1967 Mercury XR7 Cougar Coupe (LHD)

Description

Cougar is a nameplate applied to an array of models from the Mercury division of Ford, from 1967 to 1997 and from 1999 to 2002. The name is most commonly associated with the original two-door coupe and later convertible variant, but at different times the Cougar badge also appeared on a four-door sedan, station wagon and even a hatchback. Initially developed as a rebadged version of the Mustang, the 1967 Cougar had a unique body design though still with the Mustang’s familiar "long-bonnet, short-boot" proportions. Marketed as having "European" styling and features and aimed more up-market than the Mustang, the original Cougar was the first Mercury vehicle with hidden headlights. It was also distinguished by a split "electric shaver" grille treatment featuring vertical slats, styling that was reflected at the rear as well with concealed dark-lens taillights. In 1967 a higher-spec XR7 model was also offered with (simulated) wood-trim dashboard, full instrumentation (black-face gauges), toggle switches, an overhead console and if so equipped, the automatic transmission was fitted with a T-bar floor shifter. With a total of almost three million units produced, the Cougar is the highest-selling nameplate ever produced by the Mercury brand, and its 34-year production run second only to the 36-year Grand Marquis in Mercury’s model line.