newbie question on what year to buy

Cougar Community Classic Cougar Community Discussion
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Hi everyone

I’m new to this site as I’m interested in buying a 1967-1970 Cougar. The reason why for me is that that don’t make them anymore and I have always loved the sequential tail lights. Anyway I would like to buy a convertible or coupe (open to your thoughts) that is in great condition and will hold its value. I would spend up to $30,000 for the right car. I would like A/C, center console, automatic and a car that is rust free and runs well with no leaks.

Does anyone have any thoughts (Im leaning away from black because I’ve had too many black ones already).

Thanks!
Scott

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Welcome! I say 68… They are safer and many of the bugs have been worked out from the first year model 67. These videos will help you pick a good one, I say be VERY picky and take your time. $20-30k puts you in the sweet spot to find a cherry but the dealers will often choose any old piece of crap to slap a $30k price on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XLIm9YVzG4&t=11s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCNOiNCZVtU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hJ2U1xxZAk&t=28s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fizb2vo68vA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxWh6R6OyUA&t=11s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5rcixwWueQ

BTW, I will have a 67 and a 68 for sale soon but they are not heavily optioned but both are one owner, original paint, low mile, garage kept rust free cars.

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First, welcome!!! Yes, Cougars are sweet cars. Not everyone gets them, but once you’re smitten by their allure, there is no turning back.

So I’m going to wade into this with the disclaimer that this is but one Cougarholic’s opinion. Also, please know that I REALLY like all '67-70 Cougars, which is what you asked about. Knowing that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, here we go:

--------------------------------------------O P I N I O N------------------------------

Years in order of preference: 68, 70, 67, 69.
Why? I love the 67-68 body style bc Dad brought home a brand new '67 for Mom and we all freaked out. But I agree with Don, '68s are just better turned out cars.
Why a 70 over a 69? I was never fond of the 69 grill. 70 went back to vertical grill bars, and even though the hood will decapitate you, the front end looks better. And yes, the hood will decapitate you.

Trim: XR-7. Love the leather and full instrumentation. The 7th grade me was mesmerized by the tach in Mom’s car.

If you want a convertible you’ll have to get a 69 or 70. There is hardly a more beautiful car than a 69 or 70 Cougar convertible with the top down. 70s are slightly longer than 69s so the lines are “mo betta.”

Engines:
428 or 427 - You will not find one in excellent condition for $30K.
390 - offered all 4 years - stock they’re heavy and sleepy, but can be woken up.
351 - offered in 69 and 70 - 2V and 4V: Generally great - nice power to weight balance - prefer 4V, of course. Debate rages Cleveland vs Windsor.
BOSS 302 - 69 and 70 Eliminator only. Rare, pricey, high strung. Need higher octane fuel than is generally available and minimum 3:91 gears to get it launched. And then it’ll drive you nuts on a long trip. BUT…SOOOO cool!!! And not for $30K.
302 - Standard in 68 - a few 68s had 289s. Prefer 302 4V.
289 - Standard in 67. Prefer 4V.

Transmission:
4-speed, baby! Rare, nothing like 'em! Wish I had one!

Good luck with the hunt! Keep us up to date.

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One small correction to 93RGTE’s post, the 390 was no longer available after the 1969 model year. No 1970 Cougars left the factory with a 390.

Randy Goodling
CCOA #95

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Gary has created a great synopsis which I generally agree with. One minor correction to the engine options though. The 390 was only offered in 67, 68 and 69. None of the engine options were available all 4 years.

Edit: I see Randy and I were typing at the same time regarding 390 availability.

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Sorry - my bad.

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Here is a '67 XR7that will likely be for sale soon. I have another project.
http://xcs.net/xr7.htm

302/350hp crate motor
Automatic AOD
3.55 rear
AC
PS
Disc Brakes
New tires
Electric headlight motors
Vic Yarberry solid state turn signals
Coil Springs 1" Drop 620 lb/In
zero rust
lots more.

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Very nice!

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Having $30k is the nice part of what to buy, however spending wisely can be an issue. I talked to a Heacock sales guy I know and mentioned having $30k to spend. He confirmed that Cougar prices are on the rise and they have been agreeing on higher covered values. His comments are, the biggest bang for the buck (like Mustangs) are the 71-73s, can get a nice one for a lower cost. He moved on to finding a more rare Cougar (G, GTE, Eliminator) and with either a 427/CJ or B302. Of course $30k isn’t going to work on these unless its the latest barn find. Their valuation increase for any year with a 390 isn’t that much. If you are buying to drive and have a WOW look on the streets then a 70 Eliminator 351 IMO is the way to go for the price. Another comment from the insurance guy was that spring 2019 there will be a movie coming out about Carroll Shelby and will feature a lot of 65-70 Shelbys, the ins. guys are expecting a bump in Shelby prices! Winter is the best time to buy.

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Thanks for your input. I’m still researching and looking at pics. Scott

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I would suggest 1970 - 1st year of the 351C (try for a 4v if you can). 1969 is also a good year - 1st year of the 351W (also try for a 4v) and the only one with horizontal grill - if you want a little different look in the hide-away headlights. These are both very good performance engines without making the front of the car too heavy - sorry big block lovers but a 390 or 428 can somewhat limit the car to a straight-line dragster and make simple maintenance a bear. The Windsor is more readily available and has many after-marker parts (heads/cams/intakes) to customize the performance to your liking.
In addition, both of these years can have a rag-top option if that is what you want or you can even look at an Eliminator (probably beyond your $30k budget though - and be careful of clones) - neither was not offered in 67/68. The 69 with sport option (bullet rockers) is nice.

I’ve had three 1970 Cougars & enjoyed them all - but do watch out for the nose when you go under the hood.

Just sold the last one and already looking for another…

Good luck

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Good to know. How much bigger inside is the 69/70 vs 67/68

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Something to consider…

https://www.ebay.com/itm/223193664840

No reserve.

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Buy a 67-70 for sure!! Which ever you like the looks of more!! And the wheel base was the same for all 4 years, so interior space was the same.

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And if your like me and can’t decide? Buy one of each!!!

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That’s funny!

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Seems pretty reasonable even for a small block.

I’m not really sure which year is my favorite.

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I was in your position last year. I ended up with a 69 vert, the black sheep of Cougar aficionados as your ask is proving. :wink:

I like it’s the first year of the convertible, the ONLY year of horizontal grill and…well… convertible. Driving it has been special, between looks, gestures and conversations coming from all sides in traffic. The 351 2V is more than enough to push power and sound good.

You should find a very nice one south of $30k, I went with a partial restorer to have something to work with with my son. :slight_smile:

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Scott, I’ll throw in my 2 cents worth. I think the 67 and 68 are more elegant cars. I like the 69 and 70 hardtops as muscle cars (not saying the early models with the right engines aren’t fast cars). I love the look of the 69 and 70 convertibles.

I’d say pick which one you want, an elegant looking, fine line car or a muscular looking hot rod or a convertible. If you can find one local by using Craigslist or Facebook, then you’ll save thousands of dollars. Ebay prices will typically hurt. A dealer may hurt just as much.

I really wish I had one of each. I’ve owned 3 70s. I’m partial to the 70 look.

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Hard to pick now