Exceptional restoration of a 45,000-mile original car. Stunning original leather interior, highly detailed throughout, loaded with options. Known ownership history and well documented. Quite possibly the finest Cougar XR7 convertible in the world.

Only 1997 XR7 convertibles were built in 1970, making it rarer than a Boss 302 Mustang. This particular convertible is simply stunning in every way and is very close to a #1 quality car. Thanks to a fresh and very expensive restoration, it is ready to show at virtually any level and drives superbly. The color is the original Bright Ivy Yellow, which is a bold cream that looks exceptional on the upscale Cougar bodywork. Underneath, it’s laser straight, and this car has never been rusty or wrecked and still carries all its original sheetmetal. The crease that defines the Cougar’s flanks is sharp enough to give you a paper cut and details like the folding headlights and sequential taillights are 100% operational. All the chrome has been restored to show standards and the emblems and lenses are either originals or accurate reproductions. It’s finished with a bright red pinstripe that makes the car really pop, the perfect finishing touch on one of the finest cars we’ve ever seen.

Remarkably, that Dark Ivy Green leather interior is almost entirely original, including the seat covers, door panels, and even the carpets (which have been re-dyed but not replaced). The Cougar was available with leather upholstery and it certainly feels more luxurious than a Mustang when you’re behind the wheel. Options include functional factory A/C, automatic transmission with console, gauges with tachometer and clock, and something Ford called the “visual check panel” which are those switches in the center of the dash for managing the interior lighting. During the restoration it was upgraded to a factory AM/FM radio, but that’s hardly a sin, and it, too, is fully operational. The burled walnut appliques throughout the interior add to the upscale feel that Mercury was aiming for in 1970, and the effect is sophisticated not cheesy. There’s a black power convertible top and a matching green vinyl boot that gives it a finished look with the top down. And the trunk is correctly finished with proper mats and a full-sized spare tire.

The engine is the original 351 Windsor V8 topped by a 2-barrel carburetor. No, it’s not a fire-breathing 428 but don’t let that distract you from the quality and the overall competence of the powertrain. It starts easily, idles properly, and the 351W makes plenty of torque to give the Cougar moves to match its image—confident and smooth. Highly detailed and treated to an optional dress-up kit, it will always be worthwhile to open the hood on this cat. You’ll note that everything is right on this car, including the hardware, hose clamps, tags, decals, and production markings. There’s a reproduction Autolite battery and a correct yellow-top ignition coil. The A/C has been converted to R134a refrigerant, so it’ll be easy to service in the future, but otherwise it remains just as Ford built it 51 years ago. If you want to show this car, you’ll be hard to beat and if you want to drive it, you’ll always be looking for another reason to hit the road.

Underneath, it’s just as highly detailed, right down to factory-style overspray on the red oxide floors. Floors are entirely original with no patches or replacements, and all the factory spotwelds are still visible on the rockers and subframes. The all-important torque boxes are unmarked and it has been upgraded to a factory-style dual exhaust system that gives the 351 a wonderful V8 purr. The C4 3-speed automatic transmission shifts cleanly and feeds a properly detailed rear end with 3.00 gears inside, making this Cougar a fantastic highway cruiser. Brakes have been rebuilt, the gas tank and lines are new, and even the driveshaft has proper balancing marks. It drives superbly, smooth and comfortable, and as a low-mileage car, there are zero squeaks and rattles inside. Optional styled steel wheels add a sporty look, especially when wrapped in 215/70/14 redline radials.

Documentation is extensive, including a deluxe Marti Report, receipts, ownership history, and much more.

You simply will not find a nicer Cougar convertible, never mind an XR7. With Mustang prices heading skyward all the time, Cougars are looking more attractive all the time. They’re unique at shows and offer what is arguably a superior driving experience. Add in the fact that this car is just gorgeous to look at, and you get one of the finest cars we’ve ever offered. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.