This is my first post on this forum, we all know what that makes me.
As a youngster, I lived through the '60’s, even as a boy, I was drawn to the Fords and Mercurys. My First car was a '75 Gran Torino. That car cemented my passion for the Ford Brand.
Presently, I own a '08 Shelby GT500 'vert. It’s an unbelievable car that I adore. But I know that there is a huge difference between a Classic and a Modern Muscle Car. I am a Senior Member of the FordGT500 Forum and found it to be a invaluable resourse, great for finding answers.
I’ve been thinking about an early model Cougar, it’s been a favorite model of mine for many years. I know that in the first 4 years, there were 2 different body styles and quite a few different models. I have thought that if I were ever to get the classic Cougar that I always wanted, I would have to sell the Shelby. This would be a very difficult decision, and would be based on the feedback I hope to receive on this forum. What I want to know is some of the basics regarding early model Cougars. I know that in '67 the cougar emerged. Usually, the first year of a new model, has it’s share of problems. This was true of the GT500’s when they reemerged in '07. If the consensus is that the '67’s are problematic. I would then steer toward a '68. With the '69’s and '70’s, I have to assume that they are basically equal. Once again, I don’t really have any facts to back that up. I would be looking for a nice cougar from the first four years. I’d like any info about those models that would be helpful in understanding what to look for, so I could make a good choice. I am capable of mechanical work, but physically, I am not capable of major work to the car, like pulling the engine for a rebuild. (severe arthritis). I’d like to get a car that was nice on the inside so I could put the kind of paint job that I want. I like the metal flake and flames. Funny I know. I’ve gotten to the point in my life where I want what I want, and don’t care much for the status quo, I want to do what I want to do, not what everyone else says I need to do.
Any advice of opinions on any of the points above are appreciated. I look forward to hearing from the Cougar pro’s and value your comments.
I’ve had several '68’s and two 67’s. I can’t say there’s any difference in reliability, especially after this much time with the intervening upgrades, repairs, replacements, etc. that a vehicle naturally goes through over 45 years. I currently have a '67 XR-7 GT.
I have two toy cars, basically. The Cougar alternate, and 3-season daily driver, is my 2007 Chrysler Crossfire Limited roadster. A Shelby it’s not, but it does have the handling and performance of a sports car with the feel and engineering of the Mercedes 320 SLK that hides under the Chrysler sheet metal. I’m not sure I’d want to give up one exclusively for the other and I’d advise you against it if there’s any way to keep both. The Cougar is 45 year-old design using even older technologies. Sure, it’s fun but it won’t ever deliver anything close to what you’ve had with the Shelby. In addition, Cougars aren’t that expensive if you just want a nice driver.
I’m partial to the 67-68 models because of styling preferences, but the 69-70 were equally good (even if they did have that effeminate swoopy body line!). I even have friends that own them and I wouldn’t be surprised if one or more of them comes along to comment before much longer.
Welcome Dean/Quasar 500! I think you will fit right in here. Personally I think that the only real solution is to get one of each.
My personal favorite would be the '68 but mostly because there were so many different version of the Cougar available that year that were one year only cars (XR7-G, GT-E in particular) not to mention availability of the high compression J code 302, the Maurader 390, the 427 side oiler, and 428 Cobra Jet.
The '67 in my opinion has better lines: no side market lights. It is a bit more complex in several areas, but since they made so many, parts don’t seem to be a problem. The XR-7 GT is pretty incredible. The steering wheel is also better looking.
But the '69 has a lot going for it too: The Eliminator, the 351 became standard and you could get the Boss 302! 1969 was also the first year for a convertible, and due to the very low stack height the car looks incredible. The '69 also has more headroom so tall guys fit better. They did kind of mess up the grill though.
In '70 they fixed the grill! And they added high back buckets and 4 speed cars came from the factory with a Hurst shifter. The only draw back is that they didn’t make as many, so finding a good one can be tough. Oh, and the Cleveland 351 also debuted.
The 1.2.3 cars are also a lot of fun, the biggest draw back was that after '71 the engines got less powerful and the bumpers got bigger. They had more convenience features and really are modern cars for the most part. If I was looking for a real daily driver it would probably be a '71 with every imaginable option and if I owned an oil well, the 429 Cobra Jet to get it down the highway in style.
Rumor has it that there were Cougars after '73, but every time I see a picture it looks like a Thunderbird in disguise.
Welcome aboard. How attached are you to a convertible? If a ragtop is a non-negotiable feature, that may help narrow your search to 69-70 cars. I say “may help” because although there were no factory 67 or 68 verts, there are crazy people out there…
My thanks to all for the pertinent information. It is exactly what I was hoping to get at this Forum.
I’m not really after a 'vert. I like the coupes the most. I would have bought a coupe Shelby, but the one I got fell into my lap, it was such a rare version, I just had to get it.
Let me tell you, this Forums layout is so completely different from my other one, I’m surprised that I’ve been able to do as much as I have in my first day. I’m going to learn more of what I can do here, increase my proficiency.
67- Has the cleanest (look) lines.
68- The most options and different packages.
69- conv’s, eliminators and the grille love it or hate it.
70- still a cool Cougar just watch out for that hood!
For what you want sounds like any one of the above years would work. If you are going with a resto mod custom paint a standard model will do just fine and cheaper$$. Post your location and the members on here can help you find one to fit your needs
Welcome to the Classic Cougar Community. This is a great site with easy to use features, the best feature is the members. Not much I can add to what was stated above. Just get the best condition Cougar for the dollar. Steer clear of rust as not many body panels are available in the aftermarket. 67-68 are prone to cowl leaks so if you choose either year check the cowl vent with water first, it can save a lot of headaches in the future. Good luck with your search, whatever year you pick you’ll have a classic with style.
Steven
just guessing, but I think Bill is referring to the over all profile being lower. Compared to like a 71 Cougar conv with higher door/fender/quarter panel height. The lower profile (stack height) is a more pleasing look.
Stack height is an engineering term when dimensions are added together along with there tolerances you end up with an over all stack height or a sum of all the deminsions added together plus there tolerances.
Been looking at photos of the 4 model years I would be after. Could someone clue me into the differences in the '69 front end. I’m not familiar enough with the appearances to know what to look for. Thanks much.
The 69 is the only one of the first 4 years where the grill design is horizontal rather than vertical. In 70, they reverted to a vertical grill and incorporated a big snout on the front of the hood.
Welcome to the community Quasar and good luck in your qwest for a cat I’d throw in my .02 but as an owner of one of those 1-2-3 cars I feel like I’m walking into the middle of a gun fight with a butter knife Seriously though you will find a ton of information and expertise here with some humor and sarcasm thrown in
Stack height, when talking convertibles is the height of the roof mechanism when fully retracted or stacked. The Cougar roof drops into the well and doesn’t extend above the body line.
I’d throw in my .02 but as an owner of one of those 1-2-3 cars I feel like I’m walking into the middle of a gun fight with a butter knife 
