Saleofcar.com :Mercury

Mercury Cougar XR7 Convertible (1973)
for sale

Price: US $5,000.00

Description:

1973 Mercury Cougar XR-7 w/351 Q Code 4V Engine / Automatic Trans

Originally a bright red exterior / white leather interior Cougar. Previous owner painted the car black.
I acquired this 1973 Convertible Cat out of Utah where it spent its entire life. Except for the exterior re-paint this car is in very original and very rust free condition. Many years ago I had a 1973 Mach 1 with the Q Code Cobra Jet 4V Engine with Automatic Trans and I just loved it. That's what caught my attention about this car, it has the same great drive train! The 351 Cleveland 4V Q Code Cobra Jet Engine was the most powerful engine offered by Ford in both the Mustang and Cougar in 1973.
I've got the Marti Report and it shows this vehicle originally came with:

- 351 4V Cobra Jet Engine
- C6 Automatic Trans
- Optional Axle Ratio - 3:50 Traction-Loc 9 Inch Ford Differential
- Black Power Top w/Glass Rear Window
- GR78X14 White Side Wall Tires
- Wire Wheel Covers
- Power Windows
- Power Steering
- Power Brakes
- Convenience Group
- AM/FM Stereo Radio
- Bumper Rub Strips
- Intermittent Windshield Wipers
- Body Side Molding
- Appearance Protection Group
- Color Keyed Racing Exterior Mirrors
- Tinted Glass
- Heavy Duty Battery
This car does not have the door data tag on it. I assume it was removed when the car was painted black. According to the Marti Report the door codes would read:
Body:
76F
(Cougar XR7 Convertible),
Color:
2B
(Bright Red Paint, Ford #3560-A),
Trim:
DW
(White Leather Bucket Seats),
Trans:
U
(C-6 Automatic),
Axle:
S
(3.50 Traction-Lok).
Original Dealer:
51F037
Bountiful Motor Sales Inc, 2773 South Main, Bountiful, Utah 84010.
This car is very original and complete. I love the American Racing five spoke wheels and the 215R-70-15 black side-wall tires. They really sets the car off nicely. These are newer tires with plenty of tread and this car drives excellent. The only thing I've done to this well optioned '73 Cat since I brought it to southeastern Michigan was fix a leaking brake fitting (at the brake master cylinder) and replace the dual exhaust H-pipe that was rusted out. The rest of the exhaust system rearward still looks like original Ford pipes and mufflers. I would not be afraid to drive this car anywhere or any distance with it. Since the Mustang and the Cougar are based off the same chassis, anyone will easily be able to keep this car running many years into the future.
This is a very rust free car. I only see one small rust spot/bubble over one rear wheel well right at wheel lip molding. I tried to show a decent picture of it, but its a small spot, the car is black, and it just started raining as I got set to shoot these pictures. The 4V carb is the original 1973 Ford 4V carb. It could use some adjustment and it could stand to be rebuilt, but it works decent as is. Other than that, most of the work needed on this well optioned out Cougar is mainly cosmetic. Without the need to replace extensive rusty metal, this car is one that you can drive and easily restore at the same time. Compared to a lot of Rust-tangs out there this Mercury Cougar is a super solid car to start a restoration with and Cougars normally retail at a lower price point then its identical Ford cousin, the Mustang.
This is not a perfect car by any means, but I'm not trying to get $20, 000+ for it either. Its in great working order and a solid starting point for a restoration or a great resto-mod. If you are interested in this car and you are coming in town for the Woodward Cruise you are welcome to come look at it. Rusty Mustangs are a dime a dozen and many up on eBay have hidden sheet metal issues that the current sellers don't want you to know about. A nice solid car like this Cougar is pretty rare.

If you have any questions or concerns, please ask before you bid. My eBay feedback is excellent and speaks for itself.

_{update: 2015-08-08}