1968 Mercury Cougar XR7-G
This is a once in a lifetime chance to buy a very rare and highly sought after 1968 Cougar XR7-G in the drop dead gorgeous color combination of Black Cherry with an Ivory vinyl top and Parchment leather interior. This unique Cougar is one of 619 Shelby G’s produced in 1968. This XR7-G is a well optioned car with the iconic factory power sunroof, Air Conditioning, Power Disc Brakes, Power Steering and an AM/FM Stereo.
This Cougar is equipped with a 390 4V engine, C6 transmission, and all the XR7-G specific parts including unique center console, wood shifter handle, front fog lamps, hood pins, hood scoop, bullet drivers side rearview mirror, pipe-in-pipe exhaust and trim rings, 3rd horn, and XR7-G “C” pillar, grill and dash emblems are intact.
The Cougar was ordered through the Los Angeles District Sales Office and sold in Phoenix where the car has remained since 1968. It wears the remnants of its factory paint but the car has been stored outside for a number of years and the paint has been baked off most of the exterior surfaces leaving the metal exposed to the environment. Luckily the car was in Arizona so while there is surface rust, there is no rust through like you would find in most other areas of the country.
As you would expect, the vinyl top is completely gone but the moldings are intact. The car is complete but all the chrome, anodized aluminum and stainless trim will need to be restored. The interior is also complete but it, too, will need to be completely restored after years of exposure to the Arizona sun. The styled steel wheels will need to be repainted but are in good condition and have the original XR7-G center caps and trim rings. The whitewall tires are brand new.
The 390 hasn’t been started in years but it does turn over easily and has not been opened up. Everything from carb to oil pan is in place. The original air cleaner assembly is missing but the smog system is intact as are the original running cat valve covers. You may choose to rebuild the engine but it may start after taking some precautions with the fuel system and the oiling system.
The brakes work as far as I can tell without actually driving it. The steering box has locked up. I have another good one which I may have installed by the time the car sells but if not, it will be included in the sale. The suspension, transmission, driveshaft and 2.75:1 conventional rear axle are all in place and appear to work as they should.
Overall, this is a very striking color combination that is rarely seen, particularly on an XR7-G. Once completed, this car will be one that will draw crowds wherever it goes. Included with the car is the original sunroof operating instruction pamphlet, the original owner’s manual and 1968 warranty document, a copy of the Marti Report its pedigree and an old personalized Arizona license plate with the letters “XR 7 G”.
Asking $18,750 OBO and I am a motivated seller. The first reasonable offer will take the car. Please call or text Lonnie Sparhawk at (253) 720-9105 or email mycjragtop@yahoo.com for more information. If delivery is an issue, I will consider delivering within a reasonable distance from Phoenix for a negotiable fee.
