Limited Number Eliminator! 1970 Mercury Cougar
Cars from the muscle car era came with an entire panoply of names. Some were understated like anything that contained “GT” and some were thought-provoking such as GTO and, 442 – what do those really mean? SS396 was pretty easy and GS from Buick was non-commital. Plymouth “Road Runner” was comical, but the cars weren’t. Boss 302 & 429? Boss of what? And then there was the Mercury Cougar “Eliminator” like this 1970 example located in Assaria, Kansas. It’s an intriguing name, let’s look more closely as it’s available here on eBay for a current bid of $16,100, reserve not yet met.
We have covered Cougars here on Barn Finds before, they are a bit more refined, and a slightly larger, version of the Mustang. And the Eliminator lines up with Ford’s Mustang Mach 1 from the same 1969-1970 era. In keeping with the ’70 theme, there are stripes, spoilers, a hood scoop, and lots of blacked-out decoration or components. Clean and straight is the word for this Cougar’s body which is resplendent in its Competition Yellow finish. The seller mentions that this Mercury has been repainted so that helps explain how all of the black trim/stripes are not the least bit faded. The only thing out of place that can be detected is what looks like either a run or a peel in the finish on the passenger side quarter – it’s minor. Of note, the VIN translates into a standard Cougar two-door hardtop and not the more exalted level XR-7 version.
Under the hood is an M-code engine, specifically a 351 CI, “Cleveland” V8 that develops 300 gross HP. And this is one place where the Eliminator deviates from the Mustang Mach 1 as the Ford version made do with a lesser engine as standard fare. Of course, the Mustang could be optionally powered-up but so could the Cougar. Regarding this Cougar’s operating proclivities, the seller states, “It fires right up and runs and drives great. The things I know that are not original are: It has headers, the carburetor, and intake (But I do have the original Intake) Valve Covers.” He further claims that the engine and automatic transmission are original to this car and there is a Marti report to document this Cougar’s built-with attributes. Additionally, the seller adds that he has recently replaced the control valve in the steering, added new tires, and had the front end aligned. Unfortunately, the A/C is non-operational.
The interior of this Eliminator is fantastic. It’s basically black vinyl but incorporates a fabric, black and white houndstooth patterned seat upholstery. It meshes surprisingly well with the brilliant yellow exterior. Some of the listing’s interior images are cattywampus so be sure to check all of them for a complete interior view. The seller mentions that he has installed an aftermarket tachometer in place of the original and it blends right in. This Merc is listed as a 92K mile example but you would never know it from the interior’s overall condition, no sign of age or climate-induced deterioration.
The ’70 Mustang Mach 1 is a sharp-looking car as is this Cougar Eliminator. The biggest difference is that the Mustang was replicated about 190K times whereas Mercury saw only 72K Cougars leave the factory floor. And the Eliminator? Just 2,268 copies – pretty rare. So what’s in a name? Well, Eliminator probably means eliminating the competition. But with just 300 HP on tap in the pinnacle, horsepower-crazy performance year of 1970, coupled with its modest production numbers, the Eliminator was probably, more often than not, an Eliminatee. Nevertheless, this Mercury should still be a stout performer, with taut road manners, stand-out looks, and a comfortable ride. It’s a nice alternative to the more commonly found ’70 competition, don’t you think?
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Comments
Eliminators all came as standard hardtops – could not get that option with convertible or XR7 (vinyl top) options. Does look nice & that Cleveland was well suited for the pony car.
Jim, nice car, I enjoyed your post. Being an “old guy”, I might be able to shed some light on the meaning/origin of some of the car names you listed (to the best of my knowledge, I could certainly be wrong) : GTO is an abbreviation of the Italian phrase gran turismo omologato. The Boss was a tribute to Ford “Boss” Bunkie Knudsen. Eliminator was a reference to NHRA drag classifications like Stock Eliminator. 442? I have to admit that I don’t believe the standard explanation for that one, sorry everyone! I think it was just a random set of numbers that sounded good, and the 4-barrel, four speed, dual exhaust thing was made up to fit…
What does XR-7 mean?
Good question…my guess is it’s just something that sounded cool and space-age…but here’s a discussion: https://classiccougarcommunity.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=324
Kawasaki would resurrect the Eliminator name for its entry in the power cruiser wars (quickly ended by the insurance companies!) in the mid 80s. Those bikes were only made for two years before morphing into the ZL1000, a one-year only offering.
I had an orange 1970 Eliminator in high school. It was the beginning of gas prices in 1975 and I bought it for $800. It had 53,000 miles on it and the 428 CJ with C6 trans. Wished I had that car still. The rear wing was adjustable angled .
GTO- get tools out- garbage truck option- gas tires oil
IROC- incapable of racing other cars
JEEP- Just empty every pocket
CHEVY- can hear every valve yelling
FORD spelled backwards–Driver returned on foot.
Sorry couldnt resist. Fire away. happy 4th and stay safe.
Cheers
GPC
Pontiac Poor Old Nimrod Thinks It’s A Cadillac
Mopar More Ordered Parts And Repairs
Mostly Old Parts And Rust
PATINA
Probably A Tetanus Infection Needing Attention
Ah those acronyms sure are fun. Here are a few more from the low hanging fruit variety.
Found On Road Dead
First On Race Day
Fudged Over Rebuilt Dodge
Major Outbursts of Power Are Rare
Nice Merc btw.
Buick
Big
Ugly
Indestructible
Cat
Killer
Chevrolet…
Can
Hear
Every
Valve
Rattle
On
Long
Extended
Trips
Nice presentable Eliminator. Good option list, good color combination. Has enough easy “incorrect” items to give a new owner some things to tinker with and make it closer to factory, if they so choose.
2,268 Eliminators built in 1970.
21 of them were built in the same basic configuration as this car;
351C-4V / FMX Auto / Competition Yellow / Black & White Houndstooth Decor Interior.
The identical build of my 1970 Eliminator. I just sold it to my cousin today.
I have loved cougars since I was a young lad, I think the sequential taillights did it for me as a kid. I would love to have one, maybe in the lime green to match my 06 mustang GT convertible. This is a beauty, and I’m not partial to yellow. The 351-C was a good running engine with plenty of power, I’d take it in a heartbeat !
I had a 73 Ranchero with a 351c four barrel. Even with a lousy engine rebuild it was still fast, I don’t what it would be like if it was rebuilt as I know what needs to be done now, but probably faster. The Puma should have a high compression motor in 70 so it should be very FAST
Yea William that 351 c was a great Mill with huge valves and great breathing. Not sure what the Compression was on those. Brother had a 70 rancho with a 351c 2 bbl and that ran really great. Good stuff. Good luck and stay safe!
Cheers
GPC
Always liked the Cougar Eliminators. Since it’s fairly rare and pretty desirable, kind of surprised they didn’t try and do a little better job with the paint and body work.
What about the Mercury Cyclone Spoiler Dan Gurney Special?
Just love that name, despite i am a Mopar nut.
My greatest regret was selling mine years ago to buy a motorcycle.
428CJ, automatic, and loaded with options. I bought it from a HS friend who’s Dad ran the local Merc dealership and gave the kid his car.
That was the damned fastest car I ever owned. Many evenings of tire smoking fun.
When I see what a solid example goes for these days I cringe.
I just miss the tire smoking days..
I would love this car in every way if it had a 4 speed manual. You folks that had this with a 429, that seems only a dream. I think this car is just plain awesome! I like that it’s different than the mustang yet just as cool and in some ways cooler! It’s just plain Wonderful!!!
I like the Cougars alot more then the mustangs. They are better looking and you don,t see many of the, You go to car shows and its always a bunch of Mustangs–Comaro,s. I just lost my taste for them. Its like seeing the same old face. Ford Motor Company should have stuck with the Mercury . I guess people couldn,t afford it and had to buy the cheaper Ford and I have about 6 Fords,but I,m a variety guy. I have a little of everything ,but no Mustang or Comaro. I had 1 -67 Comaro and sold it along time ago. Question ? How many 1967 Ford Mustangs. With the 390 -4 speed come out with the 200 mph speedometer? I saw one in 1967 and it came from the factory with it. It was all original.
While the Boss 429 was listed as an optional engine for the Eliminator, no 429 Eliminators were built.
There were 2 Boss 429 Cougars built in ’69 for drag racers, and 1 as a magazine / demo car, but none of them were equipped as Eliminators.
Johny you put into better words exactly what I was thinking! I used to just love my 69 mustangs and they were beautiful but I have always had a soft spot for the Cougar and this one is mighty close to my ideal vehicle!
Well the 69-71 Mustangs I like,but the overboard with the 64-66-its like the Model A and Comaro. I have a 66 Fairlane GT and not because I have one. Its like the 63-64-66-67 Galaxy–they have style and ride comfortable. I like them better–I like a comfortable ride.I don,t want to get beat to death riding in one.
I did have a 70′ Cougar XR-7, with the 351 Cleveland, 2bbl, before they were called “M”. Had the FMX transmission and posi (limited slip) rear. Great car, the only problem I had in 20 years was the power steering pump replacement, which was a one year item and I was lucky enough to find a replacement in a Mustang at a junkyard. Body rust finally did it in, but the drive train went on to the race track for a few more years. I did come across a Eliminator once (in a back yard), but couldn’t talk the guy into selling in.
The best looking Cougar, in my taste anyways, The Eliminator…
The name alone should have been Ford or Mercury’s go to name on several models, even engines…..the 428 Eliminator! Just makes actual sense and is very much deliberate in tone, compared to cobra jet which has no real actual meaning. I rambling here,,
This Cougar Eliminator is spot on in both styling and size, more than just a pony ride, and the four barrel 351 makes for strong acceleration and many trips to the gas station,, not that mpg’s matter on a performance car. Leave the mods and just romp on it.
CHEVROLET, Cheap Heap Every Valve Rattles Oil Leak Every Time
FORD
Finest Operating Road Device
KIA, Killed In Action
Keep It A(insert profanity here).
forgot one
GMC- garage mechanics companion
I got handed down a 1970 Cougar from my older sister when I was in high school. That 351 Cleveland smoked my best friends 66 Mustang every single time. Great car, great times.
GMC,Goldern Mans Chevy
Get Motor Coming
GMC–Great Mountain Climber
Small block Chevy–top secret code for All to familiar.
Dodge, remove the d and e and yet another code..DOG
Goat, as the GTO is referred to-greatest of all time!
Hey, all the good ones are used up, right?
351 M ford–M for Modified, or Michigan, or Meaningless smog hobbled piece of____!!
I’ll knock it off.
The 2v Cleveland and Windsor were both called H code in 70 (even though they are not related) and were listed with the same 250 HP rating/9.5:1 compression ratio. The M code was only used or the 4v setup – Windsor in 69 with 290HP/10.7:1 compression ratio and only Cleveland in 70 with 300 HP rating/11:1 compression ratio.
Like all HP rating in that era – these were probably 50+ HP lower than actual and any of those engines were able to move that pony car.
Nice car and the price isn’t reflecting what it is!! I had a 351 Cleveland in a 1972 Ford Torino wagon!! I loved that car!! Sucked a ton of gas but damn it sure did go!!!
“This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available.”
Would have been nice to see what this ended up at.
Buyer’s inspection revealed no significant issues. A fair market value offer was made and accepted.
Can anyone tell me for sure the original engine paint color for the 1970 Cleveland?
Many people use Plastikote 224 in a rattle can.
This is what I have in my notes for various options;
Ford Corp Blue
Ditzler DAR 13358 acrylic enamel
DXR 80 Delthane Ultra Urethane Hardener
Ditzler DX 265 All Purpose Flatting Base (25% to 30%)
*The DAR Covers very well and is resistant to spills and chips.
If you want to use a Spray Can or brush.
Dupli-Color 1606
Eastwood High Temp Ceramic Engine Paint
Krylon 1923
NAPA 1621
Plastikote 224
Por15 Engine Enamel (Item #42048)
From 1966 –1980 it is Ford blue. From 1980 -? it is grey.
My 70′ Cougar, Cleveland motor was blue and I bought it from the original owner in 75′ and I’m sure he never painted it, he was in his 70’s. I also recall the power steering pump was also engine blue.