Hello everyone first post here. I have been looking for a Mercury Cougar ever since I was a teenager I’m 25 now. Pictured below I have found a 1968 Mercury Cougar for sale equipped with a 289 and an auto trans. I would like everyone’s opinion of the car since you all know more than I do. What do you think is a good price for this car? These are the only pictures I have and I still need to look at it in person. I can tell this car was most likely in a wreck at one point early on in its life given the different colored body panels. I know it was last registered in 1974 so it has been off the road since. That’s my guess given the bias ply tires still on it. Looks like someone made a good attempt at fixing it but just didn’t quite make it there. Any thoughts on condition, price, or red flags would be appreciated.
https://classiccougarcommunity.com/forum/download/file.php?mode=view&id=25810
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https://classiccougarcommunity.com/forum/download/file.php?mode=view&id=25811
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To me this looks like a decent car, but it really depends a lot on your skill set. Parts are expensive and so is labor if you have to pay for it. Even doing most of the work yourself you’ll likely wind up upside down. If you’re looking for a project and you understand that then by all means go for it. But if the goal is to have a Cougar to drive, save up some money and find one that’s already done.
Without seeing underneath, $800
Agreed, It really does depend on your goals. This is most definitely a project and will cost more then the car will be worth in the end but that’s ok if you want the experience of putting one back together which is rewarding on its own.
Be mindful of any rust which I suspect there is some based on where and how long its been sitting. Rust repairs can get costly and labor intensive.
If I had to guess 2500-3k is market for something like this. Personally If I was buying this to put together I wouldn’t pay much more then 1k for it considering current condition and unknowns you will run into.
Thank you for the input so far everyone. A couple more things to mention. I was told this car was stored inside for many years and was only recently pulled outside. I do have the majority of the tools to fix this car. I have restored a 1917 Model T with my dad and we are currently restoring a 1926 Model T coupe. As far as possibly spending more than the car is worth to fix it I’m not too concerned because I would never sell it. I am leaning more towards purchasing it pending me looking at the rust situation underneath. I’ve always wanted one but they are not easy to find where I live. Any more input is appreciated.
I think there is a lot to like about this car. It looks like the trunk, hood and other panels may not be adversely affected by rust. The issue will be the floors and frame rails, and especially the cowl (unpainted box section under the air inlet vent in front of the windshield. Also, is the engine locked up? What I like is it looks rather unmolested and complete. This is important. It is just me, but if the cowl, frame rails and floor are good, I would go for it, especially if you can get it for less than $3K. Prices are area dependent.
The look I like is to mechanically restore and hot rod and leave the body dented and as it is, other then coatings to stop the rust. New chrome and wheels and then drive the heck out of it.
Keep in mind any parts you have to buy that are not common to Mustangs will be expensive compared to Mustangs (bumpers, upholstery, etc)
Keep us posted of what you find
That one looks like a parts car. Spend $7000 and save $20k on repairs. It sounds like you are on the right track with having your dad’s tools and experience to help you. The fact that you are inquiring here shows good judgment. Welcome to the group!
As a parts and service provider for these cars, Don has the most to gain by you buying this - and even he says to find a better starting point. I wouldn’t touch that car, there’s better options out there. Buy something from the west coast, or at least as unmolested as possible. The cost to restore a car has gone way up in recent years. The last paint job I got for $10k seems like a bargain now.
If the price is right buy it as a parts car if nothing else. I can see an easy $1500 in parts with out much risk. If it turns out better then you are on your way
Looks like a parts car to me as well.
Sure, you could restore it but why? I don’t know your knowledge or resources but my bet it would be a project you would never finish. You would be upside down on day one. Only (and I mean ONLY) way I would take on a project like that is if it had semimetal value and I had a really fat wallet.
Just keep you’re eyes open for a good rust free running #3 condition car as a starting point. They are out there!
I just wanted to update everyone here. I did end up buying the car and it is sitting in the garage. I wanted a project and now I have one. I needed something to do after work because I don’t like sitting around. The dipstick had rust on it so the engine will come out along with the transmission. The lady at the DMV said it was last registered in 1975 the odometer shows 2083 miles most likely 102083 miles. Frame rails, floors, are solid along with shock towers, hood, and truck. Once again thank you everyone for your input I really appreciate it. I will keep you all updated in this forum with the progress of this project.
Congratulations! Sounds like it is in better shape than expected and am glad you found it and will save it! It sure wouldn’t have lasted long outdoors.
Yeah, man! Even if you end up coming across a more finished '67 Cougar and combine this with it, you’re off to flying start (or, at least, lined up at the runway threshold).
Suggest studying up on doing your own headliner and seats. Any idiot, me included, can do carpet and door panels. But you’re younger than me, and wrestling hog rings and muscling upholstery into place is more your domain. I say so because paying people to do those things adds up fast. Beware the dreaded disintegrated seat foam disease - it does get in your eyes just as one of Don Rush’s videos warns.
Don’t be afraid to call up WCCC. They’re real Cougar evangelists. And, there may be forum members closer than me who can provide bargain or even free stuff. I’m in New England, but that probably doesn’t help.
R.B.
Welcome to the Cougar world. What part of the country are you in? There are numerous regional clubs around. The Cougar Club of America is great place to start. There website lists all of the regional clubs. If you’re anywhere around Houston we’d love to have you, even before you can bring your car. West Coast Classic Cougars is a great source of part and advice. They’ve got some really useful videos and they are not afraid to rate a part poorly when they offer it as the only one there.
To me, it’s been sitting outside much longer than advertised - look at far up the rear wheels the soil is. With it sitting that far into ground, the undercarriage has to be in somewhat less than desired shape - then you’re getting into specialty work (frame repair/welding). If you’re still that interested, have the owner pull the car to a flat surface so you can inspect underneath. Like folks have stated, I would look for a car that has more meat on the bone for parts that don’t have to be replaced - or one that has work needed that aligns to your skillset (and budget).
Great that you have interest in Cougars - anyone can own a Mustang… If you do happen to continue to look for a Cougar, will give you a chance to look for the real beauty of the Cougar line - a '69! 
Congratulations on your purchase!
Good deal, Just inspect the underside very closely. Cougars are becoming very sought after, more and more. Bag and tag anything you remove, take lots of pictures during tear down. The other cars got your feet wet, but have nothing compared to the stuff you’re going to get into. Get the 4 books on, chassis, suspension, wiring, etc they have out here. Wiring, the sequ taillights and vacuum hide aways, can be a real pain.
As for “anyone can own a Mustang”, lots of the parts are Mustang. So don’t be afraid to cross reference parts on them. Suspension, drivetrain, etc are all the same in many ways.
Some of us do also own Mustangs.
I think the OP is the owner now