1968 Mercury Cougar Custom Convertible
$45,000 OBO
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This 68 custom restomod Convertible is ready for a new home. I purchased this car from Don Rush last year. It is featured in several of his how-to videos. It is the recipient of the first reproduction standard dash bezel which have now just become available.
It has a strong running 302 with dual 4-barrel Edelbrock carbs. Engine is backed with a T5 manual transmission. Rear end is a 3.80 traction lock 8” rear end.
Under prior ownership, the front-end suspension was redone. TMI seats installed with a driver’s seat track extension. Custom 5.0 fender emblems in place.
New chromed dash bezel, new gauge lenses, new tilt steering tilt column, tilt up and down working, tilt away not connected. Factory original AM radio converted to AM/FM with Bluetooth. Steering wheel is a deluxe woodgrain reproduction wheel. Power windows and power top all functional. This was an original AC car. AC components included but not installed, Compressor, drier, condenser, hoses, brackets, etc.
New upgraded Headlight cover actuators with LED lights. (See WCCC video). New headlight wiring harness installed. LED sequential rear taillights as well.
235/60R15 BFG Radial TA RWL tires on Legendary Magnum 500 wheels with black Cougar center caps.
When I purchased the car, the power steering leaked excessively. (This was fully disclosed.) A set of thin wrenches helped tightened the nut on the back of the pump. I replaced the pump to valve hoses with the WCCC conversion kit that reroutes the hoses away from the exhaust, much safer with the full headers. Finally, a new PS slave cylinder finished the job.
The rear end leaked. I found the case was cracked surrounding the pinion gear. One too many burnouts! I replaced the whole unit with a new 3.80 traction lock 8” rear with reinforced case. The rear axle bearings had burst. The grease ruined the brake shoes. So new rear axle bearings, rear seals, and brakes. The rear brake line was original and frayed, so I replaced that as well. The front shocks were KYB Gas-A-Just but the rears were KYB Excel Gs. They are now all Gas-A-Just to match. Much better rear end control now as well.
I fixed minor thermostat gasket and engine drain plug leaks. I fixed the sloppy shifter springs. Replaced the leaky master cylinder. Replaced the door latch springs. Installed the new radio and surround bezel. Fixed some small electrical issues. Added a stainless radiator overflow container. Touched up various small paint chips. Added a reproduction door VIN plate. Replaced old fuel lines and added a fuel filter before the pump.
This is a great car. It attracts attention everywhere it goes. And for the Cougar enthusiast, its unique status as a custom convertible makes it a standout collector piece.
I would like to see the car goes to a real Cougar enthusiast which is why I am listing it here first. I just sold my 67 GT and now this car is for sale. I am selling so I can focus on completing my remaining 2 cars. I am keeping my 67 XR7 GT 4 speed and 68 GTE project. I do not have time and capacity to finish them all, so I need to downsize to a more manageable goal.
I know there are other postings and videos of this car and its history on the forum, but I cannot seem to locate them.
https://forum.classiccougarcommunity.com/t/wccc-attempts-its-first-resto-mod-68-convertible/14699
Please contact me at brianmcdermott2001@yahoo.com. Car is in Queensbury, NY.