Image of 1967 Mercury Cougar, sourced from www.hemmings.com , Image Link.

1967 Mercury Cougar: The Unsung Hero of American Muscle

The 1967 Mercury Cougar emerged as a sophisticated alternative to the raw muscle cars of its era, blending performance with European-inspired elegance. Born from the stables of Mercury, a division of the Ford Motor Company, the Cougar was introduced to offer a more upscale and mature take on the pony car concept popularized by its sibling, the Ford Mustang. Its historical significance lies in its role as Mercury's first pony car, designed to attract a buyer looking for both muscle and luxury. A unique fact that sets the Cougar apart is that it was named Motor Trend's Car of the Year in 1967, a testament to its impact upon release.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the 1967 Mercury Cougar was both aggressive and graceful, featuring a distinctive split grille with hidden headlights that gave it a "electric shaver" look, and a set of sequential taillights that were inspired by those on the Ford Thunderbird. Inside, the cabin offered a higher level of refinement than many competitors, with plush seating surfaces and wood-grain accents contributing to an atmosphere of understated luxury. Technologically, it boasted innovations such as an optional tilt-away steering wheel for easier entry and exit. Color options ranged from subdued to vibrant, with shades like Nordic Blue and Cardinal Red being popular picks. The Cougar was available in two body styles: a base model and the performance-oriented XR-7, with the latter being particularly sought after for its enhanced interior features and sportier demeanor.

Historical Significance

The 1967 Cougar's impact on automotive design was subtle yet significant. It offered an alternative path for pony cars, one that didn't sacrifice comfort for speed. This blend set it apart from contemporaries like the Chevrolet Camaro or Pontiac Firebird and has influenced how manufacturers conceptualize sporty yet luxurious offerings even today.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the standard engine was a 289 cubic inch V8 capable of propelling the Cougar to respectable speeds with commendable acceleration times. Optional power plants included more potent V8s culminating in the 390 cubic inch big block. Handling was praised for its balance; while not as nimble as some smaller sports cars, it managed bumps and windy roads with poise. Drivers often remark on the satisfying rumble of the engine and the solid yet comfortable ride quality that made long journeys enjoyable.

Ownership Experience

The Cougar was versatile enough to be used as a daily driver but also held its own at car shows or even local drag strips. Maintenance is generally straightforward thanks to shared components with other Ford models, making parts relatively easy to come by. Reliability is typical for vehicles of this period; well-maintained examples can be quite dependable.

Fun Facts

A rare edition worth noting is the Dan Gurney Special, which featured special badging and signature decals. Celebrity ownerships have added to its allure; stars like Elvis Presley were known to have Cougars in their fleets. While some critics might have pointed out its weight or less aggressive stance compared to other muscle cars, these are often overshadowed by its unique appeal.

Collector's Information

Today, values for a 1967 Mercury Cougar can vary widely based on condition, originality, and whether it's a standard or XR-7 model. Production numbers were significant for its inaugural year at over 150,000 units made. Price trends have generally seen appreciation over time, especially for well-preserved or restored examples. Values can range anywhere from $10,000 for a project car to upwards of $50,000 or more for concours-quality XR-7s.

Conclusion

The 1967 Mercury Cougar stands as an important piece in American automotive history—a blend of muscle car brawn and European-inspired sophistication that appealed to a different kind of enthusiast. With its unique features and classic charm, it remains a cherished model among collectors who appreciate its distinctive character in an era dominated by raw power.

1967 Mercury Cougar Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high-BN 12Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high., with 3/4" I.D. Each

1967 Mercury Cougar Door Side Seal extrusion with proper installation clips-C/LP 40-FDoor Side Seal extrusion with proper installation clips. Clips installed 4" on center. Sold by the foot.

1967 Mercury Cougar Gas Neck to Body Gasket. Made of Cork. 2-1/2" I.D-GF 46Gas Neck to Body Gasket. Made of Cork. 2-1/2" I.D., 3-11/16" O.D. Each

1967 Mercury Cougar Molded Door Seals, for 2-Door Hardtop & Convertible-LM 11Molded Door Seals, for 2-Door Hardtop & Convertible. Made with molded ends, 82-1/2" long. Pair R&L

1967 Mercury Cougar Door Side Seal, Without Clips (for seal with clips-LP 40-FDoor Side Seal, Without Clips (for seal with clips, see C/LP 40-F). Sold by the foot

1967 Mercury Cougar Basic kit. '67-'68 Mercury Cougar 2-door hardtop-RKB 6500-103Basic kit. '67-'68 Mercury Cougar 2-door hardtop. Includes door (LM 11), roof-rail (RR 6900) and trunk (TK 51-A/14) seals. 5-piece set.

1967 Mercury Cougar Brake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861-RP 2-CBrake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861. 5-9/16" long, 2-5/8" wide. Each

1967 Mercury Cougar Brake Booster Boot. Each-RP 32-AABrake Booster Boot. Each

1967 Mercury Cougar Roof Rail Seals, 64-66 Ford Mustang & 67-68 Mercury Cougar 2 Door Coupes, Pair-RR 6400Roof Rail Seals, 64-66 Ford Mustang & 67-68 Mercury Cougar 2 Door Coupes, Pair. R&L. Replaces OEM #'s C5ZZ 6551222-C & C5ZZ 6551223-C.

1967 Mercury Cougar Roof Rail Seals for '65-'66 Ford Mustang & '67-'68 Mercury Cougar 2 Door Coupe-RR 6900Molded Roof Rail Seals for '65-'66 Ford Mustang & '67-'68 Mercury Cougar 2-Door Coupe. 73-1/2" Long. Pair R&L.

1967 Mercury Cougar Trunk Seal, 14'1" long. Fits all models except Fastback-TK 51-A/14Trunk Seal, 14'1" long. Fits all models except Fastback. Each

1967 Mercury Cougar Rear Roll-Up Window Seals, for Coupes-VS 3-CRear Roll-Up Window Seals, for Coupes. Each piece 15-7/8" long. Pair R&L

1967 Mercury Cougar Vulcanized Windshield Seal. Each-VWS 6600Vulcanized Windshield Seal. Each

1967 Mercury Cougar Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. Each-WF 228-AWindshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. Each