In the wake of the triumphant debut of the Ford Mustang in 1964, Mercury seized the opportunity to craft its own rendition of the iconic pony car. The outcome materialized in September 1966 as the Mercury Cougar, a V8-exclusive model positioned between the Mustang and the Thunderbird.
Despite not attaining the same level of success as the Mustang, the 1967 Cougar surpassed Mercury’s sales forecasts, boasting nearly 151,000 units sold. This unforeseen triumph prompted Mercury to enhance the Cougar lineup by introducing new equipment lines and powerplants in the subsequent years.
One standout model was the GT-E, introduced in 1968 before the more iconic Eliminator of 1969. The GT-E featured distinctive elements such as a redesigned grille, unique badging, and a quad exhaust layout. Its crowning glory, however, was the installation of the potent 427-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) side-oiler engine.
The 1968 GT-E holds a rare status, with only 394 units produced, making it scarcer than the 1969 Eliminator, which saw 2,250 units manufactured. Mercury built 357 GT-Es with the 427 engine before transitioning to the Cobra Jet unit, resulting in just 37 GT-Es with the 427 powerplant.
# FAQs: Unearthing a Barn Find
**Q1: What’s the current value of a 427-powered GT-E?**
A: Restored, all-original 427-powered GT-Es can command over $100,000.
**Q2: What’s the condition of the featured GT-E?**
A: The showcased GT-E exhibits signs of neglect, missing components, and wearing its original Grecian Gold only on the front clip. It appears to be a restoration project in need of completion.
**Q3: Does it still have the original 427 side-oiler engine?**
A: The original 427 side-oiler block is present, but the engine has been rebuilt into a modern powerhouse. The V8, boasting 772 horsepower from dyno testing, awaits full installation.
**Q4: Is restoring the engine to its original specs an option?**
A: Yes, restoring the engine to its original 427 GT-E specifications is a viable option given the rarity of these models. The car has the potential to become a formidable sleeper.
