The Mercury Cougar is the car that nearly never was. When the management team from the Mercury Division took their proposal to the Ford board to add what would become known as a pony car to their range, Ford was unconvinced about the project’s viability. However, Mercury gained approval, and the Cougar slotted into the Ford Motor Company’s product range between the Mustang and Thunderbird. Released during the first year of Cougar production, our feature car appears to be a gem. The seller states that it is pampered, and its overall presentation and condition would seem to support that claim. The only thing it seems to need is a new home, so the owner has listed it for sale here on eBay. The Mercury is located in Salem, Oregon, with a BIN of $28,000 or the option to make an offer.

There’s so much to like about this Cougar that it is difficult to know where to start. Its Cinnamon Frost paint shines warmly, and if it sports any defects, they are too insignificant to show in the supplied photos. The Black vinyl top is equally impressive and, when combined with the fine yellow pinstripe, imparts a classy look to this classic. The panels are as straight as an arrow, but the absence of rust could be this Cougar’s greatest attribute. Externally, there are no signs of problems. When we delve below the surface, the floors, rails, and torque box region are as clean as you could hope to find. The tinted glass is flawless, as are the trim and chrome. The styled steel wheels look perfect, with no evidence of physical damage or corrosion.

Unlike its Mustang cousin, Cougar buyers in 1967 didn’t have access to a six-cylinder engine. They could select from two versions of the sweet little 289 or the potent 390. The original owner ticked the box beside the A-Code 289, which should deliver 225hp. While they may have craved more power than that offered by the base V8, it seems that the original owner also wanted a relaxing motoring experience. Therefore, they equipped the Cougar with a three-speed Merc-O-Matic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. If they’d pointed this classic at a ¼ mile, the journey would have consumed 16.2 seconds. The seller indicates that the car runs and drives well and that they use it for weekend outings. Buyers seeking a car with a documented history will probably find this Cougar an attractive proposition. The stack of paperwork is enormous and includes the Owner’s Manual, Ownercard, original Order Form, and a vast array of invoices and receipts for repairs and servicing. The listing suggests that the vehicle has 71,000 miles on the clock, and the documentation may reveal that the odometer reading is genuine.

The Cougar’s interior is trimmed in Black vinyl, and as with the exterior, it is difficult to fault. The upholstered surfaces are free from significant wear and physical damage, while the same is true of the dash and pad. There are no signs of extended exposure to harsh UV rays and no evidence of abuse. If I were to be ultra-critical, I would probably say that the carpet might be slightly faded in some areas. However, this could also prove a trick of the light, but only an in-person inspection would confirm this. The woodgrain wheel shows no evidence of wear, and the original owner’s decision to include a console, air conditioning, and an AM radio should allow any journey to be a comfortable experience.

From its stuttering and uncertain beginning, the Cougar would become Mercury’s most successful nameplate. By the time Ford retired the Mercury brand in 2011, nearly three million people had parked a Cougar in their driveway. In 1967, the company found homes for 150,893 cars and, when combined with Mustang sales, cemented the platform’s reputation for success. Comparing valuations between Cougars and Mustangs of a similar specification is fascinating. The Cougar will generally cost their buyer slightly less, and values for the Cougar aren’t experiencing the explosive increases seen by the Mustang. However, they are increasing, which could make a good Cougar a worthwhile long-term investment. This one looks like a beauty, and the BIN is competitive. Eighty-eight people are watching the listing, and I won’t be surprised if one of them hits the button for this one. They’ll drive away in a classic that should offer comfortable and rewarding motoring if they do. I can’t see a downside to that scenario.