1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 428 CJ Convertible: Muscle Car Of The Week Episode 342 V8TV

1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 428 CJ Convertible: Muscle Car Of The Week Episode 342
It might be hard to define what’s cool, but it’s easy to know it when you see it… and this 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 428 CJ Convertible Muscle Car Of The Week is as cool as they come. Cougars were always intended to be a bit more reserved than their Mustang cousins, but that didn’t mean they were any less of a thrill ride. And this one delivers the goods on all levels.
Styling was new for ‘69, with a full-length, deeply sculpted coke-bottle contour running from nose to tail. The black body looks more like a panther than a cougar, and we really dig the red pinstripe, which is echoed on the redline tires. Paint-matched bullet side mirrors point towards the ram-air scoop in the hood, almost reminding oncommers to take heed of what lies beneath. A silver stripe spills the beans on the engine size, but a happy little kitty cat provides distraction at the nose of the hood. Headlights were hidden behind a precise horizontal slat grille and headlight doors, a revision on the previous “electric shaver” design of the ‘67 and ‘68 cars. Look closely and you’ll see the stray cat strutting in the passenger headlight door. The taillights, however, retained their vertical ribbed details, and thankfully, their dancing turn signal lights. And there’s few pleasures in life like wheeling a big-block drop top on a warm summer night. Cougars were always stylish rides, and the ‘69 redesign was on-point.
This car was ordered on September 25, 1968, built on October 18, 1968, but the sale didn’t happen until July 3, 1970… I wonder what the big delay was. Maybe the dealer kept it on hand to entice buyers? What do you think?
As cool as it looks, this Cougar packs some serious heat under the hood. The 428 Cobra Jet V8 made for an awesome driving experience. 440 pound-feet of torque pours on with the mash of the throttle, and peak engine power was advertised at 335 HP at 5200 RPM, but it’s widely known that these made more juice than advertised. 10.3:1 compression, big valves, low restriction heads and a hydraulic camshaft made it happen, all under a 735 CFM 4-barrel carb fed by the functional ram-air hood scoop. This one spins a C6 automatic transmission, with a 3.0:1 geared rear end. The 428 has the grunt to shake things up even with a highway gear out back.
Inside, the Cougar does not disappoint, with a rich red interior complete with comfortable bucket seats and a full length console leading past the automatic shifter to the A/C controls and A Philco AM radio that provides the opening act for the rumbly pipe duet that sings down the road.
The dash is equipped with fuel and amp meters next to a 120 MPH speedo and a 6000 RPM tach… and yep, the speedo has the redline, and not the tach. To the right is an oil pressure indicator with numbers, but a “C” to “H” temp gauge.
428 cars were equipped with a performance tuned suspension system to manage the road, and this one rolls on 14” redline tires wrapping styled steel wheels hiding power-boosted front disc brakes. It’s crazy and wild, with cat class and cat style.
CLOSE: Like the song says, this one’s got it all. Huge power, a great design, and drop-top fun, all rolled up in a classy Mercury Muscle Cat. We thank everyone around the world who shares a few minutes with us here at Muscle Car Of The Week, and special thanks to The Brothers Collection for picking up such cool cars. We’ll be back next time, hope you are too!
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[@David-rx2to]

Stray Cats references made me smile! That Cougar induced a few smiles too!

[@wanyelewis9667]

That is one of the most beautiful old cougars that I've ever seen.

[@thefettfan3994]

For some reason, this is a car I would love to drive through quiet city streets very late at night and then accelerate away into the distance!!! Beautiful machine without a doubt!!! Great vid as always!!!!

[@nowitsabadtime]

I used to do that in the city with my '69 Mustang convertible. Would echo just right at night off the brick buildings and the Turbo mufflers and manual 4 speed. I remember making a pack of girls scream one night, it was pretty funny and awesome ; )

[@michaelclarke9488]

Great color combo! Love the pin stripe. A very classy cat.

[@1972mercurycougar]

So good! Black!! XR7 Cougar rag top with a 428cj!!! Cougars are striking in black. Nice!!! Love it when you guys do a Cougar!! More 67-72, cats!!!

[@2010deanML]

It's stressing me out the hoods not closed all the way

[@Scalihoo]

Thats how hoods fly open, spoken from experience

[@davidjohnmiller4849]

First thing I saw myself

[@72RR446]

Hood latch is probably out of adjustment, I've seen many Mustangs have the same issue.

[@deansapp4635]

I agree

[@BadfingerFan]

The hood IS closed. I had a 1970 XR7 CJ428 R-code convertible with the same exact hood-to-fender alignment problem. You'd think Mercury would fix it , but, no, the problem can be found on both years.

[@rogerlee3941]

Looks like that AM radio also included an 8-track tape player. Nice ride!

[@BobbyOfEarth]

No matter your favorite Brand, the Brothers Collection and Kool Kevin, ..never disappoint.

[@richardhoepfner1633]

Mercury Cougar was the Mustang for mature folks.

[@RootsandTendrils]

Superb design, among the best of the era, so good they, Ford, should build it again, I'd certainly buy it. A shame too few have the taste for such cars today, I'd call that the degradation of the society.

[@cargo4441]

I'd by a cat 2020

[@MrJett1971]

It’s a shame what the Cougar became for the late ‘90s-a tiny little 4-cyl, FWD, and virtually no real performance.

[@Slimjim260]

Love those Mercury factory wheels, perfect color red & Black

[@mikemeyerphotopro]

My first car was a 69 XR7 with the base 351 2bbl. It had dual exhaust and the crappy FMX trans. It was red with the black vinyl top and black interior. Cragar SS wheels made it look incredible as well :)

[@gadsdenviper7149]

I had a 69 Cougar when I was a young fellow in the 80's, wish I still had it, thanks for reminding me how much I liked that car.

[@jswan9658]

I worked for Lincoln Mercury for twenty two years not during these times but in the Eighties going forward, knowing the demographics of LM it was probably do too engine size, convertible, and a very strong MSRP. The dealer just needed the right person and a good salesperson and maybe a sales incentive (bonus ) from the Dealer to move this Cat ! I know I would have bought it, but I was only eleven then. Thanks for sharing.

[@velocita8842]

I wanted this car as a young man in 1975, but settled for a 351 convertible.

[@HoosierDaddy_]

This is just one of those perfect cars. Very nice feature!

[@galptube211]

Oh man, what a beautiful automobile! Wild and sexy stile desing in which, despite not being a black car enthusiast, all in this car looks great the way it is.

[@mikepantel6945]

Thanks Kevin, another fine video of another fine automobile.

[@kennybailey140]

I had one for about 15 years, only it was a factory 4 speed car. Red, white top/interior. No a/c. 1 of 31 built!!

[@MikeBMW]

Always great vids, Kevin! This happy cat misses his 1968 Cougar, my first car! Looking forward to the next one! :)

[@gonerydin4225]

Please fully latch the hood! LOL

[@413x398]

Here's more comment: Ten point "six" to one compression. 3.00 is the default rear gear ratio when ordered with A/C. Mercurys are "CJ428" and Fords are "428CJ".

[@PETERLINNAH]

There's something about black cars with red pinstripes, redline tires, and a red interior that has always made me go WOW! And this one's a convertible! Hoo boy!

[@dennisleonard2137]

Incredible ride. Love it.

[@markdodd1152]

That car was my dream car when I was a kid. And is still a must-have dream car

[@lovethesmellofracefuelinth7374]

Awesome machines and my best friend growing up in SLC had a 67 and used to cruise state st together with my 68 Charger looking for trouble

[@glennsisneros8181]

Crazy SRT8 That was back in the day when you could cruise State Street, I done the same in a 71 Cuda 440/4 speed shaker hood car, and as for the SL UT, they were legendary, lol

[@jeremythompson9122]

I'm a Mopar man myself but I always really liked the muscle car offerings from Mercury. The Cougar was a much nicer car than the Mustang and also much more uncommon. Mustangs seem to be a dime a dozen. Give me this car any day over a 69 Mach 1 428 CJ/SCJ. My aunt had a 69 XR7 but hers had the 351/auto. Really nice car

[@WryGrass100]

Not to change the subject, but you have an excellent voice and approach to this type of video.

[@robertstewart3086]

What a sweet concourse restoration ! Very nice job ! Gotta love this color combo with the red pin stripes and matching side walls !

[@MrJett1971]

*concours

[@seadog2396]

Another superb, professional video, Kevin. Another example of why You Are The BEST! Respect.

[@johnclements6852]

A truly lovely car, I had the pleasure of riding in a friend's car in Australia, don't recall the engine but it was one speedy a classy ride, I certainly would have considered one back in the day.

[@louiskats5116]

All class absolutely classic class, love the headlights & taillight on those cougars.

[@luispauloierizzi157]

much details, much special, much rare and much beautfull

[@jackperry9369]

Very nice thanks sir ....keep em coming I liked and subbed

[@alankulchecki3160]

driving around with the hood partially open is not a good practice. great car. 1 question, why is the top control switch mounted backwards?

[@johntechwriter]

Kevin, I watch your vids because your choice of cars is impeccable. Even more compelling is how you write about them. Your prose captures the sense of magic cars like that 428 Cougar possess. In its way this car is as exotic as anything from Europe - it's the stuff of teenage dreams. But before we can start taking our favorite musclecars too seriously and put them on a pedestal, you bring us down to earth by reminding us they are meant to be fun, fun, fun till her daddy takes the T-Bird awayyyy.

[@reginalddentry7338]

I never saw one with hat hood scoop andI cruised Woodward at that time 1970 1973

[@chickencrapoperator]

Kevin, what can i say, Damn!

[@troynov1965]

Never have seen the fascination with convertibles and why they bring a higher price. They are pron to rust, not safe in a rollover, easy to break into and higher maintenance. Give me a hardtop any day.

[@Yankeededandy62]

Will you look at that: This cat turned Kevin into a dancer at the end

[@ALABAMAHEADHUNTER]

Well , I hope he don't quit his day job for singing and dancing .

[@markwegner6100]

Beautiful

[@ALABAMAHEADHUNTER]

Man , that is a good lookin' car ! Sounds sweet . Bet it's a blast to drive .

[@artschamberg4470]

Grrrrrrr Got a date in my 428 A little piece of heaven.

[@reginalddentry7338]

My buddy in high school kept 20 bucks in the center of the steering wheel He kept it for emergencies . He just twisted the center vinyl thing and wa la

[@tonystoakley5816]

Wow great video Kevin

[@randybiby9757]

Beautiful car! Unique and a street screamer I'm sure.

[@nowitsabadtime]

I think I would've put a black ragtop on it; the white is 'too pretty' ;)

[@PowerTom286]

It's crazy and wild, but it's got cat class and it's got cat style - I've heard this before - Brian Setzer said, Hahaha btw I've seen the Stray Cats in 1980 in a small club in London and it was great !

[@sputumtube]

I noticed the Stray Cat Strut line too... Lol.. :)

[@ianfosbrook8406]

BEAAAUTYYY..... keep em coming...

[@TheFokker03]

Not so keen on Cougar's.Mustang's & Firebird's fire my enthusiasm.Keep them coming,Kevin.

[@rsaraiva1]

Gorgeous

[@HiroNguy]

I know it'd bog down or sit n spin in a 1320 drag race, but with that 428 and 3.00:1 tall tail gear I'm wondering what the result might be in a standing start 1 mile trial.

[@walterjones5727]

Nice wanted to see a burn out

[@GeraldWood-ig9rw]

No little scoup on side bottom molding

[@zwild1160]

These were cool cars from back in the day when the choices were many. You were more likely to see a 302 powered Cougar than a 428. Still it was a awesome time to be young and buying a car. Plus they looked better back in 69.

[@413x398]

The base engine in 1969 was the 351W. No 302's except for the optional Boss 302, a different animal altogether.

[@theone5716]

@@413x398 Actually the 302 Windsor was around since 1968 as it replaced the older 289 Windsor. The Boss 302 was just a Windsor with Cleveland heads

[@413x398]

@@theone5716 I'm talking about '69 Cougars only.

[@5inthehole]

How do they find cars like this? Someone’s got real deep pockets!!

[@2packs4sure]

Need to sort out that hood latch !!!

[@PJAvenger]

YEET! I want that

[@katana258]

why does the hood not align up with the fenders

[@sergioruiz650]

I'm an GM guy but cougar like this one was always my favorite from the LAME ford company.

[@izzynutz2000]

I had a 67 6.5 Dan gurney special 390 ci/ C-6 that would have walked that one... Wish I still had that car today

[@ez209livas]

is that 3 428cj vert cats 🐈 the Brother’s have?

[@CHEVYSORCROWNS]

Ill take one in silver please!

[@artjones2498]

everybody says these words....i had 1 years ago.....but i did.....a 67 351c 2v....metalic blue....black interior...auto on the floor....."yep"...." i wish id kept it"....but i did and i do.....sigh????

[@corywilhelm9768]

Could you please adjust the front hood and re-show a clip of the adjustment. It really is kinda slapping the kitty on the snout. Thanks.

[@413x398]

Hey, great car. I have one. Well, OK, it's not a convertible. And it's yellow.

[@schrodawg1]

Are you able to visit the Brothers Car collection?

[@stephenholland5930]

Only on a private tour.

[@edculle]

Hood alignment could use some work...

[@jonathanpasch6604]

The trim is off on the deck lid too. They got the hide away lights looking good though

[@dannmarceau]

And the hoods never lined up on them, mine didn't.

[@richard9436]

close the hood

[@0228mustang]

Kinda ruined the video for me...

[@fmbbeachbum8163]

Yup that thing was flapping.

[@markw208]

A real shame Ford put a 3.00:1 non-locking rear end in a performance car. They did that in a lot of 428's. It should be at least 3.25 or 3.50:1 limited slip.

[@nowitsabadtime]

I had a 3.00:1 in my '69 Mustang, 302/4spd. The thing was a DOG until like 70, and then it would almost burn rubber after that! From 70 to 110, seemed to take only one second. Such a fun-fun car!

[@Rouge_7]

And it appears to be unrestored. A daily driver if you please.

[@dowen1511]

Your lucky that hood didn't come flying up on that black cat and ruin your day !! Take a good look 😳

[@larryl1427]

Beautiful car. But I don't know what he's talking about when he says "coke bottle contour". It doesn't look like a coke bottle at all.

[@mcinkyt]

A 5'9'' woman is just to tall, and I'm 6'5''

[@marcomoreno8188]

I can't have a convertible I live in the far southeast side of Chicago I'll need a hardtop go back a year '68 n a 390 with a good c-6 transmission. Ma big gulp from 7_11 cause my am radio got am 740 at night that picks up rock n roll from Canada cruising n my cougar 😻 meeeow heh heh meowski s .

[@larryl1427]

Why not close the hood? Driving without the hood closed is dangerous.

[@rono3045]

67 through 70 cougars should be worth more money then they're going for I just don't get it they should be top-dollar cats

[@terribelbliss9646]

Maybe a dealer had a child graduating from high school that year and wanted to kill two birds with one stone.

[@dobermanpac1064]

Sorry not sorry... not a muscle car. A nice cruiser yes, but not a beast. I owned a New 1973 CR7 and I also owned a New 1971 Buick GS Stage 1. Therefore I consider myself somewhat of an expert.

[@larrysmith6797]

Damn hippie.

[@TheOne-ex8cs]

Its was the gentlemans muscle car. I hear they hooked better than a mustang on the track. I don't hear too many stories about Buick though.

[@falconater68]

Your comment was irrelevant as soon as it was typed. The cougar did more factory racing then any "muscle" Buick could. Dan Gurney? Dyno Don? I understand you don't understand.,you see a convertible and automatically assume.