A Brief Look at the Mercury Cougar
The Birth of the Mercury Cougar
The Mercury Cougar was introduced as a luxury muscle car in 1967 by the Ford Motor Company’s Mercury division. It was essentially a high-end version of the Ford Mustang but with more style, sophistication, and power. The idea was to give buyers a unique and refined driving experience without sacrificing performance.
The First Generation (1967 – 1970)
The first-generation Mercury Cougar was built on the same platform as the Ford Mustang, but it had a longer, wider, and more substantial body. The design featured hidden headlights, a split grille, sequential turn signals, and a muscular hood scoop. It was available in two models, the base and the XR-7, and offered a range of engines from the 200 cubic inch inline six-cylinder engine to the 428 cubic inch V8 engine.
Between 1967 and 1968, the Mercury Cougar received some minor changes, including the addition of a GT package that added a stiffer suspension, front disc brakes, and a 390 cubic inch V8 engine. The XR-7 model also got a new dash layout with simulated wood accents and an optional tachometer.
In 1969, the Mercury Cougar underwent a major redesign that gave it a longer and wider body. The hidden headlights were replaced with exposed ones and the grille was integrated into the bodywork. The XR-7 model got a new hood with a larger scoop and a new taillight design. The engine options were also expanded to include a 351 cubic inch V8 engine.
In 1970, the Mercury Cougar received further modifications, including a revised grille, taillights, and a new rear spoiler. The XR-7 model also got a new instrument panel and steering wheel.
The Second Generation (1971 – 1973)
The second-generation Mercury Cougar was introduced in 1971 and was built on a new platform that it shared with the Ford Torino. The new design featured a longer, wider, and heavier body with a more refined and elegant styling. The headlights were no longer hidden and the grille was replaced with a prominent and angular one.
The second-generation Cougar was offered in three models, the base, XR-7, and the new convertible. It was also available with a range of engines from the 351 cubic inch V8 engine to the 429 cubic inch V8 engine.
In 1972, the Cougar received a minor facelift that included a new grille and a revised taillight design. The convertible model was also given a glass rear window.
In 1973, the Cougar was redesigned again with a new grille and taillights. The bumpers were also changed to meet new federal safety regulations. The engine options were reduced to a 351 cubic inch V8 engine and a 351 cubic inch V8 engine.
The Third Generation (1974 – 1976)
The third-generation Mercury Cougar was introduced in 1974 and was built on the same platform as the Ford Torino and the Mercury Montego. The new design featured a streamlined and aerodynamic body with a more angular and aggressive styling. The headlights were also changed to rectangular ones.
The third-generation Cougar was available in two models, the base and the XR-7, and offered a range of engines from the 302 cubic inch V8 engine to the 460 cubic inch V8 engine.
In 1975, the Cougar received some minor changes that included a redesigned grille, a new taillight design, and new bumper overriders. The XR-7 model also got a new steering wheel and silver-finished spokes.
In 1976, the Cougar underwent further modifications, including a new grille with a prominent vertical bar and a new rear fascia with rectangular taillights. The engine options were also changed to a 302 cubic inch V8 engine, a 351 cubic inch V8 engine, and a 400 cubic inch V8 engine.
The Fourth Generation (1977 – 1979)
The fourth-generation Mercury Cougar was introduced in 1977 and was built on the same platform as the Ford Thunderbird. The new design featured a sleek and modern body with a more refined and upscale styling. The headlights were rectangular and recessed, and the grille was rectangular and vertical.
The fourth-generation Cougar was available in two models, the base and the XR-7, and offered a range of engines from the 302 cubic inch V8 engine to the 351 cubic inch V8 engine.
In 1978, the Cougar received some minor changes that included a new grille with a prominent horizontal bar and revised taillights. The XR-7 model also got a new instrument panel with a digital clock.
In 1979, the Cougar underwent further modifications, including a new grille with a slimmer horizontal bar and new rectangular headlights. The engine options were also changed to a 302 cubic inch V8 engine and a 351 cubic inch V8 engine.
The Fifth Generation (1980 – 1982)
The fifth-generation Mercury Cougar was introduced in 1980 and was built on the same platform as the Ford Fairmont. The new design featured a boxy and angular body with a more understated and conservative styling. The headlights were square and flush with the body, and the grille was rectangular and horizontal.
The fifth-generation Cougar was available in two models, the base and the XR-7, and offered a range of engines from the 2.3 liter inline four-cylinder engine to the 302 cubic inch V8 engine.
In 1981, the Cougar received some minor changes that included a new grille with a prominent vertical bar and revised taillights. The XR-7 model also got a new instrument panel and steering wheel.
In 1982, the Cougar underwent further modifications, including a new grille with a slimmer horizontal bar and revised taillights. The engine options were also changed to a 3.3 liter inline six-cylinder engine and a 4.2 liter V8 engine.
The End of the Cougar
The Mercury Cougar was discontinued in 1982 due to declining sales and a shift in consumer preferences towards smaller and more fuel-efficient cars. However, the nameplate was revived in 1999 as a two-door coupe based on the Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique platform. This new Cougar had a more sports-oriented styling and was available with a range of four-cylinder and V6 engines. It was discontinued again in 2002 due to low sales and a lack of market appeal.
The Mercury Cougar was a unique and distinctive car that had a significant impact on the automotive industry during its heyday. It was a luxury muscle car that blended power, speed, and refinement in a way that was unmatched by its competitors. While it may no longer be in production, the Cougar legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of its loyal fans and enthusiasts.