I wanted to break this news with the CCC first. After 32 year of ownership, I have decided to consign the “R Code” to the Russo & Steele auction this January in Scottsdale. While lot numbers/auction times have not yet been assigned (R&S assigns them somewhat last minute based on the mix of cars, etc.), I expect the car will cross the block AT NO RESERVE sometime on Fri 1/18 or Sat 1/19, and will provide an update as the dates draw closer.
It feels like selling a family member, but I also know it’s time to concentrate on other projects, and pass this amazing car on to a new owner in hopes they cherish like we have. Thanks to all my Cougar pals for the help, knowledge, and support that have made the car better, and made owning it so freaking EPIC. We will party with this thing one last time, and send it across the block with good vibes for the next caretaker.
Rest assured, I’m not going anywhere. I still have the '67 Cougar, and will keep tinkering with/enjoying that car until they take my keys away, LOL
Some particulars on the upcoming auction:
What: Russo and Steele Scottsdale
When: Thursday, January 17th – Sunday, January 20th - I expect the car to cross the block Fri or Sat evening.
Where: SALT RIVER FIELDS AT TALKING STICK - 7555 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
For those not familiar with the car, here are a few talking points:
1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 “R Code” convertible: factory equipped with a Ram Air 428CJ engine, automatic transmission (C-6 with a cast iron tail shaft & correct R servo), black leather interior, W code yellow paint, air conditioning, tilt away wheel, console, AM/FM stereo, power steering, brakes and top with glass backlight. Originally equipped with a 3.00 open rear, it now sports a 3.25 traction lock in an N case (original gears/N case and the original, re-cored radiator are available).
Production statistics: Per Kevin Marti’s research, there were 4,024 XR-7 convertibles produced in 1969, and just 127 of them had the R Code 428CJ engine, 96 of those with an automatic transmission. Of those, 4 were produced in W code yellow, and only this one had black leather interior.
Survival rate: Per the Cougar Club of America’s 428CJ Registrar, Scott Taylor, as of November 2018 only 45 1969 XR-7 “R Code” convertibles are known to the registry (10 4 speeds/35 automatics).
Notable Awards: Cougar Club of America Concours Gold National award winner 2x (judging sheets available), AACA Grand National Senior award (2016).
Other: featured in Speed Channel’s American Muscle Car T.V. Show: The Sign of the Cat originally aired June 2nd 2005 (searchable on YouTube). Also featured on Year One’s website, CCOA’s ATSOC publication (3x), the 2013 AACA Calendar.
Documentation: Original factory to dealer invoice (Eminger Report), Deluxe & Elite Marti Reports.
Engine is non-original but date coded within reason. Rebuilt to factory specifications, it has been bored .030 over and align honed, fully balanced rotating assembly, forged pistons (10.5:1), moly rings, Motorsport cam. Correct 735 CFM Holley carb, “X” fuel pump, and distributor. Factory exhaust manifolds have been Jet Hot coated in cast iron gray.
The seller has owned the car for 32 years since purchasing it from a longtime family friend, and the rotisserie restoration to concours specs was completed in 2005 by noted FoMoCo guru Ed Gaczek (now retired).
That’s a hard one to let go of and I’m sure many beers were consumed coming to that decision. Good luck on the sale
