WELL-PRESERVED SURVIVOR XR7, 28K MILE, 302 V8 J-CODE, C4, PWR FRNT DISC, PS, AC

Where else can you get this much luxury muscle for so little cash? This low-mileage survivor 1968 Mercury Cougar XR7 offers a numbers-matching V8, uxurious interior, nd a unique look that will make it stand out among the Mustangs, ll for thousands less. Where's the downside?The Mercury Cougar was the Mustang's big cousin, nd it carries itself well today, ore than four decades later. The proportions are unmistakable, ut this Grecian Gold hardtop shows off bodywork that would make any Mustang owner jealous. We have every reason to believe that the 28,787 miles it shows are authentic, nd the condition of the original paint bears it out. While the overall look might be familiar, here's not a single interchangeable body panel between Mustang and Cougar, o the big cat has a look all its own. The original paint has a fantastic soft shine and shows off the upscale details like the gently flared fenders and the subtle crease that runs along the tops of the fenders and doors, ll of which has been beautifully preserved over the course of the last five decades. The Cougar's hidden headlights and matching grille are more Lincoln than pony car (yes, he headlights work properly!), nd the chrome bumpers are extremely nice despite their age. And yes, he cool sequential taillights are fully functional, oo. Even the vinyl top appears to be original, nd that's where this car's preservation really shows, ecause it isn't faded, ried out, r even scuffed. Nice!The Cougar's slightly larger footprint shows itself most inside, here the interior feels spacious and upscale. Twin Light Nugget Gold (yes, hat's the name, checked) buckets might look familiar, ut look how much stretch-out room there is between them, nd the back seat is totally usable by real adults. Beautiful matching door panels have Cougar insignias and more bright trim than the Mustang, nd darker gold carpets add contrast. Instrumentation is nicely done, ith simple gauges that almost look like Smith's instruments on high-end British cars, urther cementing it's upscale vibe. This particular Mercury also offers a 3-speed "Merc-O-Matic" automatic transmission (AKA a C4 3-speed), ilt-away steering wheel, n AM/FM radio, nd ice cold A/C, ll of which are more in line with the Cougar's easy-going lifestyle. There's even more room in the trunk, nd it's finished with a new mat and spare tire cover, ith no surprises underneath.The Cougar always packed muscle, o there's a J-code 302 cubic inch V8 under the hood. It's not quite detailed for show, ut at the same time, or an original car, t looks fantastic and I wouldn't change a thing. You'll note the chrome air cleaner wears its original decal and the inner fenders and firewall are as spotless as the rest of the car. The A/C has been converted to R134a refrigerant, ut that appears to be the lone modification. Underneath you'll find the aforementioned C4 3-speed automatic transmission and a 9-inch rear with easy-cruising 3.00 gears, o this cat just whispers down the highway. Easy living shows up in solid floors that show only a light dusting of undercoating, o it's not hiding anything, nd a mild dual exhaust system gives the big cat a nice V8 rumble without getting out of character. Factory spoke hubcaps are an upscale finish to this sporty Merc, nd they wear recent 215/70/14 BFGoodrich T/A radials.A little off the beaten path, ut this Cougar is every bit as delightful as an early Mustang to own and drive, ll for a lot less money. Call today!