https://www.vanguardmotorsales.com/vehicles/4481/1968-mercury-cougar-s-code
Has this one come up before? VIN search in here came up empty.
That car just sold on BAT for $56,000.00 in February
$56k was ALL the money but those retail places are willing to wait until the “money is no object” buyer comes along and offers them $90k. There is that kind of money sloshing around out there. Folks have been busting my chops for asking $28k for a car like this. Just sold it yesterday and the guy who bought it said $28 looked refreshing after seeing what dealers were asking. https://www.ebay.com/itm/203924870372?mkevt=1&mkpid=0&emsid=e11051.m43.l1465&mkcid=26&ch=osgood&euid=b7e93596915142b8933af2346af48754&bu=43187400215&osub=-1~1&crd=20220524164625&segname=11051&sojTags=ch%3Dch%2Cbu%3Dbu%2Cosub%3Dosub%2Ccrd%3Dcrd%2Csegname%3Dsegname%2Cchnl%3Dmkcid
They aren’t making more of them and a 68 S code 4 speed bit the dust just recently in a collision.
I just upped the Hagerty policy on my cat to $60k and they didn’t even ask for pictures.
Are you referring to this one that was in the collision?
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/d/burlingame-1968-mercury-cougar-original/7477980009.html
Seller was supposed to get back to me on how bad it is, never heard back.
Nice car, bad but very fixable.
Seller sent me more pictures beyond what’s shown in the ad… I’m curious 
Looks like “nhenwood” is Vanguard on BAT. I also found a GTO they bought for $58k and now listed on their site for $129,900. Just a FYI if you’re bidding on BAT for a car…
Don,
That was a nice car that you sold for $28k. Seeing prices like this for a 289, makes me wonder what my 67 GT is worth.
In terms of market value, I would think that auctions may actually set the standard precedent for what a vehicle may be worth. In the end a cost is determined by the markets. What serves to complicate value in the matter of classic cars is the differences between one and another in terms of trim, packages and options, characteristics that can have an influence on the value overall unlike a mass produced good or service that is relatively the same. Auctions may perhaps set the initial standard which is later mediated by the markets.
I believe the auction houses are definitely driving up the prices of all muscle cars. The Mercury cougar is finally getting it day in the sun! Good for us all who have these cars, bad for those wanting to get one of these rare S code cars. 
I think it is more likely runaway inflation that is driving prices up. It’s a similar market to 2007 / 2008 right now. Watch for the fall in prices soon.