1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Sells for 2024 Kia Forte Money, Packs 2nd-Best Windsor V8 Option

This is something you could enjoy driving every day, as long as you’re a driving enthusiast or you love vintage rides. Most people would probably prefer a brand-new budget car at $20,000, which is what you’d pay today for a 2024 Kia Forte. I don’t know about them, but I’d rather have the Mercury, unless the whole point is to sign up for Uber or some other ride-hailing service.

In case you didn’t already know, the first-generation Cougar is the Ford Mustang’s so-called “sister car”. It became Mercury’s first-ever model to win a car-of-the-year award, but not before blowing away expectations in terms of sales. This thing was highly successful right out the gate.

Speaking of right out the gate, the Cougar had the same engine lineup as the Mustang when it first came out in late 1966, although you could only get it with one of multiple V8 options. In 1968, the 302 ci (4.9L) Windsor V8 was introduced in place of the 289 ci base engine, offering 210 horsepower with a 2-barrel carburetor, or 230 horsepower with the four-barrel option.

The latter is what we have here on this 1968 Cougar XR-7, which is properly exciting, especially since the car came relatively cheap. To be fair, it’s not exactly mint-condition, but it’s not like it needs a full refurbishment either. Also, the only other Windsor V8 option that's better than the 302 is the 351.

Visually, we’re dealing with a black exterior, black vinyl roof, dual side mirrors, hideaway headlights, plus a set of 14” Magnum 500-style wheels with 255/60 BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. Also noticeable is the suspension which has been modified to have positive rake.

Inside, you’ll find black vinyl front bucket seats, a similarly upholstered rear bench, a Sony stereo, center console, lap belts, and air conditioning. It’s worth noting that the steering wheel has cracks in it, and the woodgrain instrument cluster was removed, as was the rearview mirror – although the latter is included in the sale.

As for that previously mentioned 302 ci V8, it features an Edelbrock air cleaner, finned valve covers, and an aftermarket ignition coil. The engine sends power to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission.

All things considered; this 1968 Cougar XR-7 should make for a terrific “starter car” as far as vintage muscle/pony cars are concerned. I can’t speculate whether that’s the case with its latest owner, but generally speaking, this is the type of vehicle you could buy for your teenage kid on the off chance they're into American classics as opposed to stealing Kias on TikTok.