The pony car market was running at full speed before Mercury arrived at the party, but bringing the Cougar in a few years after the Mustang meant they could get it right. More than just a rebadged Mustang, the Cougar was a grown-up’s interpretation of the pony car, a vehicle that is equal parts sporting and luxurious, comfortable without giving up performance. And in that regard, the Cougar succeeded, delivering an adult experience in a decidedly youth-oriented marketplace. So if you’re an adult and just can’t see yourself behind the wheel of a muscle car covered in stripes, spoilers, and hood scoops, if you’re someone who has grown out of his need to turn expensive rubber into smoke, then perhaps the Cougar is the smart choice that perhaps never even considered.

Now all this isn’t to say that the Cougar isn’t a lot of fun to own and drive, because this 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible gets all the important things right. First off, it looks awesome. A bit bigger than the Mustang but no less dramatic, it’s got a fantastic look that whispers performance instead of screaming it. The Cougar was bigger and wider than the Mustang, too, so the proportions are ideal with everything looking like it is exactly where the designers intended, not compromised by the limitations of an existing platform. And it’s a lot less common: only 1997 XR7 convertibles were built in 1970, making it rarer than even the highly prized Eliminator. Code T Bright Red is this car’s original color, and again, looking at the numbers, it’s a rare cat with only 190 ordered in the beautiful, high-impact hue. This car is largely original, although it benefitted from a quality repaint a few years ago and as a result, has an awesome shine, straight bodywork, and good panel fit throughout. The sweeping crease along the sides, the raised center on the hood, and, of course, the sequential taillights out back (yes, they work!) all make this Cougar stand out in a sea of Mustangs. Most of the chrome is original, and if you’re familiar with the XR7, you know that it got some extra trim along the tops of the door and sweeping into the top area, and the only real demerit on the car externally is some modest pitting on the cast pieces at the base of the rear quarter windows. Otherwise, all the brightwork is pretty darned nice.

The code 6D Dark Red leather bucket seat interior is largely original, which will give you a good idea of how well-preserved this cat really is. Leather really makes a difference in the way this car feels compared to its Mustang cousin, far more luxurious and expensive. There’s a lot of added sound deadening material in the Cougar as well, so the doors close with a much more substantial THUD and it feels sturdy going down the road. The seats show some light scuffing and wrinkles but no damage or split seams, which is rather remarkable after 46 years in the sun, but there it is. The carpets have likely been replaced simply because they’re much too nice to be original, and things like the dash pad and door panels are equally well-preserved. Lots of faux burled walnut warms up the interior, even reach to the steering wheel, which still has a functioning Rim-Blow horn. A full complement of gauges, including a tachometer, are all fully functional and the passenger gets a clock, which sadly is not operational today. A row of switches up high control things like the interior lights, map light, and convertible top (although the top is now managed by a switch under the dash), and there’s an upgraded RCA AM/FM radio in the center stack, likely installed sometime in the late ‘70s. The back seat is in fantastic condition and looks almost unused and the trunk is finished with a correct plaid mat and cover for the full-sized spare tire. There’s also a nice-fitting white power convertible top with a correct split glass rear window and a matching white boot for some contrast.

Power comes from the original, numbers-matching H-code 351 cubic inch V8 engine. It’s a Cleveland, easy to spot with its 8-bolt valve covers, and makes great low-end torque and doesn’t mind revving once in a while to really hustle. The H-code cars were equipped with a 2-barrel carburetor and made a rather robust 250 horsepower, so there’s plenty of thrust at any speed yet it’s still relatively easy on gas and simple to maintain. The engine has never been out of the car, so it’s a little scruffy, but it runs superbly, starting easily, idling well even when it’s cold, and pulling the sleek red ragtop around with ease. It is not modified (although such things are easy if you need more power) and has not been abused or raced, so it’s ready for another few decades of fun. It could use a good detailing if that’s what you’re after, but it does show lots of recent work, including ignition parts and a recent carburetor rebuild. No, rather than wasting time and money with simple cosmetics, you should just get in and drive, which is what this Cougar does best.

As with all original cars, the undercarriage is a little greasy and grimy, but it has no rust, no patches, no critical issues in any of the support structures. The original reinforcements, including the bolt-on plate between the seats, are all intact and there’s plenty of evidence of recent work. The C4 3-speed automatic transmission shifts well with no hesitation or slippage and with towering 2.75 gears out back, this car is a fantastic highway cruiser that can run all day. You’ll note there’s a brand new stock-style dual exhaust system that sounds great (this car was originally equipped with single exhaust so it’s a welcome upgrade) and there are new KYB shocks at all four corners. It was probably undercoated when it was new, which helps explain why it’s so nicely preserved today, and again, the condition is just right for guys who just want to get in and drive without worrying about weather. Power front disc brakes, power steering, and some new hardware on the front end all mean it’s safe and easy to drive. New Magnum 500 wheels, which are arguably the most attractive of the era, are fitted with recent 215/70/14 BFGoodrich T/A radials all around.

This is not a perfect car nor a show car, but if you want a high-profile vintage convertible with great power and a cool pedigree, this Cougar really delivers. It’s fun to drive and if you’re of the age where you don’t need a flinty ride and a loud exhaust to be part of the experience, then maybe this is the smarter choice. It’s also documented with a Marti Report, so you know it’s legit. Go price a Mustang convertible, then take another good long look at this wonderful Cougar. Call today!