10 Facts You May Not Know About the Mercury Cougar

You May Not Know About The Mercury Cougar

The Mercury Cougar was one of the most talked-about cars in the late 1960s. It has managed to capture a following due to its stylish visual design. It was the most lavish convertibles with a two-door coupe structure. The target market of this automobile aimed to appeal to the male population. As its promotional videos included the phrase " Cougar. Are you man enough?" Despite its initial success, the Mercury Cougar line succumbed to a decline in the next succeeding years.

Standing as an iconic muscle car. Mercury Cougar has countless things that almost all motor pros aren't aware of, here are some 10 facts you may not know about the Mercury Cougar.

1. The Cougar and Mustang Are Closely Related
2. The 1987 Mercury Cougar had a Gold Trim
3. Only the Cougar in the Mercury Line won Motor Trend Car of the Year
4. Cougar's Golden Age is the Same as its Initial Release Year
5. The Cougar was Offered as a Promotional Prize
6. Mercury Cougar did Multiple Style Changes
7. The Mercury Cougar is a NASCAR Champion
8. The Cougars in Europe and Australia were Renamed
9. The Mercury Cougar Appeared in a Movie
10. 8 Generations of Cougar Designs Exist

1. The Cougar and Mustang Are Closely Related

The Cougar and Mustang Are Closely Related 1971-1973 Ford Mustang / Mercury Cougar

From 1967 to 1973, the Mercury Cougar is referenced to the Mustang. Their main point of similarity is their chassis design. The Cougar is sometimes labeled as a larger version of the Mustang. However, this car has charms that make it stand out. Details like better suspension, longer wheelbase, and better insulations give the Mustang a run for its money.

2. The 1987 Mercury Cougar had a Gold Trim

During the 20th anniversary of the Mercury Cougar, they released a collectors edition. It is in Cabernet Red color with a 24 karat gold trim and a black-out trim. The engine model was a 302 cubic-inch V8 that packs a 270 lb-ft torque and 150hp. Out of the 5,002 units made for this occasion, 800 cars managed to find their way to Canadian owners. In terms of value, this rare 1987 Mercury Cougar is estimated to be worth $4200 if in mint condition.

3. Only the Cougar in the Mercury Line Won Motor Trend Car of the Year

Only the Cougar in the Mercury Line Won Motor Trend Car of the Year 1967 Car Of The Year: Mercury Cougar

The plush Cougar pony car of 1967 was such a game-changer it was awarded this prestige. This award has been given out yearly since 1949. The award-giving body is the popular Car magazine Motor Trend. It is a prestigious honor for any automotive maker to be included in the list of its winners. As additional proof, this car variant is one of the best-selling Cougars of all time too.

4. Cougar's Golden Age is the Same as its Initial Release Year

When Mercury Cougar fans were asked which among the Mercury Cougars are their favorites. The following answers appeared: 1967 and 1968 models, convertibles, and the 1970 Eliminator. The reasons for their choice? Most liked the overall look of the cars in this era. It seems the detailing featured on these models still managed to capture the fancy of many. A lot of respondents praised how these models captured well the vibe of the 1960s and 1970s.

5. The Cougar was Offered as a Promotional Prize

The Cougar was Offered as a Promotional Prize PHOTO CREDIT: Almost Unused / TwitterCoca-Cola "National Thirst Eliminator"

The 1970 Eliminator is a powerful car that is popular due to its drag racing appearances. It was driven by no less than Don Nicholson. During the 1970s, it also was offered as a grand prize for a Coca-Cola campaign. The sweepstakes event was wittily named the "National Thirst Eliminator".

Based on records, the color of the Eliminators awarded was in a shade of Blue.

6. Mercury Cougar did Multiple Style Changes

The Mercury Cougar has managed to stay in the market for about 34 years. Through the course of this time, it has shifted the car's theme to stay relevant. In the beginning, it was a high styled pony car that evolved into a luxury car. To appeal to the public taste, it has transformed into Mid-size cars. Then finally, it attempted to capture a younger market. The Mercury Cougar turned into a sport compact car with a traverse front-engine and front-wheel drive.

Unfortunately, due to declining popularity, sales also began to slow down. It made Ford decide to stop making this automobile line. The last production of the Mercury Cougar was in 2002.

7. The Mercury Cougar is a NASCAR Champion

The Mercury Cougar is a NASCAR Champion

The Mercury Cougar packs a lot of engine power, therefore, making it a good prospect for a drag racing car. In 1965, NASCAR hall of fame awardee Bud Moore partnered with Fran Hernandez to develop the winning racing vehicle. The efforts and faith in developing the Cougar paid off in 1968. Driven by no less than Tiny Lund, it won the NASCAR Grand American division championship.

8. The Cougars in Europe and Australia were Renamed

The 8th generation Mercury Cougars were exported to Europe and Australia but had to be marketed under the name "Ford Cougar". This model was built for both right and left-hand drives. It paved the way for its entry to the UK and Australia. These cars were manufactured in the United States and introduced as middle size coupe.

These automobiles did not have the traditional Cougar markings. The overall design and structure are the same for both the Mercury and Ford variants. If there is a notable physical difference, it would be that non-export Cougars have amber marker light lenses. The export versions have a clear marker instead.

9. The Mercury Cougar Appeared in a Movie

The Mercury Cougar Appeared in a Movie

Movies fans know that the awesome cars add a lot of appeal to the overall theme. Especially in action flicks like James Bond films. The featured cars are often anticipated and discussed. Fortunately, the Bond film " On Her Majesty's Secret Service" released in 1969 featured a convertible Mercury Cougar XR7.

In the film's storyline, it was owned by Contessa Teresa "Tracy" di Vicenzo played by "Bond Girl" Diana Rigg. The scenes it took part in included an intense high-speed chase driven on ice. And there was also a romantic proposal inside the car by James Bond played by George Lazenby. The two were sheltered there inside a barn while during a blizzard.

The original 1969 Mercury Cougar X7R used in the movie was put up for auction in Bonhams. It was restored to good condition and was an anticipated star in the Bond Street Sale.

10. 8 Generations of Cougar Designs Exist

The Mercury Cougar managed to challenge some innovations in its product line. Each generation had something to offer. The first-generation two-door coupes were known to possess powerful 4.7L 200hp V8 engines. Then by the 4th generation, the structure took a shift added four-door models in their product line. It came in the form of sedans and station wagons. By the 6th generation, the Cougar returned to exclusively making two doors, but this time as mid-size cars. And in its final 8th generation, the three-door liftback coup or hatchback was released.