Why The 1971-1973 Mercury Cougar Is So Unique

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  • Опубліковано 19 сер 2024
  • The 1971-1973 Mercury Cougar had one-of-kind muscle car styling along with the ability to combine performance with luxury. Watch this video to find out why the 1971-1973 Mercury Cougar is so unique and why it's now gaining in popularity.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 968

  • @flyonbyya
    @flyonbyya 5 років тому +324

    1st Gen is perhaps one of the best looking car of 60’s
    Definitely one of my favorites

    • @BrokebackBob
      @BrokebackBob 5 років тому +10

      Absolutely true!

    • @Porschedude8
      @Porschedude8 5 років тому +9

      Agreed!

    • @roninkraut6873
      @roninkraut6873 5 років тому +7

      I’m surprised that the 1st gen isn’t more popular.

    • @br.martindallyosb1147
      @br.martindallyosb1147 5 років тому +5

      I particularly like the subtle fender lines of the '69 and '70 mode Cougars , the XR7 being my favorite. Those were really elegant. Even so , I do find the '71-'73 models quite handsome in their own right.

    • @robertwoodpa6463
      @robertwoodpa6463 5 років тому

      @@roninkraut6873 I've always thought the same.

  • @knowbodiesfull5768
    @knowbodiesfull5768 5 років тому +130

    I looked at '70s cars as "just cars" when they were new. Exciting when new, but the novelty wore off after a while. Now as we head towards 2020, I embrace the 70's cars more now than ever.

    • @wiibaron
      @wiibaron 5 років тому +8

      I personally would love to have a Cordoba to drive now. I mean float around in...

    • @rusty3831
      @rusty3831 5 років тому +4

      MotorcycleMan - all boils down to production costs....sad to say. You’re exactly right though.

    • @keithroy7884
      @keithroy7884 5 років тому +8

      I still like late '60's much better, and still think most '70's are at best "just cars". The bulky, squared off corners, extended bumpers, reduced visibility, etc., are just as boring as the smothered engine performance due first generation smog controls amd catalytic converters.
      In this case, the 1st gen Cougars were a favorite of mine for the class of sporty, but not full muscle cars.

    • @jonathanbanta9456
      @jonathanbanta9456 5 років тому +3

      70s cars were awful. Especially in 1973 when they had these huge protrusion bumpers. If you like the 70s cars, you must love the 1960s cars.

    • @jonathanbanta9456
      @jonathanbanta9456 5 років тому +2

      @@keithroy7884 You know cars. I agree with your opinions

  • @mwdca7810
    @mwdca7810 4 роки тому +38

    I was very sad when I learned that Mercury had been "cancelled". The Cougar, from its inception, was a class act.

    • @michaellovely6601
      @michaellovely6601 2 роки тому +1

      Same here. I really like the Ford Taurus and Five Hundred (and by extension their Mercury counterparts the Sable and Montego.)

    • @Musicvidsetc
      @Musicvidsetc 2 роки тому +1

      I had an '83 Mercury Cougar as a teenager. It was a hand-me-down from a relative. By '83 the Cougar wasn't nearly the car it was in the first 2 generations.

    • @lancasterritzyescargotdine2602
      @lancasterritzyescargotdine2602 11 місяців тому

      mwdca Ford killed the Cougar in 1971 when they turned it from a beautiful muscle car into an ugly end table. The line suffered a long, drawn-out, torturous death with the addition of 4-doors, station wagons and other polluting flotsam. They axed the Thunderbird after 1966 when they began building 4-door vacuum cleaners. And GM suffocated the timeless 1963 Buick Riviera with the dreadful monstrosities that befell the name after 1965. It's no wonder the government took over the auto industry in 1973; it was already well on its own Road to Ruin.

    • @irocitZ
      @irocitZ 6 місяців тому +1

      When I think about that it still bothers me, the whole country changed that's why besides Mercury we lost a few other American based brands.

  • @PoliticoCA
    @PoliticoCA 3 роки тому +18

    "I'm gonna buy me a Mercury. Cruise up and down this road."

  • @kimkiriniki9433
    @kimkiriniki9433 5 років тому +12

    The first gen Cougar was a beautiful car, as a youngster I was transfixed by the sequential rear direction indicator lights.

  • @Hawk1966
    @Hawk1966 5 років тому +37

    I drove from Connecticut to San Diego in a '73 with my sister. Comfy ride.

    • @antonioederlopezlopez7341
      @antonioederlopezlopez7341 4 роки тому

      @Roger Com clock

    • @jackmarlow4355
      @jackmarlow4355 3 роки тому

      I want to do the same thing but with a 72 cougar… how was it in retrospective

    • @Hawk1966
      @Hawk1966 3 роки тому

      @@jackmarlow4355 I had the CB jammed into my leg and an igloo cooler between my feet and after 150+ miles of garish signs she refused to stop and look at "The Thing" i could have killed her.

    • @Hawk1966
      @Hawk1966 3 роки тому

      @@jackmarlow4355 forgot to add, sorry, the car was a comfortable cruiser. Seats were soft, wide and plush, decent support and the car rode pretty good. We were pulling a small U-Haul trailer and the only time we really noticed was going through the mountains into CA.

  • @olliehopnoodle4628
    @olliehopnoodle4628 5 років тому +21

    In College I had a 73 Mustang and a friend had a 72 Cougar. The Cougar sported the 4v Cleveland, mine had the two barrel version. Even with an aftermarket intake and Holley on my Mustang he could still beat me every time. I love the first two generations of the Cougars. 30 years later I still have my Mustang.
    It's not highlighted in the video, the Ford '4 barrel' option was not just a bigger carb. The '4V' Cleveland had larger intake and exhaust ports and valves. A forged crankshaft and typically higher compression along with a more aggressive Cam. For it's time, the 4V Cleveland was a nice piece of work.

    • @anthonybeno1481
      @anthonybeno1481 Рік тому +1

      Clevelands and Windsors are entirely 2 DIFFERENT animals....

    • @olliehopnoodle4628
      @olliehopnoodle4628 Рік тому

      @@anthonybeno1481 Correct. However I didn't mention the Windsor in my comment so I am a bit confused by yours.

    • @marko7843
      @marko7843 8 місяців тому

      I'm assuming that he is assuming that they didn't make 2V Clevelands... and I tend to agree that a small carb wouldn't make sense on top of big valves.

    • @olliehopnoodle4628
      @olliehopnoodle4628 8 місяців тому +1

      @@marko7843 Ah, that makes sense the way you explain it. Sometimes things are lost in writing.

    • @djmontoya5371
      @djmontoya5371 6 місяців тому

      It's always been my dream to just own a classic muscle car, and for my 17th birthday, I got myself a 1971 cougar for 14k 351c 4v it had a blown manifold gasket and a new radiator but, the body is prestine condition as is the interior. Couldn't pass it up lol.

  • @aaroncostello8812
    @aaroncostello8812 5 років тому +40

    This is the generation where the Cougar transitioned from muscle car to "the poor man's Lincoln Continental Mark".

    • @rileyrussak7469
      @rileyrussak7469 3 роки тому +2

      nah lol i have a 73 cougar and they can be tuff just gotta take car of it

    • @ernielaw
      @ernielaw 11 місяців тому

      The Cougar was more like the Mark from 1974 on.

  • @xx-vq7pw
    @xx-vq7pw 5 років тому +55

    I like the first 2 generations. They had a unique and distinctive style with luxury.

    • @billburr3428
      @billburr3428 3 роки тому

      The 71-73 styling was a confusing array of vertical and horizontal front grilles and an absolute Titanic boat anchor for a rear bumper. It was HIDEOUS. The Mercury/Ford stylists of these,...as well as the 70-72 Thunderbird.....should have been tarred & feathered. Just being absolutely honest. The 67-68 & 69-70 were nicest Cougar years. Narrator needs to learn about actual classic and desirable collectables.

    • @terrarian9501
      @terrarian9501 2 роки тому

      3rd gen was good too. I’ve got a 79 abs it’s similar to the 2nd gen in terms of look

    • @lancasterritzyescargotdine2602
      @lancasterritzyescargotdine2602 11 місяців тому

      @@billburr3428 THANK YOU ! Truer words were never spoken. I've heard them called everything from end tables to book ends to baby '71 - '72 LTDs. Detroit kept flattening their cars to extremes beyond what they were in 1957. "Bunky" Knudsen, from Pontiac, went to work for Ford, and that's how that horrid '70 Thunderbird with the 'beaked' nose emanated. Admittedly, the 1970s were among the worst years for all domestic manufacturers.
      No education on classic and desirable cars is as genuine as experiencing them while they are transitioning from old, used transportation to sought-after collectibles.

  • @WinterInTheForest
    @WinterInTheForest 5 років тому +309

    I kinda miss Mercury. Pontiac and Olds too.

    • @thoof2001
      @thoof2001 5 років тому +42

      and Plymouth

    • @V8AmericanMuscleCar
      @V8AmericanMuscleCar 5 років тому +16

      I don't like new cars at all so I miss all of them guys.

    • @wiibaron
      @wiibaron 5 років тому +25

      Nobody misses Saturn or Hummer.

    • @j.thomas7128
      @j.thomas7128 5 років тому +9

      I loved my Studebaker and then later Avanti.

    • @garymckee8857
      @garymckee8857 5 років тому +7

      My favorite when I young was Plymouth Fury's.

  • @marcaliventialiventi765
    @marcaliventialiventi765 5 років тому +8

    My first car was a 1969 cougar with a 390 under the hood. What a beast

  • @marlinbially9628
    @marlinbially9628 4 роки тому +4

    Thanks for the video. Brought back a lot of memories. My first car in high school was my mom's hand me down '72 Cougar XR7. It was charcoal gray with a black vinyl top and black leather interior. It wasn't in the same performance league as the guys with the Camaros, Mustangs and 'Cudas but with the aluminum mags, and dual exhaust I added it looked and sounded the part.
    Actually, I grew up with that car. My mom got it new when I was 11. I knew every inch of that car before I ever drove it from all the hours spent washing it for allowance money and sitting in it waiting for my mom to run some errand. I learned to drive in that car, took my driving test in it, first date (and believe it or not, 40 years later that same girl is sitting next to me on the couch as I type this), first ticket, first...ah... ;) Lot of memories...

  • @JohnnyThrobber
    @JohnnyThrobber 3 роки тому +7

    I love the first two generations of Cougar but actually like the 1971-1973 versions better. It's a beautiful car and its styling has aged incredibly well!

  • @thefettfan3994
    @thefettfan3994 5 років тому +5

    The contents of high quality stills and narrative in your video presentation is the reason why 1971-1973 Mercury Cougar is so unique indeed!!!!!

  • @BrokebackBob
    @BrokebackBob 5 років тому +16

    I think I've forgotten to tell you how much i enjoy your very high quality channel! Please forgive.

  • @ggme4682
    @ggme4682 5 років тому +4

    Boy oh boy oh boy does this channel do a great job with the very professional presentations, and all without any horrible & most annoying background music.
    5 stars!

  • @toddbonin6926
    @toddbonin6926 5 років тому +6

    IMHO, the 71-73 Cougars were the best-looking cars of the 70s. I loved them at first sight!

  • @rayburton4867
    @rayburton4867 4 роки тому +6

    The gold cougar was by far the most beautiful, elegant looking car! It takes your breath away....

  • @spreadeagled5654
    @spreadeagled5654 3 роки тому +1

    My uncle had the ‘68 Cougar XR-7 and he let me drive it when I was a teenager at 17. I loved that car! 👍

  • @roddydykes7053
    @roddydykes7053 4 роки тому +1

    That green one around 0:50 is among the nicest looking cars ever built. Masterpiece of American Muscle/GT design

  • @jeffcuevas5918
    @jeffcuevas5918 5 років тому +12

    I tend to go out and find, buy, drive cars listed by this channel. My wife is pissed until I get them driving again and then she's all in love with them

  • @Logoned
    @Logoned 4 роки тому +3

    That 71-73 Cougar style is beautiful.

  • @shizuokaBLUES
    @shizuokaBLUES 2 роки тому +2

    That convertible in red is a fine looking car and I’m guessing it’s worth a pretty penny now. Especially with a 429 !

  • @BIGGIEDEVIL
    @BIGGIEDEVIL 4 роки тому +1

    This channel has grown on me, wasn't sure cuz the guys voice now it's a must watch when a new upload comes up

  • @pauljw7697
    @pauljw7697 4 роки тому +6

    In 1976, I worked at a Honda dealership, located next door to a Lincoln-Mercury dealership. The Linc-Merc dealer had 2 new cars parked nose to nose in front of dealership that had drivers slamming on their brakes as they drove by. A 76' Cougar XR-7 in Dark Jade Metallic, White Landau Vinyl Top & White Leather Bucket Seats/White Interior. Facing it was a 76' Lincoln-Continental 2 Door Town Coupe that matched exactly. It was also Dark Jade Metallic, White Landau Top & White Leather Interior. Those 2 cars still stand out so vivid in my mind. 2 very beautiful cars when the sun shined upon them. Cars don't come in beautiful colors like they did back in the 60's & 70's.

  • @rdhudon7469
    @rdhudon7469 5 років тому +82

    My great Uncle bought a new '68 burgundy cougar with black leather interior and tonnes of chrome on the interior . It was a thing of beauty , breathtaking . He bought me ice cream when it was brand new on a really hot day and I threw up inside his baby .

    • @electrichellion5946
      @electrichellion5946 5 років тому +6

      RD Hudon - Ahhh. Memories. That made me smile and feel bummed for your uncle.

    • @theol3199
      @theol3199 5 років тому +5

      RD Hudon it’s funny how many stories there are that’s similar to that my dad threw up in his uncles 68 camaro, again after ice cream.

    • @coryburns1905
      @coryburns1905 5 років тому

      Your great uncle man that makes me feel old not as old as him but older than you probably

    • @greatdaneacdc
      @greatdaneacdc 5 років тому +1

      Moral of the story! Don’t eat ice cream

    • @dukecraig2402
      @dukecraig2402 5 років тому +1

      Oops, at least you didn't pee in it.

  • @paszkors
    @paszkors 4 роки тому +1

    I had a 1972 base cougar, red convertible, black top and maroon interior. One of the nicest looking cars I’ve owned.
    It was fast and fun to drive on long trips. Sad day when I had to sell it.

  • @jamesbondeson669
    @jamesbondeson669 5 років тому +2

    Back in 1971, I ordered a new Cougar XR7 coupe, Medium Brown Metallic with the Natural Brown leather interior. I took delivery in May of that year and drove it for 8 years. Mine had the 351 4V Cleveland engine with the 4-speed manual and Hurst shifter, A/C, full power including power windows, steering, and front disc brakes. It was equipped with the Competition Suspension package and big F60-15 Goodyear Polyglass tires, an option normally found on Mustangs. The handling was great for its time and I commuted back and forth from the SF Bay Area to Sacramento on weekends. It was the first car I ordered as opposed to buying off the dealers lot, or through a dealer swap. My trade in was a 1969 Cougar base model coupe with the 351 2V Windsor engine and 4-speed box, bought through a dealer swap. I traded in my XR7 in 1979 with 92,000 miles mainly because I was worried that I might not be able to get the high octane gas it required. I wish I could have kept it. It was my second favorite car of all those I've owned, my favorite being my 2015 BMW M4 that I have now, which I also bought on order.

    • @downundercars3921
      @downundercars3921 4 роки тому

      similar to the 1 i own now, but with mines a 429cj, c6

  • @kingerikthegreatest.ofall.7860
    @kingerikthegreatest.ofall.7860 5 років тому +18

    I had a 68 xr7. Loved it .

  • @uioned
    @uioned 5 років тому +4

    I always loved these, 71 with a 429c jet 4speed anyday.😊👍

  • @jamestafoya3005
    @jamestafoya3005 5 років тому

    Great video , Thanks . For over 30 yrs. I have the best part of a 1971 Cougar. Not a modified ,
    but a 351 Cleveland (peanut plug ). Right now it's a short block , as I stripped it down , for inspection . No block damage , and stock specs. It sits in the garage . I have a 1995 Mustang GT . with the 5 liter HO motor . 5 speed , full power inside . I had a brain fart , of building the Clev. to Boss 351 specs . using after market 4v aluminum heads , and pulling the 5.o and dropping in the built Cleveland . Just for shyts , and giggles .I'm an old gear head from the 60's
    who raced NHRA . I still have the will to be like days of old . Where tuning was done mechanically , without computers . I have that skill also , with a degree in electronic engineering . Your site reignited a passion for my past years happiness . Thank You , for that .

  • @varflane
    @varflane 5 років тому +2

    I learn something new every time I come here - thank you.

  • @rustytimetraveler
    @rustytimetraveler 5 років тому +4

    My parents bought a new '73. I was 16 so I borrowed it so much I remember getting upset if they were taking it. They also had an Olds Delta 88 which they actually liked better but they were Cadillac owners for the most part so I was kinda shocked when they bought the Cougar. Lasted about a year and they let my older sister and her husband buy it. Sad day for me.

  • @josephsolis3018
    @josephsolis3018 5 років тому +3

    I was 15 yrs old when I fell in love with the coolest car ever! It was 1971

  • @earlarrowood
    @earlarrowood 2 роки тому

    When I turned 30 I purchased my very first NEW dream car ever… a 1985 Cougar GS. Dark Blue exterior, black interior, killer digital dash, sweet ride, LOVED it. Drove it until 1991- my wife and I even did 4 round trips to Rochester , NY in 2 years 1990-91 and a summer road trip from Philly to Toronto and back in it. Never had a mechanical issue. Great memories while I was attending graduate degree school.

  • @warrenny
    @warrenny 4 роки тому +2

    6:45 I actually said wow out load. That is one beautiful convertible.

  • @orange70383
    @orange70383 5 років тому +35

    I guess 2-door RWD cars aren't profitable anymore. I've been waiting for someone to make one that actually looks good but car styling is so disgusting today and only seems to be getting worse. I can't stand the current trend of un-needed electronics being the focus of cars today. I don't need an info-tainment center or a big screen to play with.

    • @mtnpckr
      @mtnpckr 5 років тому +4

      orange70383 Ford is at least trying by retro styling new mustangs to the late 60’s models. Dodge also is retrying some.

    • @1redrubberball
      @1redrubberball 5 років тому

      @@mtnpckr I was a Mustang/Cougar fan for 40 years but these days my toy is a 2013 Challenger R/T, 5.7 L Hemi, 6 speed manual, 3.73 limited slip rearend.

    • @1redrubberball
      @1redrubberball 5 років тому +2

      Your comment reminds me that, to this day, I've never owned a 4 dr car.

    • @jakemcclintock8696
      @jakemcclintock8696 4 роки тому +8

      And you can barely tell one car from another. Everyone wants to look, think, act, and feel the same. Cars today are for conformists with no imagination, no style, no individuality.

    • @jakemcclintock8696
      @jakemcclintock8696 4 роки тому +1

      And you can barely tell one car from another. Everyone wants to look, think, act, and feel the same. Cars today are for conformists with no imagination, no style, no individuality.

  • @jasondeshazer6413
    @jasondeshazer6413 5 років тому +8

    I look forward to you doing a video on the 1977 Ford LTD Station wagon with its 351 Windsor motor, and other land yachts of that time.

    • @67marlins81
      @67marlins81 4 роки тому

      We had a 1977 LTD II, which as you recall was the intermediate that replaced Torino. In fact, I think the '77 to '79 LTD II used the prior Torino frame.
      These LTD II and Mercury Cougar intermediates only built a wagon for 1977. ( 2 doors, 4 doors and Ford's Ranchero ran '77 to '79 ).
      Believe it or not, our '77 wagon logged over 520,000 documented miles on the original 351M before frame rust posed too great a risk. Not great gas mileage or power, but Ford built the best engines, no question.

  • @rjaraneta913
    @rjaraneta913 5 років тому

    Thanks for making this. My first car was my parent's old 1972 Mercury Cougar XR7 coupe. It was a great car, fun to drive and very reliable. It stayed with my family for 14 years, which meant it was parked out in the streets through 14 years of rough NYC winters and lasted that long. I loved that car, so much so, that 15 years ago I bought a 1972 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible and still have fun driving it.

  • @vinniecorleone62
    @vinniecorleone62 5 років тому +2

    Another fun & informative profile on an early 70's model I always wanted, I had the big brother 1978 XR-7 to the T-bird with a 351 M Cleveland which was one of the best Ford made cars I've ever owned.

    • @melrose9252
      @melrose9252 4 роки тому

      vinniecorleone62 The 351 M were one of the worst engines Ford ever built.

    • @marko7843
      @marko7843 8 місяців тому +1

      I love that generation's style! Pardon the pun, but I think the T-Birds flew off the lots compared to the '76s

  • @Mnpctech_Giveaway_PC_Mods
    @Mnpctech_Giveaway_PC_Mods 5 років тому +4

    Well done, and Thank you for mentioning the XR-7.

  • @spenner3529
    @spenner3529 4 роки тому +18

    Handles almost as well as your living room couch.

    • @daveowens9849
      @daveowens9849 4 роки тому +1

      Handles well in a straight line.

    • @tasmaniandevil6674
      @tasmaniandevil6674 4 роки тому +1

      They were not meant for track so it didn't / doesn't matter.

    • @MH-fb5kr
      @MH-fb5kr 4 роки тому +1

      Underline “almost”

  • @raywhittington1368
    @raywhittington1368 4 роки тому

    Outstanding visual in this video. I had a 72 Montego, an identical twin of the Cougar. One of the best cars I ever had. This video could have been about the same car. Good memories.

  • @The_Cannabis_Connoisseur
    @The_Cannabis_Connoisseur 4 роки тому

    My mother bought a new '71 Cougar XR7 and my uncle had a '73 Cougar XR7! I remember in the late 70's and early 80's as a kid driving with my mother! It was a great car and I have fond memories of that car!

  • @maskiiofficial3345
    @maskiiofficial3345 5 років тому +82

    The mid-section kinda looks like an AMC AMX/Javelin

    • @Machi74005
      @Machi74005 5 років тому +1

      Very observant.

    • @jessiejames2155
      @jessiejames2155 5 років тому +9

      I had a White 1969 AMC-Javelin with a 290V-8. I was forced to leave it in Texas while looking for a job. I was offered $500.00 and had no choice but to sell it.....that car is worth $22,000 today . I still wake up crying that it's gone but wake up and realize I'm only half dreaming....its gone but not stolen anyway .

    • @kramnull8962
      @kramnull8962 5 років тому +4

      Tail lights look like a mid 70's Charger, or to me.

    • @thespeez
      @thespeez 5 років тому +4

      The Javelin of 1971-74, true.

    • @manthony225
      @manthony225 5 років тому +2

      I always thought the 71-73 Mustang coupe and the 71-74 had a similar look.

  • @dajr675
    @dajr675 5 років тому +6

    I believe the rear pillar design is called a "flying buttress". Sharp!

  • @Carskinify
    @Carskinify 4 роки тому +1

    I had a "67 Cougar. The design was unbeatable. Just a gorgeous car.

  • @1972mercurycougar
    @1972mercurycougar 5 років тому +2

    I love these!! You know it I've commented before. 351C 2v-or 4V. No straight 6. No 302. Just that sweet cleveland. Or if you want, a 429cj V8, for 1971. These cars drive awesome. They will smoke the rear tires at will! Even a 351C 22Bbl, will impress you!! According to Marti reports, all71-73 Cougars, with 351cid, were Cleveland's, with canted large valves. These engines rock!! The guy is right, find a 71-72, XR7, before the major detune, and compression ratio drop, of 1973. You will be rewarded with a great driving, and handling, muscle luxury car!!

    • @extremedrivr
      @extremedrivr 5 років тому +1

      Dang dude!! I can't wait to see a 22 barrel V8. That would be a true, Bugatti beating hypercar then. Hehehe
      I know you made a typo but still a cool idea. Lol

  • @mauserdave
    @mauserdave 5 років тому +104

    Went from a sports coupe to a damned sled..

    • @richardmiller6422
      @richardmiller6422 5 років тому +9

      @Steve Silvas 70 and 72 monte is the same body! What are you talking about?

    • @robbyritter4245
      @robbyritter4245 5 років тому +7

      Yeah, normally the bumper and hood would arrive 5 minutes ahead of the rest of the car😂

    • @corkyrose9011
      @corkyrose9011 5 років тому +2

      ....but sales for the 1972 were 181,000 while the 1973 sold 250,000. Everyone has their preference but when the 73 came out, it was hot. Unfortunately, rarely seen today.

    • @mauserdave
      @mauserdave 5 років тому +3

      @@corkyrose9011 yes big cars were the popular ticket back then.

    • @jackandblaze5956
      @jackandblaze5956 4 роки тому +1

      Yeah, just like the charger. Ever seen a '75 charger?... Gag... Vomit.

  • @cyberrednec
    @cyberrednec 5 років тому +4

    My dad has a '77 with a 429 big block swap, best machine ever!

    • @gt-37guy6
      @gt-37guy6 2 роки тому +1

      Rednec, wow -I used to own a 77 T-Bird, and the stock motor was super-smooth but weak. The body, driveline, and suspension were outstanding, it was fairly tight handling wise for that size car - I always wondered what it would be like with a strong Big Block...Nicely done, I bet it just hums at around 100 MPH...?

    • @cyberrednec
      @cyberrednec 2 роки тому

      @@gt-37guy6 it does

  • @AudiophileTubes
    @AudiophileTubes 5 років тому +1

    My dad had a green Cougar way back when, and the car saved his and my mom's life! They were on the West Side Highway a bit past midnight, coming home from a party in NYC, when a drunk jumped the divder and hit them head on! The whole front of the Cougar was collapsed, looking like an accordion, with the engine hanging out the side! My parents walked away from that accident, with just a little whiplash for my mom! I actually have photos of the car, including an accident shot of the front end!

    • @Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism
      @Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism 5 років тому

      Wow. Post it up on a free image host site and post the link please! I'd like to see it.

    • @AudiophileTubes
      @AudiophileTubes 5 років тому

      @@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism All these sites require me to register. Do you know of any site where I can just post, then link, in seconds?

  • @jamesmcintire3800
    @jamesmcintire3800 2 роки тому +1

    This has always been my favorite Cougar! Sporty yet stylish. When I was young my dad and I restored a 73 Hardtop. Beautiful blue with blue vinyl top and blue interior. Gave it a 2-tone look. Really pretty car that I wish I still had

  • @ernestocaamano7818
    @ernestocaamano7818 4 роки тому +19

    I 🥰 ♥️ the two legged cougars..they are a lot fun to ride..😂😂

    • @smoothoperator7023
      @smoothoperator7023 4 роки тому +3

      I had one that looked good til i put her up on the lift.... tons of rust on her undercarriage. 😖

    • @danbaumann8273
      @danbaumann8273 3 роки тому

      @@smoothoperator7023
      😖
      🤣

  • @arevee9429
    @arevee9429 5 років тому +40

    1st gen was nicer looking than its porky successors. Had Mercury differentiated all its cars from the Ford offerings as well as it did Cougar / Mustang, it might still be in business. Like GM, Mercuries were mostly all gussied up Fords and the 'gussying' didn't always result in a better looking car. Yes, early 1st gen was a great looking car.

    • @beedifrnt
      @beedifrnt 4 роки тому

      It's strange to me that Mercury also had the Montego about this time. It looked almost identical to the 71-73 Cougar except for a slight diference in the tail lights. It didn't make any sense to me to have two almost identical cars under the same name of Mercury.

    • @andyrehorn7541
      @andyrehorn7541 4 роки тому +1

      @@beedifrnt Montego was completely different. ????

    • @beedifrnt
      @beedifrnt 4 роки тому

      @@andyrehorn7541 You don't think the 72 Cougar and 72 Montego are similar? To me, the front grill and quad headlights are very much alike. The over-all body of the Montego exterior and interior are similar to Cougar. Just my opinion.

    • @lancasterritzyescargotdine2602
      @lancasterritzyescargotdine2602 11 місяців тому

      That's been a Mercury headache for years, going back to the innovative 1947 Sportsman and Sun Valley, then the horrific Termite Crushers, the XR4TI and the most recent Pimple-Mobile.

  • @serenity4195
    @serenity4195 5 років тому +2

    I owned a 1971 with a 351 cleavland and loved it

  • @jimh309
    @jimh309 5 років тому

    My first introduction to a "70's" personal luxury car was my grand-parents 1974 Cougar XR7; I loved that car! I bought for myself a fully loaded 77 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, with swivel buckets and a moon roof as a follow-up! Gosh, either of those two cars I'd have back in a minute!

  • @gunsbeersmemes
    @gunsbeersmemes 5 років тому +13

    I can't wait to see if you do a video on the 1978-1981 Pontiac Grand Am/Gran Lemans.

  • @alecberlin2792
    @alecberlin2792 5 років тому +4

    You should do a video on the 77-79 thunderbird/cougar. Best selling Thunderbird of all time!!

    • @LakeNipissing
      @LakeNipissing 5 років тому

      Those 77-79 Thunderbirds have amazing styling.

  • @nomebear
    @nomebear 5 років тому +1

    Power windows, integrated air conditioning, power driver's seat, and leather interior options put this car in another class. It was a very nice ride.

  • @neilouellette3004
    @neilouellette3004 5 років тому +2

    I had a loaded 1978 Cougar XR7 Sport Package. Loved it.

    • @subjectedge
      @subjectedge 4 роки тому +1

      I have that exact car! Gold Glow interior package too. I love it!

  • @louisedwards6681
    @louisedwards6681 5 років тому +3

    Love those early 70s cougars!

  • @jeantetreault132
    @jeantetreault132 5 років тому +22

    I like the 1967-68 Mercury Cougar models better. The 1971-73 Cougar model edition looked similar to the Gran Torino. Especially, the front grill.

    • @ITILII
      @ITILII 3 роки тому

      What, you don't like Gran Torino ? Then....get off my lawn !!!

  • @orangelion03
    @orangelion03 4 роки тому +2

    Gotta love that great 70s era panel fit.

  • @Sinsteel
    @Sinsteel 4 роки тому +1

    That grabber green 69 cougar in the first minute or so looks sick. Never seen one in that color.

  • @petertothRC-FPV
    @petertothRC-FPV 5 років тому +3

    My 72 Galaxy 500 had the 400-2V great car with same luxury style.

  • @justpassnthru
    @justpassnthru 4 роки тому +3

    "As odd as it was a car with such a formal front end would have such a radical rear design. Mercury designers were able to make it work" 2:46
    So that kind of makes the Cougar the automotive equivalent of a Mullet.

  • @TheDrunkardHu
    @TheDrunkardHu 4 роки тому

    I got to drive/advertise a 71 for a friend of mine for a couple of weeks. It was really fun!

  • @scratchdog2216
    @scratchdog2216 4 роки тому +1

    In '80 I had a '72 with the 351 Cleveland motor. Fun ride.

  • @garymckee8857
    @garymckee8857 5 років тому +110

    At the sign of the cat.

    • @ornumjc
      @ornumjc 5 років тому +10

      And then the growl.

    • @toddadams8420
      @toddadams8420 5 років тому +10

      I remember those ads

    • @hornetbrown
      @hornetbrown 5 років тому +5

      Remember that!

    • @frankdenardo8684
      @frankdenardo8684 5 років тому +5

      @@hornetbrown in the end credits of the TV show The FBI. Efrem Zimalist Jr drove a red color 1971 base Mercury Cougar through the streets of Washington DC.

    • @rusty3831
      @rusty3831 5 років тому +3

      Frank Denardo - At the beginning of the FBI series when they were black & white episodes, Efrem drove a mid-60’s, early model Mustang in the credits.

  • @NoCanDojack
    @NoCanDojack 5 років тому +3

    They really need to bring back the '67 cougar just like the camaro, chargers, challengers, mustangs

    • @mcearl8073
      @mcearl8073 4 роки тому

      I doubt it’ll happen. It would be nice though, especially if they made it on the mustang platform again, which I’d assume they would.

  • @1redrubberball
    @1redrubberball 5 років тому +2

    I was a Mustang & Cougar fan for about 40 years, having owned a 1971 302 cid Mustang fastback, '71 Cougar, '72 Cougar XR7 with 351-CJ and '73 Cougar. The '71 & '73 came with 351C-2V engines & FMX transmissions. The '72 came with 351C-4V (called the Cobra Jet)and C6 transmission. The 1971-1973 Cougars were essentially Mustangs with different outside sheet metal. They weren't as popular as Mustangs so their prices fell faster but underneath the styling, they were Mustangs. Even while I was a big fan of these, I quite admired the 1970 Dodge Challenger and in 2012, I jumped ship and bought a 2013 Challenger R/T , 5.7 L Hemi, 6 speed manual, 3.73 limited slip rearend.
    BTW, even into the '90's, the Cougar Club of America did not have any record of a '71-'73 owned with any engine other than the 2 or 4 bbl 351C. There was talk that records indicated 2- 428 equipped models were built, but no one had any idea if they were ever seen or where they might be!

    • @extremedrivr
      @extremedrivr 5 років тому

      You didnt own any Big Block Mustangs/Cougars??

    • @1redrubberball
      @1redrubberball 5 років тому

      @@extremedrivr No, have never owned a big block.

    • @extremedrivr
      @extremedrivr 5 років тому

      @@1redrubberball Oh ok. Still cool cars you had

  • @mikenodine6713
    @mikenodine6713 2 роки тому +2

    Back in the late 70's I wanted to make a Ranchero out of a 71-73 Cougar because it looked like it should have come with a small truck bed instead of a trunk. Gas hogs like the Cougar in the late 70's were only worth a few hundred bucks and were a dime a dozen. There is no way I would butcher a survivor today.

  • @chrislemaster2695
    @chrislemaster2695 5 років тому +33

    Hey you should do a video on the failure of GM notorious X cars Chevrolet Citation Oldsombile Omega Pontiac Phoenix and Buick Skylark and the numerous recalls.

    • @benjaminbellamy7207
      @benjaminbellamy7207 5 років тому

      🎶 The First Chevy of the Eighties, Chevy CIT-AA-ION!🎶

    • @drippinglass
      @drippinglass 5 років тому

      The 80 s Vega.

    • @ornumjc
      @ornumjc 5 років тому +2

      The first car I ever owned, a used 1980 Chevy Citation. What a piece of junk. I had to leave the gas cap loose after I filled it up because it would get a vacuum lock and wouldn’t run. 4 speed manual that backfired when you shifted out of 1st and 2nd. Rear turn signals lit up when you stepped on the brake. God I miss that car.

    • @stevehoch9528
      @stevehoch9528 5 років тому +1

      Those weren't the best cars for sure, but not because of recalls. Cars get recalled all the time.

  • @ZeroBoostBuick
    @ZeroBoostBuick 5 років тому +10

    From 71 to 73, the convertible was much better looking.

    • @LeglessWonder
      @LeglessWonder 5 років тому

      Yep. Always hated the roofline. But the rest looks good

  • @1724nine
    @1724nine 4 роки тому +1

    I love the dragging old school movie projector sounding music of this channels intro to cars that make me want to go back in time. People in the 60s and 70s got to experience a time with cars I’d gladly trade for the technology we have today. The only thing in today’s cars I like is two things but one I could do without. Good brakes and fuel injection. I do really love how wonderful a car with fuel injection works but I’d give it up to go back to a time where gas was cheap and cars were easy to work on and no matter what they say , those cars had the most luxurious and sporty and in the case of the Pontiac toronado ellegance that surpasses any of today’s plastic look alike cars most of us could afford.

  • @that70sschwinn
    @that70sschwinn 5 років тому +4

    Sweet design 👍would love to own one today😏🚘🏡

  • @albundy7239
    @albundy7239 5 років тому +5

    Maybe I should get my wife’s 73 back on the road

  • @DoktorJeep
    @DoktorJeep 4 роки тому

    I just got a 73 XR7 a few weeks ago and have been taking it apart for restoration :-) That dashboard sure is stately and hard to take apart.

  • @vladpootin5973
    @vladpootin5973 2 роки тому +1

    Beautiful lines on it !

  • @ProjectFairmont
    @ProjectFairmont 5 років тому +12

    I will tell you why the 3rd iteration Cougar is underrated IMO; Cleveland 351.

    • @roninkraut6873
      @roninkraut6873 5 років тому

      Nova DarkSoul
      That Windsor is a great engine and you can get that 351 to sing.

    • @roninkraut6873
      @roninkraut6873 5 років тому

      clayton E
      Lucky!!

  • @oliasofsunhillow7116
    @oliasofsunhillow7116 5 років тому +5

    Mercury was complaining to Ford that they didn't have a Thunderbird and Mustang rival and so Ford gave them the Cougar as an in between market car smaller and cheaper than the Thunderbird and bigger and more expensive than the Mustang! And the Cougar name was first used on the Mustang concept car, if I remember correctly! My third car was a 1970 Xr7! I've always liked all of the generations of the Cougar, especially from 1967 to 1983!

  • @mynameis9057
    @mynameis9057 5 років тому +1

    Reminds me of my Montego GT. I really liked that car. Twin hood scoops and the 351 Cleveland, what's not to love? ▪☆☆☆▪

    • @ragimundvonwallat8961
      @ragimundvonwallat8961 5 років тому

      to my taste the montego fastback is the best looking car EVER ...second best is the same gen torino =) its just a bit less nice

  • @GamerNRetro
    @GamerNRetro 4 роки тому

    Dad just bought a 73 XR7 convertible. Currently working on rebuilding the front suspension/brakes then next year do an engine overhaul. Nice cruiser.

  • @chopperjoe2131
    @chopperjoe2131 5 років тому +6

    But why didn’t you make a video about the 67-68 mercury cougar yet?

    • @ergodoy7741
      @ergodoy7741 5 років тому +1

      Yes... the 2nd gen was a fat, bloated pig of a tank compared to 1st gen.

  • @scotthalvorson1161
    @scotthalvorson1161 5 років тому +4

    I've heard the 351c with a few minor upgrades can easily beat a 429

  • @paulfromperth5713
    @paulfromperth5713 5 років тому +2

    The Cougar is one of my favourite cars. I’ve never seen any of them here in Australia, left or right hand drive.

    • @XxSCaaRyFiEnDxX
      @XxSCaaRyFiEnDxX 4 роки тому

      There's loads in Australia

    • @vannjunkin8041
      @vannjunkin8041 4 роки тому

      I would think this style mercury would fit in well in Australia. Australia had some seriously cool Fords.

    • @XxSCaaRyFiEnDxX
      @XxSCaaRyFiEnDxX 4 роки тому

      I've got a 69 here in Australia 👍

  • @ivanloar7846
    @ivanloar7846 4 роки тому +1

    Sold used cars in AZ. We had a cougar that was detailed. But detailers left the windows closed. Damp carpet had not dried properly. At the sales meeting I brought up the fact that it should sell quickly because it also has a genuine "cougar" smell. After much laughter we had the car prepped again. Sold after that.

  • @johnnyhawkins43
    @johnnyhawkins43 5 років тому +6

    You guys are gonna run low on car's to do one of these days,and when you do check out the 1962 Ford Galaxy,the ones that they only made 500 of them!!!A lot of people don't even know that they exist in the first place,DO your homework like you usually do and you will see that I'm right,and NO I'M not trying to be a know it all but I didn't know about them until the latter seventies and I about freaked out!!!!I had no idea that they exist,but they are DEADLY FORCE POWER!!!!!!!! 406 engine 405hp!!!!!!!!Come out from the factory like that with THREE deuces and dual point distributor,,
    Factory cast iron headers!!!!!You get the picture!!!!!!!

    • @extremedrivr
      @extremedrivr 5 років тому +2

      Yeah those Fords were nice but man!! You gotta love a 62 Impala with the 409 Dual Quad with 425 Horsepower!! That was a real beast of a car.

  • @jeremythompson9122
    @jeremythompson9122 5 років тому +9

    Love the 67-70 Cougar's. Never liked the 71-73 Cougar or Mustang

    • @jeremythompson9122
      @jeremythompson9122 5 років тому +1

      @Ricky Roma Why's that? I'm not gonna like something based solely on the fact that nobody else likes it. The fact is the 67-70 Cougars were beautiful. The 71-73 was not

  • @Jon-pu1ci
    @Jon-pu1ci 2 роки тому +1

    Love the 70-73 Cougars.

  • @alfredgregory6473
    @alfredgregory6473 3 роки тому +1

    I had a 73. I loved that car

  • @fast03vette4me
    @fast03vette4me 5 років тому +5

    Better than a Chrysler Cordoba even in rich corinthian leather.

    • @jcampezzi1027
      @jcampezzi1027 5 років тому +1

      Corinthian leather was made up by the marketing dept. There was no such thing. We were all taken.

    • @phoneone1371
      @phoneone1371 4 роки тому

      Had one i got for 200 bucks in the smog law days in komifornia ,it was junk but had good plates for a year

  • @alejandromolina4553
    @alejandromolina4553 5 років тому +24

    *1969 Ford Headquarters*
    -Hey amm boss?, Pontiac have this new thing the "Trans Am" is like a more luxury, agressive, and powerful Firebird and it's doing very well, how are we going to compete with that?!-
    -I got it! Make the cougar uglier, heavier, and slower than the Mustang so we won't sell neither young or old buyers because it's too luxury for the young and too sporty for the old-

    • @actiniumanarchy9237
      @actiniumanarchy9237 5 років тому +2

      Alejandro Molina “uglier”-? Yikes slower?! Honey, Cougar has better engine options than the mustang,

    • @alejandromolina4553
      @alejandromolina4553 5 років тому

      @@actiniumanarchy9237 Yeah, so.. weight doesn't matter?

    • @ragimundvonwallat8961
      @ragimundvonwallat8961 5 років тому +3

      the cougar had a 3 inches stretched wheelbase...it was to compete against midsizes. compared to those it it was ligther. it was a personal car not a pony. GM competitor would have been the montecarlo.
      in the pony market ford was far from fearing the firebird. camaro and firebird together wasnt even coming close to mustang sales, who was the undisputed king of the segment

    • @michaelweizer7794
      @michaelweizer7794 5 років тому +3

      @@ragimundvonwallat8961 well than why did Ford downsize the mustang for 74,1974 was the year that the mustang got to be a glorified pinto and the cougar went to more of a Chevy monte carlo. Of course the mustang story does have a happy ending But the 1974 78 mustang all wasn't a part of that. I ve always loved the first two generations of mercury cougars the best. Far better than those from 1974 and later

    • @keithroy7884
      @keithroy7884 5 років тому +1

      @@michaelweizer7794 100% agree.

  • @richardowens9061
    @richardowens9061 4 роки тому

    My first car was a 1971 Mercury Cougar with the 351 Cleveland engine with a 2 barrel carburetor. It had only 52,000, or so, miles on it in 1978. I paid $1200.00 for it from the first owner - a woman who took very good care of it. It was originally white with the blue half-vinyl roof and I had it repainted dark metallic blue with a light blue half-vinyl roof. The interior was dark blue and in excellent condition. I loved that car!

    • @BMcMahan81
      @BMcMahan81 4 роки тому +1

      I too bought a 71 Cougar in 1978. It wasn't my first car but to date; one of my favorites. A white XR7 with brown leather interior and top. Cleveland 351 with Holly 4barrel carb and CragorSS wheels. This "luxury" car would smoke the tires for more than a block... It was replaced by a 69 Goat, another all time favorite.

  • @arjnsdca
    @arjnsdca 4 роки тому

    I owned 1st a new 73 XR7, but it didn’t have power windows, so I dumped it for a 71 T-Bird, had that a month and got a 73 XR7 convertible in triple white with everything! I miss that car!

  • @PeterM0911
    @PeterM0911 5 років тому +12

    For me it's looks like a Torino from 1971. Just a tought.

    • @Carskinify
      @Carskinify 4 роки тому

      That was my first thought too. The first generation was far more exciting.

    • @robk9685
      @robk9685 3 роки тому

      Ford cars all looked alike. I like the shifter in this thing that was the same as the one in the Pinto.

  • @marcomoreno8188
    @marcomoreno8188 5 років тому +3

    Man I love this car" The Mustang with Lincoln parts" I always say, in the far south side of Chicago this is a great car Gimmie that 429 C J 🐍 with an automatic '68, '69, '70-'71 I'm cool with that. 😜 🚗💥💨.

  • @lovethesmellofracefuelinth7374
    @lovethesmellofracefuelinth7374 5 років тому +2

    My buddy had a 67 and I ran in a 68 charger, which was my first car & beginning of my Mopar addiction. Wow, I didn't know that it was built on the mustang platform. But looking at it closer, it's a lot more obvious and can see it

  • @JimmyRJump
    @JimmyRJump 5 років тому

    Loved this car. Had a Dinky Toys lime green Mercury station wagon with a yellow trailer that carried a purple Cougar hot rod. Still have the set in fact. Must be almost 50 years old now.

  • @chrisbielecki2290
    @chrisbielecki2290 5 років тому +4

    Please tell me the name of the song in the beginning of your videos