830HP Custom Pro-Touring Mercury Cougar! Stacey David's V8 Interceptor FULL BUILD from Gearz

Check out Cornwell tools, the choice of professionals since 1919: www.cornwelltools.com/
The V8 Interceptor is a project that had been kicking around in my head for a long time. I have always loved the first generation Mercury Cougar and hated that they always seemed to be overlooked in the muscle car world. The Cougar is a sinister looking machine with its hidden headlamps and matching sequential taillights, and its high-performance racing history is well documented, so it was the perfect candidate to build a serious street machine out of. On top of that, the four-legged Cougar runs down it’s dinner on a daily basis making it one of nature’s ultimate natural interceptors, so building a V8 Interceptor out of a Mercury Cougar is a perfect match.
Of course, to call something a “V8 Interceptor” is pretty ballsy. It means that the vehicle has to be able to run down pretty much anything on the street or strip, so the heart of the project had to be STRONG. A Jon Kaase Racing Boss Nine engine with an over-the-top Hilborn fuel injection sticking out of the hood not only gives the look and power that I needed for this project, but it also let me give a subtle nod to the blown Interceptor that Mel Gibson drove in Mad Max, without building a clone or copy.
The biggest reason for a project like the V8 Interceptor though, is to get people to think outside the box on their project and realize that just because a car may have been built in the 50’s, 60’s, or 70’s, it doesn’t have to stay there technology wise. And while it may be true that Chevy will never build a ‘70 Chevelle with modern running gear and Mopar will never build a modern ’69 Roadrunner, that doesn’t mean that YOU can’t...because THAT is what gearheads DO and the world is a better place because of it!
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[@weedfreelandscapes]

I was born in the back seat of a 1967 mercury cougar on April 13, 1967, in a dairy queen parking lot on Alexis Ave in Toledo, Ohio. My mom wanted ice cream on the way to the hospital. I loved that car so much that when my dad tried to sell it, I took the only keys and locked myself in the car. When the guy came to pick it up, he had a slimjim and opened the door. It was a sad day that i remember like it happened just now. I was 7. Thank you so much for this video it hit me in the heart, and cougers don't get enough love. 😂 Bryan

[@Danny-ho4fd]

My mother sold our 70 cougar that was supposed to be my first car...ughhh..omw home from school seen the guy peeling around the corner n it . OMG I was furious

[@1bcordell]

That sounds like a story your parents told you just for fun. It's fun to have stories like this when growing up, even if they aren't true.

[@deerespetes8849]

The level of workmanship on this car is over the top The nicest build Stacey has ever done and thats no easy feat. Congratulations Stacey

[@adambowers496]

Love this guy. He's the one who started all the automotive shows we have today i grew up watching him, great dude !

[@SnickersG-fu2pw]

These longer videos are the best... Great build!👍🏼

[@anthonyslazas6413]

Love his car builds no matter the project.

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Yes, I like the longer vids too

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Glad you like them!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

@@OfficialStaceyDavid 👍👍

[@gfgranja]

@@OfficialStaceyDavid Didn't Mustangs unlimited close years ago ?

[@tommontague5721]

Watching this build was so much fun. I'm just a home garage builder but having fun. My first was a 64' Vette then a 28' Ford, now a 1926 Model T 302 roller with a blower. The T has won several local car shows, it's not perfect but putting my 3 teenage girls through cheer leading and trying to build a car....well you know the story. Now I'm a retired cop, yep I said it, a retired cop that has loved muscle cars and hot rods since I was 12 years old. Thanks Stacey, watching this build I felt like I was a part of it.

[@scottyphillips7799]

Thank you for your years of of service to the community sir. And congrats on your builds. My father and I used to do the same thing we’d build what we could under that old carport at my parents house. It taught me a lot about cars and life appreciate you triggering a happy memory.

[@CLCIII]

This is the most thorough video of what to, and what not to do with a project of this depth. What you can do with sponsorship and unlimited budget is always great to see. This ones a winner!

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

I appreciate that!

[@CLCIII]

@@OfficialStaceyDavid My Pleasure! As Always, May God Bless you and yours! 😇

[@wholearmor]

Hey Stacey, my son told me about this channel and sent me the link to this particular video. Being I am a former autobody and paint technician and drag racer, he knew I would love it and he was right. I watched it straight through and loved every second of it. Thank you for what you do and for documenting everything via video (which I know isn't easy). I learned a lot and was thoroughly entertained at the same time. Looking forward to more! Scott Evans Longmont, CO.

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Awesome, thanks for watching!

[@narcissisticnihilist9718]

This one give me goose bumps. The Eliminator was the first car I felt the pull towards hot rods from.

[@Nick-yg1ll]

The German Shepherd package is sick. That's what we used to call black cars with peanut butter guts. And that dash is beautiful. Awesome car

[@jamesrichardson9247]

I've been wanting to see this full episode for close to 30yrs! 🎉❤

[@BlueDually4x4]

The Cougar is one of the best looking cars of that era, my old man had a 1969 Cougar Eliminator back when he was in high school and the Navy. So this is one of my favorite builds you have done.

[@davids7349]

Love these cougars also. Wish there was more around.🍻

[@paulmanson253]

West Coast Classic Cougar has a bunch of vids here on YT. Shows things like servicing electric window motors,other stuff. Worth watching if you like this.

[@carlosmcmahon623]

Stacey, there are no words to express the excellence in the craft, that pleases us. Not to mention the way you guide us through the process, to show us it can be done. In (other "words"), "PEOPLE WHO THINK IT CAN'T BE DONE ARE PASSED UP BY PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING IT." Brother Stacey, you are "doing it"!!! Thanks for bringing me several decades of watching you "make it happen"!!! Thanks, Carlos McMahon of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

[@richardpreddy2194]

That's one of the most badass cars I've ever seen. I haven't seen Stacy's stuff since I had cable years ago. Glad to see you still got it going on if I had a couple hundred grand I'd buy that car

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thanks! All episodes of Gearz are on my channel. Check it out!

[@tomnekuda3818]

Love Stacey's builds.....all top drawer stuff and properly put together. How I'd love to see this shop! I just put Strange axles into my souped 1986 Bronco. I spun the splines off the stock Ford axles and decided that the Ford axles had the tensile strength of string cheese. LOL! I had a buddy that bought Cougar rather than a Mustang.....I really liked that car.

[@TheAnonymous1one]

Stacey David was hands down the best automotive show for me.

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thanks! I'm still making new episodes, too!

[@96Venom1000]

This car is boss! It’s an exercise in automotive customization. Mad max tribute with bonkers performance and comfort of a luxury muscle car. Frankly I think it’s a brilliant way to show viewers what’s possible. I can only imagine he loves all the personal comments including criticism because that’s the whole point of building these TV dream cars, to get folks thinking. Rock on Stacey, that’s one bad kitty! 🤘

[@piratekingwyatt5534]

I met the guy who currently owns this car and i got to say its an absolute work of art. Seeing it in person just makes difference.

[@quickdeuce]

It did our hearts good to see what Jonathan McClanahan did with that sweet guitar but OMG that sugar maple dash and steering wheel were/are absolute, classy perfection!

[@Beek88]

I knew you'd build back better. After seeing the rear quarter damage I guessed you'd come up with something removable. Very smart!!

[@kennethchapman9564]

My very first car was a 1968 Mercury Cougar XR7. Dark blue with a black vinyl top with every available option. Leather interior, power windows, seats, steering and brakes. Had a 302 4v and AC. Am/Fm stereo from the factory full console and overhead console too. I got it in 1975 and it only had 42k miles on it. When I was in the service home on leave I had the opportunity and most importantly the cash to buy a 1967 Mercury Cougar GT that had a numbers matching 427 with manual transmission. Sadly I passed on this cat from Louisiana.

[@Jeeptalkshow]

My childhood neighbor got a cougar from one of his relatives, spent a lot of time on it, mainly on the engine. Once he was happy with it, probably just close to happy, it took it out for a run. I believe he twisted the drive shaft into three pieces. He must have had some major damage in excess of the driveshaft because after that he didn't do anything to it. It was a nice car, about the year of this one. I believe it was a dark green. Pretty car.

[@TheMilwaukieDan]

FINALLY… been waiting years for the completion of this awesome build. Thank you, for a great documentation of an awesome car. Stacey, you Sir are the best.

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@garylankford9306]

Great idea! I enjoy watching entire builds in one video - doesn't matter how long. I'd like to see all the other build segments edited together too.

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Check out the channel for a few more full builds if you haven't already! We're working on the rest of them now.

[@glenncarr2121]

Hey there Stacy , I have too say that of all of the cool cars and trucks that you have built , this is by far my favorite ! You checked every box that should be checked for a build of this high quality ! While paying respect to old school cool with new modern technology ! Keep up the great work man , I love what you do !

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Awesome, thank you!

[@oje101]

Stacey, I must tell you... I don't know if you'll even read this. I hope you do. I as any regular man love cars. All kinds of cars. I have a few favorites and must say a Mercury cougar was NOT on my list. Watching your show, the attention to detail you have, the experience you have and the way you plan things and explain things first and foremost made it next to impossible NOT to subscribe. Secondly that Mercury Cougar looks amazingly powerful, slick, unique, refined and super mean all at the same time... simply great. Thou I don't have the means to own a car like this I can wholeheartedly say just watching What you created brought joy to me. Thank you... oh and now Mercury cougars are on my list of favorites. Thanks again and keep up the good work.

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it!!

[@drummerdoingstuff5020]

I like cougars too.. like mercury though, they can be a little toxic by nature. Just goes with the breed’n… 😂 no joke, I remember watching since I was a kid in the 90’s and I always appreciated the attention to detail and passion for building better!

[@Think_Up]

Oh man, I've been hoping he would post this!!! Thank you!

[@northcentraltransfer1851]

Stacey, shortly after you finished this car I met up with you at your shop. This Cougar was absolutely stunning in person. I have watched each episode on this build and now this full version. I like both, but I am picking up things in this full build platform that I missed the first time. I hope you are able to do this with all your builds. Keep up the good work!

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thanks! We're working on full build videos for all projects.

[@quickdeuce]

I've seen only a few of Stacey David's car projects but of those I've seen this Cougar is hands down my favorite by a Cheetah's furiously FAST MILE! Thanks Stacey for bringing us along for this project,, it is almost beyond description beautiful.

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thanks! Check out my channel for more builds. I'm building a Cheetah replica, so you either made a great reference to it or that's a great coincidence!

[@JB-xp8xl]

The car as always was fantastic, but the end with Deputy Barney Fife was genius, true production value and a makes this a real stand out from other build videos. Would like to see more of him in future videos.

[@fknbastages]

The guy did an amazing job at it.

[@jonvisit7657]

Always enjoyed watching this show back in the day. this guy was a genius

[@drummerdoingstuff5020]

Ouch.., was??

[@nf4833]

Stacey has that diabolical laugh when he’s showing off cool stuff. It’s great!

[@michaellinner7772]

Call me weird, but I always liked the Cougar just a little more than the Mustang.

[@user-wh5lq3sj1w]

Me too

[@igordewit7357]

Same here.

[@kelevra558]

AGREED!!!! My dad was an automotive fabricator in long beach from the time he met my mom until we moved to Reno my junior year. He built a 72 cougar that is still to this day one of the coolest cars I've ever seen. He made some really aggressive sheet metal fender flares. All 70s trans american racing series style. It had a super high strung 289 and a 3 speed in it at first. But my dad built a legit 14.5:1 cobra jet 427 when my mom was pregnant with me. I remember how perfect all his port matching was, how smooth and polished all the passages were. So he found a tremec t5 out of a fox body, he put in a straight cut hardened gearset and a crazy clutch I guess they used in outlaw cars. The thing was unreal badass man. That's the car that turned me into a car guy. It had Porsche 992 front seats in it, no stereo, no back seat, no center console, roll cage with the pool noodles as padding zip tied to all the bars remember that? I remember coming from victorville back to long beach my uncle was in his twin turbo callaway vette driving with us. Him and my dad raced the entire way and I remember his cougar absolutely GAPPING that corvette while the tires were spinning! The thing was just hazing tire at 140 mph and freight training that damn quarter million dollar corvette. I guess those had a really accurate digital speedometer and my uncle said it read 180 and my dad was still pulling away. That car was so stable man. He had so much work into it though. I wanna say it had like a full custom dual wishbone racing front clip from morosso or something. I remember they were always on the back of hot rod magazine in the mid 90s. That car was unreal man. He sold it and bought a 1995 impala S's. The B body LS1 cars ya know? He turned that into something virtually undrivable. He had to line the hood with aluminum foil because the thing would melt the paint. I remember him completely destroying this f355 and the dude was so impressed he offered my dad a job. He goes "Is that a fuggin car seat in the back man???" My dad goes "Nope...theres 2."

[@johnponthieux159]

❤❤❤❤❤ 😊 3:15 ​@@igordewit7357😢

[@tonygrissom6564]

Same. The Mustang still repulses me.

[@dwp139]

I have been waiting for the full build of this absolutely powerful, evil, and badass machine.

[@daleabbott3424]

I had three 67' cougars back in the day, good to see one done right!

[@user-We_3_TrinityGo]

Stacey David, I'm sure ya get this all the time, But? I watched ya years ago on reg TV and enjoyed your show, Highly! Now I found ya again an Love your new channel! Go Stacey! 😙 Motor on Bro!

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thanks! I'm glad you found the channel! Welcome back.

[@texknight67]

That's one of the best looking cars I've ever seen. There's some stuff I'd change but that's officially one of my favorites.

[@fknbastages]

The amount of time and effort put into making this show has me in almost as much awe as the car itself. WOW!

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thanks!

[@HoosierHacker]

Sheesh thats kickass. What an engine too.

[@superezbz]

Lol I love Stacey. His videos are timeless. Mostly because his hairstyle never changes, and he's had the same one since the beginning of the internet! Lol no hate Stacey! You're the man!

[@SalterRacingEngines]

That is one of my favorite cars ever. It was done just enough. Love it Stacey

[@Bbbbad724]

Me too, it’s a shame to see it hacked up like that.

[@troymanning3150]

Love to see an entire build in one video ! This cougar was amazing

[@Nick_B_Bad]

Stacy David is an artist I’ve been a fan since you hosted Trucks!

[@paulputnam7]

What a GREAT Video! I would LOVE to have that Car! You rock! I've loved Cougars since I was a kid. Thank you for such a great video!

[@paulputnam7]

Stacey, your explanations of 'how to' & 'where to' get parts & Custom Builders is Amazing. Your time & effort is Priceless!

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jacobskibros]

I loved the end with officer Gomer Pyle just mashing the gas! The idea of a guy like that ripping around in that thing is great.

[@brianburgett5894]

Barney Fife

[@user-We_3_TrinityGo]

Thanks Bro ,love the edits an vlog!!68 cougar ,retromod!!

[@user-ei5py3jr9l]

A 1969 351 Cleveland powered Cougar was one of the sweetest cars I ever drove in the 1970s. It belonged to a friend who needed my wrenching skills to keep it well tuned.

[@user-ei5py3jr9l]

BTW Stacey, if you ever wanted to make an old disabled Army vet's day, driving a jet black V8 Interceptor Mercury Cougar happens to be on my bucket list!😂😂

[@lamontcranston8181]

Never been a fan of the cougar. But it’s great to see something other than a mustang get this kind of treatment. Awesome build. 👍

[@70sport37]

That was my 1st car in 1986 had a lot of fun with that stock 289 and little breaking action and no frame !

[@collinsmith9941]

What an awesome rig. When you said what car you were fixing to do I was definitely skeptical , it sure turned out. That paint and body is amazing.

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thanks for sticking around to see the finished product!

[@JustinD912]

My favorite car build he's done

[@fabieneldridge3414]

Just beautiful ! Stacey is the man ! Wow !!

[@DJDragonFlyJonezNJ]

this video was amazing, but NOBODY had as much fun as dude playing the police officer 🤣🤣

[@garylankford9306]

NIP IT! Nip it in the bud! 😁

[@christophermitchum6829]

The car is BAAAD, but Barney stole the show! 😎👆✔️🇺🇸💥

[@geraldhoff7362]

Need more of these full builds

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

I have a few more on my channel, and more are in the works!

[@lyndelllyon754]

It's beautiful

[@yalantyr25]

This car is super cool, makes me want one myself

[@johnhanslo4005]

All your teams are making miracles with vehicles man

[@dalelangley1604]

Beautiful Paul Reed Smith there brother, and some mighty impressive picking, as well ! 👌👍🎸

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thank you kindly!

[@Turshin]

Super thumbs up dude I enjoyed every minute. Brought back so many memories of me working on my old 91 1g GST. Remember DSMs were never bad cars. They just had really bad owners. Make DSM great again.

[@Turshin]

LMAO 🤣 🤣 🤣. Stacy, my comment from earlier was meant for another video, but this cougar is awesome as well.

[@Gregblair88]

Ive been watching bits of this video to pshyc me up to go and work on my 67 cougar.

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Awesome! That's what I like to hear!

[@uio890138]

Turned out so nice!!

[@andrewrichey7374]

Man one of our buddies back in the day early 70s had that mustang with that boss 429 It was bad to the bone I miss those days I’m 67 now yeah that was a good days

[@user-fv6cw8uo5d]

Beautiful car

[@2coolwheels139]

I'm building a 67 Cougar right now, as a matter of fact...but, not NEARLY as nice as yours. Heck, I'll be happy if it moves under it's own power, LOL. BTW, love the Don Knotts imitation in this video!

[@2pac_Historian_24]

I never noticed how beautiful that car is it’s better looking than Camaro mustang of the 60’s

[@GOTHROCK62]

Nice blast from the past :) One of my favorite builds... wish it would come out in a 1:18 diecast

[@gerhelwinters1967]

You know I'm getting old & can't even get it up anymore! But watching your show to the level of setting up a car or truck you guys do, Gives me shevers! I'd like to see you do a 1967 SS Chevelle before I Go!!! Thanks... You know I'm still sitting on my 68 C10 short bed that got me started watching your show! Want to buy it?

[@boosted2.4_sky]

The REAL wood dash is awesome..beautiful work Mr McClanahan...🫡

[@johnmoser2689]

Really good Barney Fife impersonation

[@dionwilliams4297]

Man you 🥶 with it.

[@Goodvibrations-by4vp]

I could never afford a build like this by I love to do this to my Cougar 1000%

[@malcolmmacdougall]

LOOKS EXCELLENT

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thanks!

[@donmarsh1599]

Been wanting to see this vehicle on the road since you started this project. Love it!!! it’s also a 1967.

[@jamesmancuso3666]

I loved my 93 cogar but this is how every cougar should be

[@andrewrichey7374]

Yeah that’s what I’m talking about, look at that engine beautiful ❤️👍👍😎

[@fknbastages]

A 67 Cougar is my dream car. If only my dream could come true.

[@fknbastages]

WOOT! It is a 67. :) I want brown with a white top.

[@donmarsh1599]

In the process of building a 557 with a six speed also for the truck, you see as my icon

[@stonedkm]

I had a 23 tbucket with sidepipes would go down the main street downtown and set off car alarms 😂.

[@quickdeuce]

@2:20:55,, WOW!! That car is breathtakingly beautiful,, absolutely wonderful eye candy!

[@cookingwell]

Fantastic Video-Fantstic car you showed

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Glad you liked it!

[@driverjamescopeland]

A pro-touring car, without impossible ride height, insanely tall velocity stacks, and a build sheet less than $400k? What a concept!

[@pawpawdiablo313]

Man I MISS my 67 cougar

[@blankczechz]

Cougar was beautiful. And the cars in the best condition are usually the off color cars. They don't seem to get beat on quite as much.

[@dionwilliams4297]

Man you really do great work

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

I appreciate that!

[@halimniazy6566]

Amazing job , very nice car and video

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thank you! 👍

[@rynosraceroom66]

Dude, great to see you again !

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Welcome back!

[@jamesfisher7267]

Amazing work I watch all your videos

[@Bigknucklesandhands]

I’ve always loved the cougar 🤙🏽

[@808v1]

Jon Kaase is bada$$

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Enjoyed!!!!! 👍🏁👍

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thanks 👍

[@user-rf5og9db8z]

That little MIATA was the best thing In my opinion I loved that thing I WISH I COULD DRIVE THAT DAMN THING

[@brandonelieff1158]

Been following you for a while. Sergeant rock Mazda Miata with the 350 in it.

[@andrewrichey7374]

Awesome Dave here watching now Sunday morning Next to a black on black 1969Z 28 Camaro that mercury is one of my other favorites

[@rodneyhull9764]

Epic work

[@zanejohnston8621]

I really miss my old '69 XR7 TA

[@Chopski64]

Beautiful build but I would of went with a smaller rear tire and gave it a little less rake. It's just a personal choice thing. Great work!

[@luissantiago9564]

GORGEOUS

[@mattskustomkreations]

The single best mod was cutting out the wing windows. That’s what I do in all my photochops. I’ve been dying to see someone do it IRL! EDIT: Damn - they didn’t do it after all…. Those exhausts are killer tho.

[@jjv1278]

Love it!!! Way to go!!

[@OfficialStaceyDavid]

Thank you!!

[@aculpoca]

Awesome vid! You should take that Coug to Sick Week....