1973 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Convertible
For 1971, Lincoln-Mercury released the second-generation Mercury Cougar. 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. Again sharing much of its body shell 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. The second-generation Cougar is the final version derived from the Ford Mustang and the final version offered as a convertible. 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.
For consignment, a rare kitty with it being only 1 of 64 Cougar XR-7 Q-Code 4-speed convertibles built for the 1973 model year. Sporting a full blown restoration performed at some time in the past with new upholstery and a newer top, this cat surely won't last, so hurry up and grab it by the tail before someone else does.
Exterior
The Cougar is quite different from the Mustang in the realm of styling and for 1973 the two platform shared cars split further apart in theory and style. Leading the way is the adopted from other Mercury vehicles split grille treatment with a prominent center section and waterfall style grille. In a break from the previous generation, 4 exposed headlights replace the hidden headlights of yore. At the rear, inset into the bumper, are ribbed and trim highlighted sequential tail lights. A respray of Bright Red covers the panels which show a few inclusions and flaws, but one must look closely to find them. Rust is nonexistent and the gaps remain well minded. A newer white canvas convertible top with a glass rear window is now on and is tear and leak free. Chrome bumpers and all trim retains its shine and shows very little wear. Dual exhaust with turn down chromed tips peek out the back at the bottom of the chassis. Standard 14" Mercury wheel covers adorn the 4 corners and are wrapped in deeply treaded whitewall radials. Cue the cat growling.
Interior
Swinging one of the two doors open we are met with 2 sporty recovered high back buckets with white textured inserts and smooth white vinyl bolsters. In back is a matching bench stretching across the back. These seats are recovered with standard vinyl upholstery instead of the upscale XR-7 leather. Molded white vinyl makes up the door panels with nice chrome trimmed leather inserts, window cranks and a mirror joystick on the driver's door. Being a XR-7 the dash has a nice burl walnut applique with 4 deeply inset gauge pods. This appliqu© panel continues partially across the dash and surrounds some auxiliary gauge pods as well as heater/AC vents. Below is a black horizontal panel that has a few toggles and chrome pull knobs. In the center dash we note the temperature slides and the factory AM/FM stereo. This central part of the dash cascades down to meet the short black center console complete with the chrome armed Hurst shifter. Clean black carpet floods the floors and is looking factory fresh.
Drivetrain
Under the hood in the restored but lightly patinaed engine bay is a number matching Q-Code Cobra Jet 351ci Cleveland V8 topped with a single 4-barrel carburetor. This mill is bathed in Ford blue and is topped with a factory single snout air cleaner assembly. On the back is a Toploader 4-speed manual transmission which sends power back to a Ford 9-inch 3.25 conventional rear axle. A strong heart for this kitty.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust is seen, but only on areas that were overlooked during the undercoating process. The unibody, flooring, rockers and torque boxes remain solid and rust free. Independent coil spring suspension is on the front, meanwhile bringing up the rear is a leaf spring suspension. Dual exhaust with stock replacement mufflers are on and power disc brakes for the front, and power drums for the rear.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter and a decent runner with lots of power and a healthy cat-like growl from the CJ. Acceleration is adequate for a car of this era, braking is bias free and good handling make this a luxury muscle car much more upscale than the Mustang. All functions, including the rim blow steering wheel were working as they should, but we did note the AC blew cool, but not as cold as it should have and the key would occasionally stick in the ignition.
A well restored example of a rare car from the beginnings of the malaise era. New mechanicals and cosmetics bring this up to snuff as a great driver and looker, not to mention a few show wins at Boston Cup and Boston Commons car shows. Look for the sign of the cat in our Hallowed Halls and you can have yourself a proud cat with a lethal roar!
3F94Q562984
3-1973
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
94-Cougar XR7 Convertible
Q-351ci Cleveland V8 4bbl CJ
562984-Sequential Unit Number
DOOR STICKER
05/73-May 1973 Build
BODY 76F-Cougar XR7 Convertible
COLOR 2B-Bright Red
TRIM DW-White & Black
TRANS 5-4 Speed Manual
AXLE 9-Ford 9" 3.25 Conventional
DSO 11-Boston
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
