BF Auction: 1967 Mercury Cougar
- Seller: Mary L
- Location: Erie, Colorado
- Mileage: 100,000 Shown
- Chassis #: 7F91A538568
- Title Status: Clean
Finding a project candidate where much of the heavy lifting is already done can be challenging, but that is the opportunity offered by this 1967 Mercury Cougar. The car’s original mechanical configuration would have delivered reasonable performance, but the recent significant investment by the owner lifts it to a far higher level. The winning bidder won’t need to spend a dime on the drivetrain, and many of the parts required to finish the build are included. The Cougar needs a new home, with the owner listing it with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
This Cougar makes an interesting first impression because the Blue paint gracing its panels doesn’t resemble anything on the 1967 color palette. The presence of significant flake suggests it is a custom mix that looks stunning when the light hits it. Examining the supplied photos confirms it isn’t perfect, and a cosmetic refresh will be on the winning bidder’s agenda. There is visible rust in the lower body extremities, but this should be able to be rectified with simple patches. The owner acknowledges the floors have significant rust, but the inclusion of a set of full-length replacement floor pans will allow the winning bidder to consign the problem to a distant memory. The panels are straight, the trim has a few minor defects, and the glass looks clear. Rounding out the exterior is a set of sparkling new 17″ US Mags forged Rambler wheels wrapped in new Toyo tires.
The VIN confirms the original owner ordered this Cougar powered by Ford’s A-Code 289ci V8. That motor would have provided respectable performance, but I have never met a classic enthusiast who wished their car had less power. Working on the theory that bigger is better, the 289 has made way for a 351ci Cleveland beast that sends its power to a new Ford 9″ Posi rear end via a three-speed C6 automatic transmission. The engine features new rocker arms, which is only the tip of this classic’s mechanical iceberg. The owner added new rear suspension, a new aluminum radiator, a transmission cooler, new shocks, a new driveshaft, a new alternator, new fuel lines, a new fuel pump, and a complete four-wheel disc brake conversion. The work represents an investment of $19,350.80, with the owner holding invoices as confirmation. She says the car is very quick, a claim I find easily believable. She also includes a book on the motor and a replacement air filter. The comprehensive upgrades mean the buyer won’t need to consider anything beyond regular maintenance for this classic.
It would be best to consider this Cougar’s interior serviceable because it needs some TLC to present at its best. The supplied photos confirm the headliner is ripped and the carpet is faded. Some upholstered items, like the seatcovers, are okay, while others require replacement. Refreshing the interior painted surfaces could be completed while the trim is removed for the floor replacement and would add nothing to the project’s time or cost. Some removed items are included, with the winning bidder receiving the original console, shifter, and ashtrays.
While I generally prefer my classics original and unmodified, I find myself drawn to this 1967 Mercury Cougar. It would initially have returned a ¼-mile ET of 16.2 seconds, but I’d love to slip behind the wheel to see what the upgraded drivetrain can produce. I won’t have that opportunity, but you might. All that needs to happen is for you to be the winning bidder, and that dream could become a reality. I know many of you will be tempted, and I can’t think of a better way to occupy the approaching winter than by returning its body and interior to a spotless state so you can enjoy this mechanical marvel when summer hits. What do you say?
Bid On This Auction
GAK bid $6,000.00 2023-10-04 09:15:45
Jimmy337 bid $5,500.00 2023-10-04 08:25:12
DRT bid $5,000.00 2023-10-03 14:02:22
TGSH bid $4,500.00 2023-10-03 10:42:07- DRT bid $3,500.00 2023-10-02 21:14:38
- TGSH bid $3,000.00 2023-10-01 09:21:01
GNC 71 bid $2,500.00 2023-09-27 17:55:11
2manyvettes bid $2,000.00 2023-09-27 09:28:28- GNC 71 bid $700.00 2023-09-26 20:08:36
Aiyo bid $200.00 2023-09-26 17:23:11
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Comments
This ol’ gal is a hot mess, cut and spliced wires never a good thing. This is a prime example why I dislike going into an unfinished project. You will discover pretty quickly why the previous owner halted. On top of needing to double check everything electrical and mechanical that has been done, to ensure you don’t become permanently maimed or burned to a crisp, the paint also likely needs stripped and redone. I’ve had friends with these thick metalflake jobs and they’re a bear to get off. This can make a very nice ride with the right buyer. Oh, one other thing—locate a set of correct rally Magnum 500 or same period wheels and a nice set of tires.
Good choice for an engine,stock they were good for at least 335hp and alot more than that being made here.The paint looks unfinished,looks like it could use a wet sand and 3 stage buff job,i’ve made worse looking paint look better…
The seller really should add some photos of the rust damage underneath. I see rust-through on the tops of the inner fenders where they overlap the shock towers. That’s not a good sign on an early Mustang or Cougar, and usually means rust damage to the torque box and/or front and rear frame rails. I probably would have spent that $19,350.80 on the body and interior first.
Love the looks of 67 & 68 Cougars. I remember ‘Dyno’ Don Nicholson’s cougar funny car. What a beautiful car. Complete with a huffed cammer. That was a great time to be a drag racing fan. At least the fiberglass bodies resembled something you could get from your local car dealer. No look alike phony wedge shapes with decals to identify the make.
Can you say MONEY PIT- MONEY PIT- !! MONEY PIT!!!
I’ve always loved this year Cougar as much as I do all first Gen Mustangs. The 351 upgrade is appealing too. With rusted floorpans mentioned, means there may be torque box and rail problems as well. I would have addressed those before repainting it. Electrical does look pretty scary. Mixed bag of pros and cons for sure. I’d inspect the car for rust prone areas first before pulling the trigger.
How about all the rust inside, what little we get to see of the steering column etc. And as others have mentioned nest of wires.
I certainly can think of ways to make that original mill spit fire. I like as close to pure as possible. That’s not overlooking as previously said after observing short cuts taken on wiring. When you find a mature mistakes, the red flags wave
OMG 😲 is that price correct? I’m seeing 250K on my screen
The bidder accidentally typed in a few extra zeros, so we canceled the bid.
Where did the quarter of a million dollar bid come from. Really don’t think this one’s worth that much. 😬
$250K is too steep for me. I’m out. LoL.
It has to be a mistake on the buyers part. Right?
since the bidder also bid $2500 in the same minute, it has to be an error.
Interesting.I wonder whether a valid contract is created by an internet bid? ( I probably need to read the BF Auction fine print :).because if it is.that quarter mil bid for this poor gal has o be a world record……………or there’s a sticky key. :)
People are asking ! Typo on 1/4 mill ? Obviously, better cudas aren’t going for that right now !
To many changes and things needing to be finished. Where’s the original engine ? Available ??
Forgot to mention. 1 torque box.