While cruising to a family cookout last weekend, we spotted a pretty clean looking 1971 Mercury Cougar XR7 sitting on the side of the road. We pulled some Bill Caswell-esque rally moves to slide the family truckster over to the Merc and had a closer look. Our first question, regarding the powerplant was quickly answered by the paperwork lying on the dashboard. This sucker is packing a 4-bbl 351 Cleveland mill.
To be honest it has taken us a while to come around to the second generation Cougars. The first-gen cars were so sleekly and cleanly styled that for a long time we found the second gen cars to be bloated and a bit on the gaudy side. Our opinion changed when we learned that despite their chubby appearance, the second gen cars are actually lighter than the ones they replaced, early (1971 and 1972) models could be had with decent factory power, and there’s some power potential in the giant ports of the 351C engine.
Mercury moved more than 25,000 Cougar XR7s during the 1971 model year. The XR7 was an appearance package for the most part with the vinyl roof, sports mirrors, and chrome (some of which has been deleted from this car). Optional gear ratios and other performance items could be ordered from the dealer at the point of purchase as well.
This car sits about an inch lower than factory, has some pretty well hidden suspension upgrades, rolls on 15×8 Magnum wheels, and has a mere 2,000 miles on the warmed up 351 Cleveland under the expanside hood.
While we can’t say we’re in love with the front end of this car, the side profile is bitchin’ to our eyes!
Definatly rock that for 5500. Neato car !
It’s been said that “Beayty is in the eye of the beerholder”…..
Here’s to the wife for her patience every time you pull over and drool over cars, trucks, tractors, cranes, dump trucks, and any other rusted crap he spies.
Anyone can speak to Bob Worswick at Tri-Towne Transmission on this car.
781-826-8780
Rt.53 Pembroke Ma.
I got no details on this car, but I’m sure its not too bad.
The first car I bought was a 71 XR7, dark green wth white top. It was 5 years old and I paid $1500 for it. Sometimes I wish I still had it. Loved that car.