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1968 Mercury Cougar: A Blend of Muscle and Elegance

The 1968 Mercury Cougar stands as a testament to American automotive ingenuity, combining muscle car brawn with a touch of luxury. Born from the stables of the Mercury division of Ford Motor Company, this vehicle carved its niche in an era dominated by raw power and sleek design. The Cougar was introduced to the public in 1967 as a more upscale alternative to the Ford Mustang, and by 1968, it had already established itself as a unique blend of performance and sophistication. A notable moment in its history was when it earned the accolade "Car of the Year" by Motor Trend magazine, solidifying its place in automotive lore.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the 1968 Mercury Cougar exuded a sense of refined aggression. Its distinct grille, reminiscent of an electric shaver, housed hidden headlights that added to its mystique, while the sequential taillights were inspired by those on the Ford Thunderbird. Inside, occupants were greeted with an interior that boasted high-quality materials for its class, including optional leather upholstery. Technology-wise, the Cougar featured innovations like the 'Tilt-Away' steering wheel option that swung up and out of the way when the driver's door was opened. Color options ranged from subdued to vibrant, with hues like Nordic Blue and Cardinal Red being popular choices among enthusiasts. The most iconic body style was undoubtedly the two-door hardtop coupe, which perfectly balanced sportiness and elegance.

Historical Significance

The 1968 Mercury Cougar made an indelible mark on automotive design with its blend of luxury and muscle car elements. It set itself apart with features like hidden headlights and a more upscale interior than many competitors. The Cougar's influence can be seen in subsequent personal luxury cars that aimed to offer both performance and comfort.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the standard engine was a 289 cubic inch V8 capable of propelling the Cougar to respectable performance figures for its time. For those seeking more thrills, a 390 cubic inch V8 was available, pushing the car from 0-60 mph in under 8 seconds—a remarkable feat for a luxury-oriented model. The ride was smooth yet responsive, with handling that could be described as surprisingly agile for a vehicle of its stature. Drivers often praised the throaty rumble of the engine and the sensation of power at their fingertips.

Ownership Experience

The 1968 Cougar could serve admirably as a daily driver or a weekend showpiece. It was also not uncommon to see Cougars modified for drag racing due to their robust engines and rear-wheel-drive layout. Maintenance was typical for vehicles of this era; while reliability was generally good, some components like carburetors and electrical systems required regular attention. Overall, ownership offered a mix of excitement and practicality.

Fun Facts

The Cougar had its share of limelight with rare editions such as the XR-7G, named after racer Dan Gurney, and celebrity ownerships including actor James Garner. Although not known for setting speed records, it did set sales records for Mercury at the time. Despite common criticisms about weight and size compared to smaller sports cars, it maintained a loyal following.

Collector's Information

Today's collectors value the 1968 Mercury Cougar for its unique position in muscle car history. Estimates suggest that tens of thousands were produced during that year alone. As for value range, well-maintained models can fetch anywhere from $15,000 to over $50,000 depending on condition and originality. The market has seen appreciation for well-preserved examples or those with desirable options.

Conclusion

The 1968 Mercury Cougar remains an emblematic figure in American automotive culture—a harmonious blend of muscle power and elegance that captured hearts during its heyday and continues to turn heads today. Whether you're behind the wheel or admiring from afar, this classic Cougar is sure to leave an enduring impression.

1968 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

1968 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

1968 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.

1968 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

1968 Mercury Cougar Brake Booster Boot. Each-RP 32-AABrake Booster Boot. Each

1968 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.

1968 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.

1968 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

1968 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

1968 Mercury Cougar Vulcanized Windshield Seal. Each-VWS 6600Vulcanized Windshield Seal. Each

1968 Mercury Cougar Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. Each-WF 228-AWindshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. Each