The Discovery
Retired from the public roads for reasons unknown, a 1967 Mercury Cougar, a representative of the golden era pony cars, recently resurfaced. Having spent decades in storage without a drop of gasoline, this classic vehicle was fortunate enough to be housed in a garage, shielding it from the elements. Surprisingly, despite the common pitfalls associated with garage storage, the Cougar is in remarkable condition.
Discovered at an estate sale by YouTube’s “More What The Rust?,” this 1967 Mercury Cougar boasts a rust-free exterior. The original Inverness Green paint remains vibrant, and despite surface dust, the chrome parts are well-preserved. Inside, the tan upholstery on seats and doors is remarkably clean, with a crack-free dashboard and an intact headliner – a rare find for a car of this vintage.
Power Under the Hood
Beneath the hood lies a complete 289-cubic-inch (4.7-liter) V8, likely the four-barrel carburetor version producing 225 horsepower and 305 pound-feet (414 Nm) of torque. Notably, this Cougar features the less common three-speed manual gearbox, adding to its uniqueness in a market dominated by four-speed manuals and three-speed automatics.
In the context of 1967, Mercury sold a total of 150,893 Cougars, marking it as the best year for the first-generation pony. Approximately 27,200 units were equipped with the XR-7 package, distinguishing them with premium features. The XR-7 package, unlike the base model, included the four-barrel 289 V8.
# FAQs
## How was the Cougar discovered?
The Cougar was found at an estate sale by YouTube’s “More What The Rust?”
## What is the condition of the exterior and interior?
The exterior is rust-free with vibrant original paint, and the interior is remarkably well-preserved, including a crack-free dashboard and clean upholstery.
##What powers the Cougar?
A complete 289-cubic-inch (4.7-liter) V8, likely the four-barrel carburetor version, provides power. The Cougar features a rare three-speed manual gearbox.
## How rare is the three-speed manual transmission?
While no official statistics exist, the three-speed manual transmission is scarcer than the more common four-speed manual and three-speed automatic options.
## What makes this Cougar historically significant?
The 1967 Cougar represents a milestone year, with Mercury selling 150,893 units. The XR-7 package, featured in approximately 27,200 units, added premium elements, making this Cougar stand out in terms of both quantity and quality.
## What is the potential value of this well-preserved classic?
Being highly original and in impressive condition, the Cougar has the potential to be valuable once cleaned up, running, and driving.
