1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 Convertible

1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 Description

Selling my 1970 Cougar XR7 convertible. It’s Wimbledon white, maroon interior, white top with an “M” Code 351 Cleveland 4-V. It’s a California rust free car. I’ve had it since 1995 and I bought it from the second owner a few miles from my house in Southern California where it had just been sitting in a carport for years. The engine, transmission and rear end are all original to the car as are all the body panels. A complete new suspension front and rear was installed but that was with aftermarket parts and not the originals.

When I got the car, it was pretty tired but mostly all. I tore the car apart and went through it myself, not exactly a frame off restoration but more of a backyard project. I painted the car myself and I didn’t do a bad job but it is a long way from being show quality. I re-did the interior in the original Maroon color although it is vinyl and not leather.The top is in good shape with a new folding glass window. In 2005, I spent $7,000 to have Jasper Engines rebuild the current motor because it had a burned piston from detonation. I have about 1,000 miles on the re-build. The AC was converted to R134A last fall. The tilt steering column was rebuilt last fall as well and a new rim blow horn switch was put in. The tires are brand new as the old tires, which had maybe 1,200 miles on them, were over ten years old. The exhaust is a custom made 2” stainless steel system that copied the factory bends. Lots more to talk about and I’ve got well over $35,000 into this.

In 2002, I took it to the West Coast Cougar Nationals event and it took 3rd place in its class. However, 14 years is also a long time to keep things pristine and there are some nicks and scratches on the body and fluid stains in the engine bay. I can nitpick the car with the best of them but I think it is a very good driver and the basics are there if you want to make it something more than that.

You can check out some additional pictures, flaws and all, here:

http://s1166.photobucket.com/user/mechachy/library/1970%20COUGAR%20XR7%20CONVERTIBLE?sort=2&page=1

In 1970, only 1,997 XR7 convertibles were made. Of that total, only about 475 came with the 351 4-V motor. Hagerty doesn’t put a value on Cougars with the base 351 2-V motor and NADA gives a 20% premium for the 351 4-V.

The valuation from Hagerty and NADA are here as well:

https://www.hagerty.com/apps/valuationtools/1970-Mercury-Cougar-XR~7?id=5454

http://www.nadaguides.com/Classic-Cars/1970/Mercury/Cougar/XR7-2-Door-Convertible/Values

I’m available to answer any questions almost anytime as well as to show you the car if you are near Los Angeles.

Buyer is responsible for arranging and paying for any and all shipping costs. Sold as is, where is.