For nearly 35 years, give or take a few, the Cougar carved its path, commencing its journey in 1967 and concluding in 2002. While this span may not rival the age of a seasoned American classic, it is a testament to the Cougar’s endurance, spanning a remarkable eight generations.
Among the Cougar family tree, the first-generation models hold a special allure, known for their ability to awaken the neighborhood with their powerful presence. These inaugural models achieved instant success, with the original 1967 Cougar contributing to nearly 40% of all sales for the entire Lincoln-Mercury division during that era.
Under the hood of this 1967 Cougar Hardtop, the heart of the matter beats with a supercharged 5.4-liter V8, borrowed from a 2007 Ford Mustang GT500. This powerhouse is a symphony of power, delivering an impressive 500 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, also sourced from the Mustang.
Beneath the surface, this Cougar has undergone a transformation, featuring enhancements like a Walbro fuel pump, Kenne Bell Boost-A-Pump, an aluminum radiator and intercooler, a custom Hotwire Auto engine harness, and a custom fuel tank.
Exterior charms abound, with a sleek black finish that replaced the original Maroon Metallic coat. Notable details include gray rocker panel stripes, concealed headlights, a front spoiler lip, a distinctive hood scoop with hood pins, dual side mirrors, quarter vent windows, a dual exhaust system, and 15-inch American Racing wheels shod with Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires.
This Cougar is not just about looks; it packs performance with four-wheel disc brakes, red calipers, slotted and drilled rotors, and responsive rack-and-pinion steering.
Inside the cabin, black leather adorns the front bucket seats and rear bench, while modern comforts include a digital stereo and heater. Cougar-branded door sill plates and floor mats add a touch of nostalgia, accompanied by a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel and New Vintage USA instrumentation.
There is one minor caveat with this Cougarโthe seller mentions window seal leakage. However, this is a relatively straightforward fix and should not overshadow the joy of driving and admiring this remarkable vehicle.
