[62] Distinguished by its use of Lincoln Mark VIII wheels, the 30th Anniversary Cougar featured model-specific C-pillar emblems, embroidered seat and floormat emblems; the option also included commemorative items shipped to the owner. [14] The front fascia retained a full-width grille, with the "electric shaver" split grille replaced by a horizontally-slatted grille (with a matching centerpiece); concave taillamp lenses replaced the previous convex design. The base V8 in coupes and sedans was a 134 hp 302 Windsor V8, with a 149 hp 351 Windsor as the standard engine in station wagons; a 161 hp 351M V8 was optional in coupes and sedans. The Cougar received the 1967 Motor Trend Car of the Year award (the first Lincoln-Mercury vehicle to do so). [52] Developed from the second quarter of 1984, as a counterpart of the tenth-generation Ford Thunderbird, the $2 billion redesign of the two vehicles was intended to create handling benchmarked against far more expensive coupes (BMW 6-Series, Mercedes-Benz 560SEC, Jaguar XJS) while remaining in the same price segment. Gateway Classic Cars of Tampa is proud to offer this sharp 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator. BODY & INTERIOR Rather than start with the upscale XR-7, Mercury built each Eliminator from the base Cougar hardtop coupe. [52] In following with the previous generation, LS-trim Cougars were fitted with digital instrumentation; the Cougar XR7 was fitted with an analog instrument panel. [43] For 1988, the analog XR7 dashboard made its return; along with the deletion of the boost gauge, the tachometer was revised for a lower-revving V8 engine.[46]. The 390 was dropped, with the 428 Cobra Jet remaining alongside the Boss 302 as the high-performance engines. For the first time, Cougar's two-door models featured a fixed "B" pillar and a fixed steel frame around front door windows, as in the sedan. [2] The Cougar was offered with nearly every Mercury option with the sole exception of automatic climate control and power windows; a "Tilt-Away" steering wheel was offered, a power-operated steering column that swung up and out of the way when the driver's door was opened, the transmission in "park", and the ignition was off.[13]. In contrast to the Eliminator, the Cougar received a special option package (styled by fashion designer Pauline Trigère), including a houndstooth-patterned vinyl roof and matching upholstery; the roof and upholstery were available together or separately. Far exceeding initial sales projections, the Cougar accounted for nearly 40% of 1967 Lincoln-Mercury sales. This Car WillBe Sold In As-is Condition. To distinguish the model line from the Mustang, the Cougar adopted multiple design elements from larger Mercury vehicles. Options include Eliminator Group, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Traction-Loc Differential, Center Console, AM Radio, Decor Group, Remote Driver's Side Mirror, Heavy Duty Suspension and Chrome Styled Steel Wheels with BFG White Letter Radials. [8] Largely a performance-oriented appearance package, the XR-7G included a hood scoop, fog lamps, hood pins, and tailpipes from the GT; the option package was offered with any Cougar engine. The second-generation Cougar is the final version derived from the Ford Mustang and the final version offered as a convertible. Mercury Cougar Eliminator 428 Cobra Jet Mercury Cougar v8 Mercury pony car Muscle Car Month. In 1975, the Cougar XR-7 continued to add more luxury features as it moved upmarket. For 1970, the Cougar underwent an additional revision to the front fascia; the split "electric shaver" grille made its return, adopting a pronounced body-color center section. A Wood Brothers Racing Mercury Cougar was the winner of the 1976 Daytona 500. [6] In addition to a signature decal, the option package included turbine-style wheel covers and an engine dress-up kit. Shared with the Mercury Marquis/Colony Park, a 4.2 L V8 was standard, with a 4.9 L V8 offered as an option; both engines were paired with a 4-speed Ford AOD overdrive automatic. Bid for the chance to own a 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. What piece of information, exactly, makes a cougar an Eliminator? [41] While given a less aerodynamic roofline than the Thunderbird, the 1983 Cougar was far sleeker than the 1982 Cougar XR7, reducing its coefficient of drag from 0.50 to 0.40[42][41] In 1987, the sixth-generation Cougar underwent a mid-cycle revision with aerodynamic improvements, reducing its drag coefficient to 0.36. After skipping the 1998 model year, Mercury introduced the eighth-generation Mercury Cougar for the 1999 model year at the 1998 Los Angeles Auto Show. Cougar coupes and Cougar XR-7s had a 114-inch wheelbase while Cougar four-doors and station wagons had a 118-inch wheelbase. [52] LS-trim Cougars were offered with a naturally aspirated 140 hp version of the V6, while the XR7 was powered by a 210 hp supercharged version (serving as the replacement for the turbocharged 2.3 L inline-4). While unchanged in displacement, the new engine was an all-new design. [30] Alongside its namesake color, the trim package was also offered in six other colors: ivy glamour metallic, green metallic, medium brown metallic, saddle bronze, medium yellow gold, and white.[30]. [46], For its 1983 launch, to lower production costs, the sixth-generation Cougar was required to carry over interior parts from the 1980–1982 Cougar XR7, including a modified dashboard; an analog instrument panel was standard, with a digital instrument panel offered as an option. The naturally aspirated V6 was paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the supercharged V6 was offered with a 5-speed manual (with the automatic as an option). The first-generation Cougar was offered in two trims, an unnamed standard trim, and the Cougar XR-7, introduced in early 1967. As part of the model line revision, the Ford Mondeo platform was no longer used in North America until its consolidation with the 2013 Ford Fusion; the Mercury Cougar was effectively left without a donor platform. [52] As an option, the Cougar was available with 4-wheel antilock disc brakes (standard on the Cougar XR7).[52]. The team featured drivers, such as Captain Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Peter Revson, David Pearson, and Ed Leslie. With the exception of Ford Blue Oval badging replacing Cougar emblems on the exterior and interior, both Ford and Mercury versions are essentially identical. [4], The Lincoln-Mercury counterpart of the Ford Mustang, the Cougar was initially introduced as a two-door hardtop. Also, two transaxle options were available: the manual Ford MTX-75 transmission or the automatic Ford CD4E transmission (available in the US with either engine, although the I4/automatic combination was extremely rare; supposedly only 500 Cougars were built with the I4/auto). [20] Four exterior colors were available: white, bright blue metallic, competition orange, and bright yellow.[11]. Shop millions of cars from over 21,000 dealers and find the … [64] Without the Mercury brand in Europe and Australia, Ford marketed the Cougar as the Ford Cougar through Ford of Europe and Ford of Australia from 1999 to 2002. The Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique (Ford Mondeo MkII) ended production in 2000, with the Cougar outliving it by two model years. For 1968, the Cougar saw revisions related to compliance with federal safety mandates, adding side marker lights and front outboard shoulder belts (sash belt, shoulder harness). Mandnautosales. Serving as the counterpart of the Thunderbird Turbo Coupe, the XR7 was fitted with a performance-oriented suspension, a turbocharged 2.3 L engine (shared with the Turbo Coupe and Mustang SVO), blacked-out window trim, and full analog instrumentation. Everything looks new- carpet, upholstery, door panels, visors, headliner, etc. The interior was also revised at this time and now included dual airbags with a wraparound style interior. Engine offerings for 1974 included a standard 351 V8 Cleveland 2V, optional but seldom ordered Q-code 351 "Cobra Jet" V8, 400 2V, and 460 4V; in 1975 the Cleveland 2V was replaced by the 351M. Gateway Classic Cars of Tampa is proud to offer this sharp 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator. For the 1980 model year, Mercury downsized the Cougar XR-7. A $200 combination of two option packages,[11] the Eliminator received a performance-tuned suspension, upgraded wheels and tires, a front air dam, and a rear spoiler. [8] A two-barrel "Marauder 390P" was introduced for non-GT Cougars, producing 280 hp. As its Boss Mustang counterpart was dropped, Mercury discontinued the racing-oriented Cougar Eliminator. Options include Eliminator Group, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Traction-Loc Differential, Center Console, AM Radio, Decor Group, Remote Driver's Side Mirror, Heavy Duty Suspension and Chrome Styled Steel Wheels with BFG White Letter Radials Bucket Seats, Luxury, distinction, serious big block performance are just the headlines on this 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 AM/FM✔ Air Conditioning, Body is pretty solid, some bubbles in typical places. [45] For 1988, the 3.8 L V6 was given multiport fuel injection, increasing output to 140 hp; the 4.9 L V8 was retuned to 155 hp. The Cougar acquired the sine qua non of the personal luxury car in the 1970s: opera windows. [62] Approximately 5,000 25th anniversary and 5,000 30th anniversary Cougars were produced.[61][62]. offered since early-year 1991 for North America U.S.", "Auto Literature, Car Sales Brochures & Catalogs: McLellans Automotive", http://oldcarbrochures.org/index.php/New-Brochures---Aug/1997-Mercury-Cougar-Brochure-Cdn/1977-Mercury-Cougar-Cdn--16, "Cool Cats, Celebrating The 1983–88 Mercury Cougar", "Aero Cats, Celebrating The 1989–97 Mercury Cougar", "99-02 Mercury Cougar production numbers", 1967 Trans-Am Scores at www.trans-amseries.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mercury_Cougar&oldid=998412554, Articles with dead external links from September 2017, Articles with permanently dead external links, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2008, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2010, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Special Edition (2000 model year) available in Zinc Yellow, leather interior with yellow stitching on the seats. 1969 mercury cougar - salt lake city, utprivate seller - utahsalt lake city, ut 84120ph: 3257182156web: www. [22], For 1973, Lincoln-Mercury marketed a "Bronze Age" special edition promotion of the Cougar (alongside the Monterey, Montego MX, and Comet). The body design used a philosophy Ford dubbed "New Edge" design: a combination of organic upper body lines with sharp, concave creases in the lower areas. Similar in size and performance, the Cougar overshadowed the Mercury Cyclone intermediate coupe, leading Mercury to phase out the latter model line during 1972. Over the years the car was repainted, the engine tuned up, and the interior was reupholstered using a very comfortable and stylish vinyl with cloth inserts, Sports striping, Eliminator front grille and rear deck spoiler, magnum 500 wheels, AM/FM stereo including CD disc changer, along with minor exterior and engine upgrades. The fourth generation is the best-selling version of the Cougar; with 1978 as the top-selling year for the entire model line. For 1971, Lincoln-Mercury released the second-generation Mercury Cougar. From 1974 to 1997, the Cougar was marketed as either a "junior Ford Thunderbird" or a direct counterpart of it. On 26 December 1988, the seventh-generation Mercury Cougar was introduced for the 1989 model year. Sharing a chassis with the Ford Contour, the model line began development as a third-generation of the Ford Probe, shifting to Mercury as its development was nearing completion. For its seventh generation, the Cougar introduced the MN12 platform, developed for the Cougar, Thunderbird, and Lincoln Mark VIII. Adapting much of the equipment of the previous LS, the 1993 XR7 adapted chrome exterior trim and a standard digital instrument cluster, with four-wheel disc brakes becoming an option. While coupes had traditionally been offered in Lincoln-Mercury dealerships for several decades, the shift of the Cougar to the sports compact segment presented a challenge to sales personnel acquainted with marketing luxury-segment vehicles to new-car buyers along with attracting younger buyers into Mercury showrooms. It was offered in only four colors: Competition Orange (code 3 on the data plate), Bright Blue (code 6), Yellow (code 9) and White (code M). Of these there were only 6 Yellow 390. In total, Mercury produced 5,002 20th Anniversary Cougars; 800 were reserved for Canada.[51]. As a result of the longer wheelbase, the rear overhang was shortened. C2 (2001–2002 model years) available in either French Blue, Silver Frost, or Vibrant White, along with special blue interior accents. Serving as the replacement for the Ford Probe, the first front-wheel drive Cougar shifted market segments from two-door personal luxury coupe to three-door sport compact, introducing the first Mercury sport hatchback coupe since the 1986 Mercury Capri. A member of our sales department will be in touch within 24 hours. Driver Tiny Lund dominated the series and took the championship. To improve the crashworthiness, the design added three inches to the overall length. It now shared a chassis with the larger Mercury Montego/Ford Torino intermediates and lent itself to create a Ford badged version released in February 1974 called Gran Torino Elite. Offered solely as a hardtop, the Eliminator was offered with all available Cougar engines, with the 351 Cleveland as the standard engine. As market demand shifted away from large two-door coupes, the Mercury Cougar and Ford Thunderbird were discontinued after the 1997 model year, with the final example produced on 4 September 1997. Interior offerings during these three years included a standard bench seat with cloth or vinyl upholstery, an optional Twin-Comfort Lounge 60/40 bench seat with center armrest and cloth, vinyl, or optional leather trim; or all-vinyl bucket seats with center console. The 1999–2002 Cougars were available with two engine options, the 2.0 L Zetec straight-4 engine with 125 hp (93 kW; 127 PS), and the 2.5 L Duratec V6 with 170 hp (127 kW; 172 PS). For muscle cars, 1969 was a … The model line was fitted with front disc and rear drum brakes, with power-assisted brakes becoming standard in 1973. [58][59], For 1993, Mercury revised the Cougar model line, with the XR7 becoming the sole trim level, dropping the LS and the monochromatic sport-oriented XR7 (eliminating some overlap with the Ford Thunderbird). Slotted above the Ford Ka and Ford Puma (both based on the Ford Fiesta subcompact), the Cougar was marketed as a mid-sized coupe. The 1976 Cougar carried over largely unchanged from 1975. [2], The Mercury Cougar was introduced by the Lincoln-Mercury division of Ford on September 30, 1966. [2][6] A 289 cu in (4.7 L) V8 was offered with either a two-barrel (200 hp) or a four-barrel carburetor (225 hp); a 390 cu in (6.4 L) "Marauder" V8 was offered as an option, producing 320 hp (GT).[7]. For the 1969 model year, the Cougar underwent a mid-cycle revision alongside its Mustang counterpart. Original S code 390 V-8 with Rare 4 Speed Close Ratio Transmission Bucket Seats, Mated to a C6 automatic transmission and stock 9" rear end AM/FM, The Eliminator Equipment Package included high-back bucket seats, Rally gauge cluster with factory Tach, front and rear spoilers, blacked-out grille, hood scoop, body-side stripe and emblem decal, and 3.50:1 performance axle. [49] As part of the introduction of the XR7, the model introduced an instrument panel including a tachometer and turbocharger boost gauge. However, the manual transmission version of the car, when given enough road, was capable of reaching speeds of around 145. Find 5 used 1967 Mercury Cougar in Ashburn, VA as low as $9,725 on Carsforsale.com®. 351 Windsor, Automatic Transmission. Roush Edition (1999–2000 model years) Available mostly in white and silver color choices, this car was built under the Roush name with bodywork to the front bumper, back, side skirts, and more. The 429 V8 was dropped, leaving the Cougar with three versions of the 351C V8. [12] The first Lincoln-Mercury vehicle with hidden headlamps, the front fascia was distinguished by a split "electric shaver" grille, featuring vertically slatted chrome trim. In the United States, the Ford Cougar was built in both left and right-hand drive, with the latter allowing for its sale in the UK and Australia. 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator Boss 302 Under the hood is the date matching Boss 302 and the 4-speed manual transmission. The 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator is a RWD muscle car by Mercury that is featured in Forza Motorsport 4 and in all subsequent Motorsport titles including Forza Motorsport 6: Apex. Ford of Venezuela marketed the Fox-platform Cougar from 1983 to 1986 as the Ford Cougar Brougham four-door sedan. The standard engine continued to be the 148 hp (110 kW) 351M two-barrel V8 with the 158 hp (118 kW) 400 two-barrel V8 and 216 hp (161 kW) 460 four-barrel V8 optional. More listings are added daily. For 1991, the Cougar underwent a slight facelift, with new headlamps, taillamps, and front bumper; the facelift is distinguished by a smaller grille (1989–1990 versions extend above the headlamps). Find Mercury Cougar at the best price. At its launch, the first-generation Cougar shared its engine lineup with the Mustang, although offering V8 engines exclusively. Titlewill be mailed overnight delivery after the bank transfer of funds clears. In a strategy similar to 1977, the standard Cougar returned for 1981 in place of the Monarch in the Mercury product line (sharing its body with the redesigned Ford Granada). This car willbe sold in as-is condition. [55] For 1996, the Cougar received a major restyling sharing its entire front fascia with the Ford Thunderbird except for the front bumper cover and grille. These years marked the end of the "luxurious Mustang" and the beginning of the Cougar's move towards becoming a "junior Thunderbird" and eventually a sibling of the Thunderbird. 100 Eliminators were ordered by Hertz and for Ford executives. The $185 upgrade to the XR-7 brought further European influence; in addition to a (simulated) wood-trim dashboard, full instrumentation (black-face gauges), toggle switches, and an overhead console; if so equipped, the automatic transmission was fitted with a T-handle console shifter. For the 1987 model year, Mercury produced the Mercury 20th Anniversary Cougar as a commemorative edition. They also came with 17-inch machined wheels, the same as the XRs without the black paint on the center spokes. A high-performance Cougar S (not to be confused with the concept) was discussed in the press, which was essentially a Cougar with a Contour SVT engine; however, this version never made it into production. [44], For its 1983 launch, the sixth-generation Cougar offered a 120 hp 3.8 L V6 from its predecessor as a standard engine; a 130 hp 4.9 L V8 made its return as an optional engine. For 1984, the XR7 made its return after a year-long hiatus. In place of a split grille, the front fascia was styled with a prominent center section (in line with the Mercury Cyclone and Ford Thunderbird) including a waterfall-style grille. [28] A 166 hp two-barrel version was the standard engine, with a 246 hp four-barrel offered as an option. Intended for a 1998 model year launch, the new Probe shifted its design from the Mazda MX-6 to a platform shared with the Ford Contour. [41] As before, traditional Fox-platform underpinnings were retained, including a MacPherson strut/A-arm front suspension with a four-link coil-sprung solid rear axle with front and rear anti-roll bars. Covers the technical/engineering aspects as well as following Mercury/Ford in company … To differentiate the model from its Ford counterpart (and from standard Cougars), the XR-7 was given its own rear fascia. The 428 Cobra Jet was the largest Cougar engine, rated at 335 hp (with or without Ram Air).[11]. A 1969-only package was the Cougar Sports Special that included unique pinstriping, "turbine" style wheel covers, and rocker panel moldings with simulated side scoops. The car's Montego heritage was fairly evident from the sides and back. Auction Lot J131.1, Kissimmee, FL 2021. This Car WillBe Sold In As-is Condition. For 1982 only, the mid-size Cougar was offered as a station wagon replacing the Zephyr station wagon. It's an extremely rare piece of Muscle car history. A 3-speed automatic transmission was paired to each V8 engine. [2], Intended for a market position between the Ford Mustang and the Ford Thunderbird, the Cougar was intended as a "plush" pony car. Although the car still lacked a fixed "B" pillar, the rear windows no longer rolled down, making the car more like a coupe than a true hardtop. During its production, the seventh-generation Mercury Cougar underwent several revisions. For 1978, the Cougar offered the same engines from 1977; for 1979, the 400 was discontinued. Twin Comfort Lounge reclining seats, with or without velour cloth trim, were the only major change for the interior. usedtruckspenn.comOptions:Description:This Is An Eliminator Clone. During 1968, the 289 was replaced temporarily substituted by the 302 cu in (4.9 L) V8 designed for the new federal emissions standards. [23] While substantially upgraded, the rear-wheel drive chassis underpinnings remained derived from the Ford Falcon unibody architecture. The automatic transmission became standard for all Cougars. During the '69 model year of production, there were only 4,024 XR7 convertibles, which makes this car a rare find Power Windows✔ AM/FM✔ Air Conditioning. [41] For 1985, 15-inch wheels became an option for the XR7. joed1.comOptions:Description:This Is An Eliminator Clone. By the mid-1990s, Ford engineers had completed design work on the third generation of the Ford Probe. 1969 Mercury Cougar "Eliminator" Bright Blue Metallic with Bright Blue Interior. For additional information, please call our knowledgeable staff at (813)645-6200 or email us at Tampa@GatewayClassicCars.com. [43], The sixth-generation Cougar retained the rear-wheel drive Ford Fox platform from the fifth generation. This book/collection help to explain how all three elements came together to produce a unique car at the end of the 1960s. The Wood Brothers Racing team with David Pearson and later Neil Bonnett was successful with the car and scored a number of victories until the body style became ineligible following the 1980 season. 351 CI Cleveland V-8 engine. Ford also sold this generation of Cougar in Europe and Australia as the Ford Cougar. [44] 1986 saw few changes, highlighted by the addition of a government-mandated center rear brake light (CHMSL) and a power-operated moonroof;[45] for the last time, the Cougar was available with vent windows. A forum community dedicated to Mercury … Factory power sunroof. Competition Blue paint with White interior. 1969 Mercury Cougar - Cincinnati, OHFor sale by Owner - OhioCincinnati, OH 45251Ph: 3257182156Web: carmasterpros.comOptions:Description:This Is An Eliminator Clone. [41], As with the previous generation, 14-inch wheels and tires were standard, with Michelin TRX tires and metric-size wheels as an option (shared with the Thunderbird and Capri/Mustang). The opera windows were rectangular-shaped glass mounted in the C-pillars and accompanied by a standard partial rear section vinyl roof. While available on any Cougar, the sunroof was a rare option. [51] The trunk was fitted with a (non-functional) luggage rack.[51]. The straight-lined body sides transitioned toward Coke bottle styling, distinguished by a sweeping body crease sloping down from the hood line to the rear wheels; while the roofline saw little change to its design, the vent windows were deleted. TitleWill Be Mailed Overnight Delivery After The Bank Transfer Of Funds Clears.500.00 Deposit Is Required. Some XR-7s had the Rally Sport Tachometer and Gauge package (only 25% of all Cougars came with this option). 351 Windsor, Automatic Transmission. For 1991, a 200 hp (149 kW) version of the 4.9 L (302 cu in) Windsor 5.0 was introduced featuring a redesigned intake manifold to allow sufficient underhood clearance. After the Cougar changed to the Thunderbird platform in 1974, the body style was raced in NASCAR. [60] In contrast to the previous LS, the 1993 XR7 offered both V6 and V8 engines. [61] Equipped with 15" BBS alloy wheels, all examples were painted green with a tan interior (with green carpet). This 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator is for sale by our Tampa Showroom and can be viewed in greater detail including 100+ HD pictures and an HD video at www.GatewayClassicCars.com. The Eliminator Equipment Package included high-back bucket seats, Rally gauge cluster with factory Tach, front and rear spoilers, blacked-out grille, hood scoop, body-side stripe and emblem decal, and 3.50:1 performance axle. Email alerts available. [41] While the Thunderbird adopted a fastback roofline, the Cougar adopted a notchback roofline with a near-vertical backlight, distinguished by upswept rear side windows.[41]. 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator Runs and Drives Nice Matching Numbers Car Trying to make room in my garage I found & just bought my original cougar from high school so I do not need this one Calls Only. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Mercury Cougar, in 1992, the 25th Anniversary Mercury Cougar was an option package (nearly exclusively on XR7 models). This Eliminator is an All Original Paint – Unrestored Body – All Original Black Interior – carpeting, dash, door panel, seats all very good (sail panels a little rough). Initially, the counterpart of the Ford (Gran Torino) Elite, the fourth generation was split into two model lines, replacing the Montego as the Mercury intermediate (alongside the Ford LTD II), with the Cougar XR7 becoming the counterpart of the Ford Thunderbird. [23] The Boss 302 and Boss 429 were discontinued, with both Boss engines and the 428 Cobra Jet replaced by a 370 hp 429 Cobra Jet V8 (with or without Ram Air). This awesome bright baby blue 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator is powered by a 351 Cleveland V8 mated to a 3 speed automatic transmission. The Mercury Cougar Eliminator was one third pony car, another third grand tourer and the last third a muscle car. For 1971, the Cougar was offered in standard and XR-7 trim. While again sharing much of its bodyshell with the Ford Mustang, the Cougar began to transition away from its role as a "plush pony car", deriving aspects from both sports cars and luxury cars.[22]. Shop millions of cars from over 21,000 dealers and find the … [17][18] As a running change, the 427 engine was joined by a 428 Cobra Jet as an option, the latter was officially rated at 335 hp. The 289 was dropped entirely; a two-barrel 351 cubic-inch V8 became the standard engine for the Cougar, producing 250 hp (2-bbl) and 290 hp (4-bbl). This generation of Cougar had a far more contemporary package, with modern DOHC 24-valve six-cylinder Duratec engines, a fully independent multilink suspension, and front-wheel drive. During the 1970s and 1980s, the Cougar was closely tied to the marketing of the Mercury division; Mercury advertised its dealers as "The Sign of the Cat" with big cats atop Lincoln-Mercury dealer signs. [52] Designed specifically for the Mercury Cougar and Ford Thunderbird, the MN12 chassis retained the use of rear-wheel drive. [43] To further distinguish the model line from the Thunderbird, the 1987 Cougar received its own grille (with a large "cat" emblem), front bumper cover and aerodynamic composite headlamps. Gateway Classic Cars of Tampa is proud to offer this sharp 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator. No longer a "junior Thunderbird", the XR-7 was the direct Mercury counterpart of the Thunderbird (a commonality remaining for the next 20 years). After 1997, the Cougar and Thunderbird were discontinued (the Mark VIII was discontinued after 1998). [19], Largely a counterpart of the Ford Mustang Mach 1, the Cougar Eliminator replaced the Cougar GT as the performance-trim Cougar.