Collins talks about production numbers to emphasize how unique this Cardinal Red Cougar is. In the first place, the brand sold about 81,000 of the iconic 1968 Mercury Cougar muscle cars. Of these, only 1,500 came with the 390 ci V8. In comparison, Ford built roughly 20,000 390 ci powered Mustangs that year, according to Collins.
But what really separates this Cougar from the others is that it left the assembly line as a GT trim. So, Collins estimates this car is only 1 of 20 configured like this. The GT upgrade adds a more robust suspension, stiffer springs, and power front disc brakes; essential features to support an engine with a factory rating of 325 horsepower and 427 lb-ft of torque.
Update On Dennis Collins’ 1971 Chevrolet C10 Time Machine
Collins fills viewers in on a memorable 1971 Chevrolet C10 pickup from an exciting previous Dennis Collins rescue we covered in June. Part of a multi-truck buy, this green and white Chevy has a time-capsule quality thanks to it sitting in storage for 43 years.
Thanks to new parts, including a radiator, gas tank, shocks, brakes, tires, and water pump, the C10 is almost as good as new. Meanwhile, a turn of the key fires up the four-barrel 350 ci V8 with a solid sound. All that’s left to do is a steam clean of the engine bay, undercarriage, and buffing of the paint
