this 1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 it's hard to understand why. This Cougar features incredible styling, a legendary drivetrain, and is heavily optioned.

Originally leaving the Dearborn, Michigan plant on March 24, 1969, the Cougar XR-7 was actually complete five days behind schedule before it was delivered to Bud Egolf Motors in Aurora, Illinois. The beneficiary of a complete nut and bolt restoration from the Danville, Virginia team of KTL Restorations, today the Cougar sits as an amazing testament to how incredible these cars were when they rolled off the showroom floor.

Before we get too far into the description lets breakdown the VIN:

• 9: 1969
• F: Built at Dearborn, MI
• 94: Cougar XR-7 Convertible
• R: 428-4V CJ Engine Ram Air
• 57107: sequential vehicle production number

This true XR-7 also carries its original invoice from Bud Egolf Motors, and it breaks down the original options as:

• Cougar XR-7 2dr Convertible - $3,595.00
• DK Aqua Metallic
• CJ428-4v - $336.80
• White Convertible Top
• Select – Shift Transmission $227.00
• Traction-Lok Differential - $42.80
• F70X14 F/G BLTD TRACTN TRS – NC
• Space Saver Spare Tire $6.50
• Ram Air Induction - $138.60
• Power Windows - $104.90
• Sports Console - $57.10
• Power Steering - $99.80
• Power Front Disc Brakes - $64.80
• Whisper-Aire Conditioner - $375.70
• Comb AM Rad/Ster son tape sys - $195.60
• Tinted Glass – Complete - $29.80
• Total Options: $1679.40
• Transportation Charges: $62.75
• Total Cost Of Vehicle: $5337.15

It all starts with the body that sits in a fresh coat of the factory-correct Dark Aqua Metallic paint. Combine that shade of blue with the white touches throughout and you have a stunning ride. According to the Marti Report that is included in the sale, this is 1 of only 46 XR-7's with this paint and trim combination. It starts with the nose of the car that features the famed Cougar logo on the passenger side of the grille. Just above the chrome grill is another snarling face of a Cougar on a white accent that travels down the length of the hood. The white accent stripes stretch across the hood and disappear under a stock and functional Ram-Air hood scoop. Within the accent stripes are the markings of what lies under the hood: CJ 428. With either the white top up or down, the car is both menacing and luxurious. At the back of the car is the XR-7 logo above a body wide rear taillight.

Pull the hood pins on this ride and you will reveal one of the nicest engine bays we have ever seen. Stuffed into the engine compartment is the original 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet that was rated in 1969 to make 335 horsepower with 10.6:1 compression. The 428CJ features a 4.130 bore and a 3.980 stroke, easily making it Mercury's largest engine available in 1969. Many of the components inside the engine bay still have the vintage tags on the components. Like the Autolite battery that states, “Need water only 3 times a year!” The block, air filter, and other smaller components are covered in the famous FoMoCo blue and look fantastic against the black engine bay. Bolted to the engine is the C6 Merc-o-Matic transmission. According to the deluxe Marti report, this engine/transmission combination was only built into 96 XR-7's in 1969. From the transmission the power travels down the driveshaft to a 9” that houses the 3.00 Traction Lok rear axle.

The XR-7's underside impresses just as much as the exterior of the car. Instead of being in just a standard flat black, the blue metallic paint continues under the car. Power front disc and power drum rear brakes are responsible for slowing the 428. Spent gasses travel out the stock headers and through dual exhausts complete with Dynomax mufflers to create a nice rumble. At all four corners you will find painted steel wheels with hubcaps that have been wrapped in Goodyear Polyglass rubber.

Open the doors to the XR-7 and you'll be greeted by a vibrant white interior that accents the dark aqua blue exterior quite nicely. The FKA coded interior meant white bucket seats with an aqua console, carpet, dash, and steering column. The interior looks just as good if not better than the day it rolled off the showroom floor. Power steering, power brakes, and the automatic transmission make this Cougar a dream to drive. Cougar and XR-7 logos are present on the floor mats, on the dash, and the most unique in the center of the steering wheel. To the left of the driver are the power window controls, while in front is the dash that features a gas, speedometer, RPM, oil pressure, and water temperature gauge. In front of the passenger is an analog clock and more Cougar XR-7 badging. Behind the two front seats are two additional bucket seats.

Adding to the appeal of this Cougar XR-7 is how extensively documented the car is. The sale of the Cougar includes the original broadcast sheet, original loan documentation, extensive Marti Report, original car purchase documents, the original maintenance folio, previous registration, receipts from the extensive restoration, and the original car invoice.

Inside and out this Pony car impresses. Throughout the entire car it seamlessly blends power and performance with luxury and comfort. 1 of only 96 with this driveline combination this is a truly unique factory car. And as we all know unique factory cars are always a hit at car shows and auctions. Don't miss your chance to own this incredible 1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7. Stop by our showroom today or give us a call to add this XR-7 to your collection.