11,905 original miles (not a misprint). Great color combination, beautiful original interior, great-running 351 cubic inch V8. Working factory A/C, upgraded radio, dual exhaust added. Nicely documented. A cool cat ready for preservation class judging!

We’re seeing a nice uptick in the values of cars that are like a Mustang but aren’t a Mustang. Cougars, Comets, Falcons, they’re hot right now which is why we like this 1973 Mercury Cougar XR7 so much. Mercury’s cat had all the moves of a Mustang with a bit more luxury and all the rough edges polished away, making for an altogether more pleasant motoring experience. With just under 12,000 original miles, there’s no question that this Cougar has led an easy life. Paint meter readings consistently show 2-3 mils, so that’s factory paint and factory paint means no surprises underneath. We’re guessing that the rear valence has been repainted, but again, the paint measures out at 3 mils, so it’s hard to say for certain. What is for certain is that the doors swing closed with a precise click, the vinyl top is in superb condition, and all the glass is pretty much unmarked, all details that you’d expect in a low-mileage car that’s been properly stored and maintained. Big chrome bumpers, the upright center grille, and the polished window reveals are all in excellent shape. This car is exactly what you’d expect from a virtually new 1973 Mercury.

The beautiful dark blue bucket seat interior should dispel any concerns you may have about the car’s legitimacy. Look at it! There’s not a mark on the seats, the carpets are unworn (new reproduction floor mats are included with the car), and the door panels don’t have any cracks, sags, or scuffs. The gauges are all operational, including the factory tach, and the bright, crisp markings ignore the passage of 50 years. Functional factory A/C makes this car a comfortable cruiser even in warmer climates and the only notable deviation from stock is a modern AM/FM stereo radio in the center stack, but it’s worth noting that the original AM radio is included if you want to go back to 100% stock. Only the clock is non-functional, but that’s not really a surprise. The back seat has probably never been used and the factory headliner is taut and clean with no sagging or tears. Even the trunk is beautifully preserved with original mats and what appears to be the original spare tire that has never been down. Nice!

This car is powered by the Cleveland version of Ford’s reliable 351 cubic inch V8, which was equipped with a 2-barrel carburetor (it was 1973, after all). It remains 100% stock from the air cleaner to the exhaust manifolds, and runs quite well—easy starts, a nice idle, and plenty of torque on the road. It’s finished in factory Ford Blue engine enamel with all the original decals and markings readily visible. IT has recent belts and hoses as well as a new battery, but otherwise it remains pretty much as the factory built it. The only real deviation from stock spec is a great-sounding dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers, so it has a slightly more aggressive soundtrack than stock. The C6 3-speed automatic transmission is noted for its reliability and shifts cleanly through all the gears without much drama and with 2.75 gears out back, it’s a fantastic highway cruiser that just loafs along with modern traffic. Power steering and power front disc brakes are part of the package, so it’s quite easy to handle and the ride was definitely more luxury than sport by 1973. Steel wheels with original hubcaps are fitted with new 205/75/14 blackwall radials so it’s ready to cruise.

Documentation is extensive, including the original window sticker, build sheet, owner’s manual, and a Marti Report.

Original cars are special—they drive better, feel better, and represent a more accurate view of the past than a restored car. Cougars are still quite rare and finding one that hasn’t been extensively modified or driven in winter weather is a pleasant surprise. Take it for a spin and you’ll quickly see that Ford was still building some pretty darned nice cars in 1973. Call today!

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