The 1978 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Coupe Was a Perfect Car For a Very Strange Year - Test Drive and Review

SOLD It is hard to believe that the 1978 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Coupe was one of Mercury's most successful cars, selling more than 166K copies. It's a huge personal luxury coupe, with an anemic V8, luxo-barge suspension, and actual opera windows. But to look at it without irony, one has to view it in the context of the times - Personal luxury coupes like the Chrysler Cordoba, Olds Cutlass, and Buick Regal were hot sellers. Leisure suits were in, and disco reigned supreme. An ad for this car from 1978 featured Cheryl Tiegs in a slinky evening dress professing her love for the "Midnight Cat," and imploring buyers to join the "Cat Set."
All in all, 1978 was a strange time. Serial killers were running rampant, Space Invaders came out, Grease, Saturday Night Fever, and Animal House were at the box office, and ABBA and the Bee Gees were on the radio. Charlie Chaplain's remains were stolen and held for ransom, the first test tube baby was made, and Jim Jones encouraged more than 900 people to "drink the kool-aid."
And through it all, the Cougar sold like hotcakes. Even those finished in triple green. Full review and test drive by Bill. SOLD

[@lincmerc1581]

I had a '77 T-Bird. It was dependable. It always got me to the gas station.

[@only4u1000]

😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄

[@josephrivard4439]

Badumpum ting

[@troynov1965]

LMAO

[@luckyhaskins69]

we had a 77 bird as well.. great car. we also had a 76 elite..351 windsor

[@mikeyerke3920]

Haha! Nice

[@Blog4Justice]

"It was a good year for serial killers." This is why we listen to Bill.

[@driver4011]

Halloween came out in ' 78.

[@styldsteel1]

Doesn't want me make me buy a car tho.

[@chrisdavis6711]

My grandmother had that same car until about the late 90s; except for white interior. It was a wonderful car. A few mechanics over the years found ways to remove some of the smog equipment to wake the 351 up. It was no drag car, but there was hidden performance under the hood.

[@NathanAlderGigaBITNate]

Greatest car reviewing commentary on KZbin goes to........ BILL!

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

Great history, too.

[@anickelandanailfarmheim6407]

I second that!

[@MrT-nh6di]

My father had one of these vehicles, it use to put me to sleep on the road. Ride was like sitting on a living room couch.

[@bws1971]

Call me a weirdo, but I freaking love these. The design is so badass

[@kathyguinto4585]

Nothing wrong with you loving this car,I love it too,the styling is,like you said,badass!.I'd love to get one like it someday.John Guinto

[@kathyguinto4585]

Well then I guess I'm a weirdo becouse I happen to like it too.JMG

[@arthurdardalis]

LOVE THIS!!!! end of story!

[@ltunedkc]

I had a '78 when I was in the Air Force back in the mid '80's. Metallic red with a red and white interior and the best A/C of any car I've ever had. I made many cross country trips with that car, it was a fantastic road car!

[@AlexanderCrump]

This car has Charlie's Angels written all over it.

[@csfan65]

Exactly what I thought when this video popped up on my screen! It was a beautiful car back then, and I knew several people that had them.

[@AlexanderCrump]

@@csfan65 A friend of mine in high school drove a '78 Cougar in the early '80s and I always thought it was a really nice looking car.

[@csfan65]

@@AlexanderCrump It would be nice if the cars today looked as nice, Alexander!

[@t.b.g.504]

...and Farrah Fawcett was the Spokesbabe for Mercury!

[@perrydeitz8335]

Bosleys ride

[@michaelwilliams9663]

Bill I love this classic Cougar and the history lessons that you provide along with all the classics. Keep finding classics. Good work.

[@ChristopherCerta]

Michael Williams This is not a history lesson by any means 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

@@ChristopherCerta Ok, guy.

[@andrewsmactips]

Wheelbase schmeelbase, it's all about the overhang.

[@toddbonin6926]

Mercury might have been a “created” auto division, but from the 50s to the 70s it had a strong group of devotees. I was one of them. My neighborhood was across the highway from a Lincoln/Mercury dealership, and I grew up gazing into that car lot every time we left the house. I was 13 when the 1978 Cougars came out, and it was love at first sight. I was just a few years from getting my driver’s license, and THIS car (right down to the color combination) was what I wanted. 42 years later, it’s still what I want. That’s why, when I saw this video in my feed at 5 a.m., I had to click on it. You might not understand why it was so successful. I don’t understand why it wasn’t more successful. Unfortunately this was the last generation for Mercury to have a truly separate design studio. 1978 was also the first model year for Ford’s Fox platform (the basis for just about every FoMoCo car into the 90s). With Fox, there was no longer a real difference between Ford and Mercury (except for grills and taillights), and the Mercury fan club slowly died away. I actually spent a short time as a salesman on a Lincoln/Mercury lot in the 90s. They were still great cars, but they just looked too much like Fords to justify their existence ... especially in a market that included a seemingly endless array of new car imports (Korean cars were just hitting the market). And so Ford reduced expenses and closed the chapter on Mercury. I miss Mercury.

[@frankkolton1780]

They say the true test of a man's intelligence is how much he agrees with you, well I salute you sir, because it's obvious to me that you are an absolute genius. Of all the cars I have owned, that was my favorite by far. I think the 78/79 2dr models were the best looking and classiest of all the years. It's the only vehicle that I actually regret selling, if the exact same car was offered new today, I would buy it in a heartbeat, even if I had to sell a kidney.

[@toddbonin6926]

Frank Kolton you made my day!! Thank you sir. You are, indeed, a genius!

[@styldsteel1]

@@frankkolton1780 I think what made these cars do dam handsome is the long good and short Deck

[@marcusrhodes5732]

U Kno your cougar history same yr I was born 78"

[@BillofRights1951]

I had a '77 XR7 with the 400 CI engine....GREAT engine....NEVER a problem... Put the heaviest duty shocks on it (Gabriel SteadyRiders). Eliminated the wallow and made it super nimble, very tight without riding hard. Our nanny at the time drove our kids in it and took it up US 395 to Bishop from LA countless times to visit her parents/family. Lots of lonely highway....never let her down. Very smooth and reliable.

[@williejones6026]

The Commodores released the natural high, album in 1978.

[@doug9066]

I saw this car in the background in a couple of recent videos I've seen & had to check this one out just for fun.

[@doug9066]

@ I remember these when growing up & on, even the Ford Thunderbird. When I saw this video that car looked great & had forgotten how the cars in the 70's were as far as interior & exterior colors.

[@mannfan12]

@ This color is actually tame compared to some of the colors they used back then. Some of them were quite "Pukey" but this green isn't one of them.

[@CamaroSS-sy2ei]

I love how Bill gives every car a back seat conception/orgy rating. Awesome!

[@brettgoddard28]

Thanks for giving this fine Mercury a review...LOVE these kind of cars Bill!

[@chrislittle1074]

This was my first car...folks gave it to me as a hand-me-down in '90. Mine was brown/brown exterior/interior. It was the greatest car I ever owned and yes - the A/C was an ozone obliterating example of magnificence. "Drive it like a SeaRay." 100% accurate. LOVE this review. Cheers! Made my day.

[@solidbreed9767]

Did the r12 A/C blow ice cold?

[@jasongilbert2379]

I have a 78 cougar and 79 t-bird... love them both... they run and drive great:) never sell or trade them for ANYTHING NEW!

[@MissAmazanda]

Never sell anything you love, you'll look around later and say now I don't have the money either.....

[@creationmob]

Still have them?

[@jasongilbert2379]

@@creationmob …I still do:)

[@creationmob]

I'm trying to buy one everybody saying no it's just 2k

[@csfan65]

I had the 1983 Mercury Cougar, but this 1978 is just beautiful. Always loved that body style.

[@valengreymoon5623]

Had one of these in the mid 90s. Two-tone light green and rust. Green houndstooth bucket seat / console interior, factory CB radio, and the 302 under the hood. It was a beast, but it ran incredibly well and never left me stranded.

[@wileecohagen]

My dad had one of these. I drove to the prom in it after waxing it to a super shine. That was the only time I ever drove that beast!

[@josephgibbons1631]

Had a 74 and later and 86. Two of the best cars I’ve ever had the pleasure to have owned.

[@JRobert111111]

I've always thought this generation of Cougar and Thunderbird were beautiful cars!

[@stoneylonesome4062]

They look cool, but they still should’ve kept the Thunderbird as a Compact Grand-Touring roadster to compete with the Corvette and the Cougar as a compact Pony Car to compete with the Firebird.

[@neilouellette3004]

I had a cherry 1978 Cougar XR-7 Rally Sport Package back in 1986-87. Rare model w/limited production. Had the big 173 hp 400 cu. in. with tachometer and upgraded gauges. Loved that car. The nicest 1978 Cougar on the road. These are great cars if anyone is thinking about a purchase.

[@chucksalomon277]

I had one of those cars. I wish I still had it. One of the best! You mentioned about driving in the snow. Let me tell you, Mine had a posi rear. One snow storm my car cleared a path so other could get through the parking lot. The car was as good as a snow plow!

[@Gazdatronik]

Yup they were popular, there were still hundreds of these rolling around Northwest Indiana all through the 90's

[@revilo4.6]

My first car was a 1978 Ford Thunderbird the Cougar was considered the sporty model but the Thunderbird sold better. When I would parallel park I'd use the hood ornament as a guide. I was 16 yrs old back then man time sure does fly. I own 2 fords today bcuz of that 78 T-Bird

[@JoeyJr702]

Lol, I joined the "cat set" at 16 years old in my 351 Windsor equipped 1979, black Cougar XR-7 with power everything, including moonroof. Loved it!

[@doug9066]

I still love that Cadillac Brougham in background, I checked online a couple days ago which showed sale pending.

[@classic-kool]

@Doug - this "Land Yacht" is destined to be a classic!

[@doug9066]

@@classic-kool yep I'm sure this car would be. But I'd be driving everyday if I had it & not let it sit as I'm sure some do. 🙂

[@billdougan4022]

My mom bought a new '78 Mercury Cougar 4 door Brougham, it didn't have the sleek rear end. That was a great car and would fly, plus it had the 351w and a 4 barrel carb. 0-70 mph in 7 seconds.

[@johnmoosey8173]

Just made my day....I love this channel and my mission is to fly to Florida one day and drive back with one of your cars....LOL...I got mt RI Driver License in 1985...I was a Jr. In High School and this was my very 1st car...Mine was a 1977...white top white interior...It was also green...It was known as a quido mobile...I had great times in that car..I dont think that car came with a tach option...I had a power sunroof...No power windows or locks...Honestly im not sure if I had the XR7...I believe it was just a Cougar but with a 302W 2 B Carb

[@smoke4life182]

I had a 78 Cougar, white paint, green top and interior. Loved it but someone hit me and totaled it. Miss that car!

[@normanjones3730]

My dad worked at ford dealer in Atlanta from 63 to 92 actually the 351w was a gas hog and most preferred and liked the longevity of the 351/m400 . Also at that time the cougar was a personal luxury car the xr7 designation was an appearance and gauge package. The mercury Capri was on the mustangs fox body later

[@styldsteel1]

If you come back from Florida, you'll have to quarantine.🤭

[@cracky_wainwright]

I love how this Cougar has exactly the same steering wheel as the '77 Ford pickup truck my friend owned and drove in the 1980s.

[@nomebear]

I liked these Cougars because they drove and handled like expensive cars, they good looking, and comfortable to drive.

[@davidmeyer8133]

I grew up around this era of cars. I liked the soft suspension, cushy seats and relaxed easy cruising of these. No low profile tires to blow out or make for a harsh ride. They weren’t much for the corners but were not meant to be sports cars.

[@mariarusso8239]

Hello David how are you doing.

[@davidmeyer8133]

Maria Russo I’m good, you?

[@mariarusso8239]

David Meyer I'm good, sorry for late response David. I live in Long Beach you?

[@frankkolton1780]

As a 19 year old I bought a 2 year old 78 2dr Brougham in dark brown/dark brown, it was a sharp looking car with a beautiful ride with room for 4 bodies and a shovel in the trunk. The girls loved it, but I never did get a date with Cheryl Tiegs. I've had many cars since then, but that was my favorite. I put many highway miles on it.

[@drippinglass]

They were everywhere back then... great commentary! 😀

[@brianvolland1640]

Thanks for the review and trip down memory lane. My dad found a triple grey one in 1996 and I drive it as my first car. It did have the tach and an 8-track and a built in CB radio that I could never get working. I loved that car. Wish we still had it!

[@mariarusso8239]

Hi Brian how are you doing

[@dpring777]

"You're gonna open it up and throw some guy in there and stab him to death." Meanwhile, conspicuous, ambiguous, slightly red stains are clearly visible.

[@gregvarner9562]

Glad you noticed that so I didn't have to point it out. Definitely looks like is could be exactly that.

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

Love Bill and his reviews !

[@gerardmills1389]

All the "Cleveland " V-8s were noisy and ate gas. An enjoyable car. I drove to Va. Beach from Newport News Va. in a Huricane, dodging trees on I-64. I rocked and rolled but hugged the road, amazing....I had to have a beer at my favorite bar....and Dick had two generators. No one had power but his place, what a great time! Love your work btw.

[@nonoyobeezewax9527]

This is the kind of car you can take for a drive just because it's so comfortable and easy to drive. The destination doesn't matter...just hit the road and enjoy the ride.

[@Dave.S.TT600]

i just Googled Cheryl Tiegs....she's still slim and very,very good for her age PS THANKS for the video, Bill!

[@skymurph4998]

I had this exact cougar an the same color ,got so many compliments great looking car, an had 351 engine, had decent power.

[@robertpasquini4097]

I ordered a ‘78 new same color but added luxury package included color keyed everything, black bumper guards, gauges, power windows and seat. My first new car. It was a lemon! Every time I opened the door the automatic seat release would blow the fuse. After five months the transmission wouldn’t shift above first until car warmed up 15 minutes. Dealership wrecked it when it was overnight for one of countless repairs. But it was pretty!

[@jamieostrowski4447]

I remember back in '88 every high school kid owned one of these, or Olds Cutlasses, and they were all jacked up in the back with big Cragers or Keystones! hahaha

[@josephcalhoun7462]

Why does a car always have to be a performance car ? I feel that today it's a "weird" and quite negative thing to have just a comfortable car made for cruising. Not every car enthousiast wants high performances and speed. Love this beautiful piece of history !

[@kellismith4329]

Ya it’s not like they’re exactly slow, they have nice small v8 tourque cars like this are sweet !

[@phillanassa759]

Big Monster 600 cubic inch 98 horsepower Mercury Cougar XR-7.. In a green that's not that bad, really. I see the detective. Bill Rockford, doing the E-brake reverse 180 while sipping Whisky from his silver flask, wearing a pimp hat with a green feather! I LOVE IT!. Thanks again, Bill!

[@CabanaD]

My grandfather had this car with the identical coloring. It was odd even back then. Soooo much green.

[@MikeBMW]

You know, Bill, I had a 1968 Cougar in 1978 and it was a fun car riding down the road listening to ABBA. But, then, well, life goes on and I moved on (wish I still had that car, though!) Even so, Bill, you got your great review of this '78 classic and, you know, I think it's pretty great!

[@davidmcgrath8228]

great narrarative on your different classic cars ,,my cousin john micheal had a blue with burnt orange top ..great cars ..strange colors back then ..everything was huge back then compared to todays plastic small tinny overpriced junks...…...great video that car is still built better than todays cars hands down...

[@10Bryson52]

thx, my 77 was triple green loved it. as linkmerk said it always got me to the gas station!

[@fordcontour]

My dad had an almost identical one! 77 XR7, green on green, but with the green vinyl top and center console. Style!

[@godzilla6740]

Enjoy your videos. I owned a new 79 XR7 in 79. Good car paint faded on hood gas hog. Mercury made a lot of them.

[@egold2071]

Thanks again for the lovely, fine piece Bill! I hope the rest of your Monday wasn't so schtyoopid! 🤗

[@styldsteel1]

I'd hardly call a back seat orgy rating a fine peice.

[@johntrincia2991]

I had a brand new 78,same color green,inside and out including vinyl top. It was a good looking and reliable car. Rode like a lincoln

[@TerryComo2010]

I had a Bill Blass dark blue with orange interior accents, the soft orange wheels, Lincoln faux tire vinyl look on the trunk and and half vinyl top with moonroof and loved it! Was unique look, though my friends called it my pimp mobile! LOL

[@MrDaylow]

I was 16 and drooled over THIS car !!!!!! But haf to settle for a 76 Ford elite Whic was pretty much the same car. The 351 Cleveland and Windsor were bulletproof ! Miss my elite... beautiful car. Miss the disco era. Boy what a time !!!

[@melrose9252]

albert rich The Elite or Cougar didn’t have a 351 Cleveland.

[@MrDaylow]

Mine sure did !!! A 351 Cleveland with a 2 barrel carb !!! Unless you actually owned one I suggest you do some research !

[@DJones476]

I did indeed check out that Cougar commercial, Bill. I was hoping that by the end of it, the trained cougar they used would climb in through the driver's side window and spray the whole interior with Cheryl in it!!!

[@Federalwaywebbs]

In the last video of Bill's I watched, I trashed his detailer because of the exhaust on his truck, but if he detailed all the cars in these videos, he does a great job.

[@Aleongray]

Great car bill I took one for a joy ride when I was 15 hit a pole doing thirty mph then drove it another 20 miles home . This car is a tank .thanks for the memories bill .

[@maryrafuse2297]

On a hot summers day in August 1978 a freak hail storm over Nova Scotia, Canada damaged the bright aluminum trim on these XR-7's and Thunderbirds. Ford dealerships had to order trim for their customers and repair the cars that were sitting in their lots. The hail was the size of a baseball so you can imagine what the trim on these cars looked like. Actually I think these XR-7's and T-Birds were quite lovely.

[@cyberrednec]

My dad has '77 with a bored out 460 (472), rattler cam, 835 quick fuel with mechanical secondary, and a 3.55 final drive. His also has an automatic floor shifter and a center console which I've found out is very very rare. You'll never seen another like it...

[@iowapanner2223]

Built on essentially the same chassis that started with the 72 torino. 114" WB and Ford's best 4 link rear suspension to date. Also had a 9" rear axle which was the basis for more drag axles than any other. A car that is fully serviceable today if it has the C-4 or C-6 transmissions. I'm looking at one locally for a daily driver. You can thank the federal gov. for the dismal power.

[@melrose9252]

iowa panner You can thank the UAW for piss-poor build quality.

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

I saw this ......thumbnail.....literally dropped my bloody mary

[@mtut]

Remarkably, every few degrees on the 360 view I get excited with the design and then miffed. These were pretty well-made cars and unlike the Torinos they were based on, quite a number of them didn't just rust into nothing in the Midwest. My great-aunt replaced her Torino in the late 80s with a 78 Cougar XR-7. I changed oil on it but can't remember which 351 it had - Ford pretended the 351M and the 351W were the same engine and installed whatever they felt like. I know her 73 Torino had an FMX and the Coug had a C-6 but that doesn't prove anything because in '73 the Cleveland and Windsor took the same transmission but in the late 70s only the W would bolt up to an FMX or a C-4. Regardless she put lots of miles on both cars and decided to get something more fuel-efficient around the time she really couldn't see well enough to drive. Out of all my relatives who've passed on, I miss her the most. She lived two hours away but no matter what happened in the family, she was there and a voice of sanity and compassion. But this is the car that brought her there?! It is.

[@janickgoudeau6126]

When I was about 12 years old or so, my neighbor down in Southeast Florida had the exact same car, this color and everything had a wonderful hood ornament on it, always liked this car, the engine probably needs a bit more power though.

[@Its_only_a_model]

I freaking love your commentaries.

[@enriquelopez9124]

I had the counterpart, 1978 Ford Thunderbird, looked the same, had the same rims, lighted key holes, that.car is a tank, for the time being, of course the Thunderbird had hideaway headlights, which is unique for the time, this car used to belong to somebody who worked for Ford at the time, so he ordered the way he wanted.

[@ChadQuick270W]

Those are my favorite wheels for the late 1970’s Ford automobiles. That’s a pretty green color there. 👍

[@marylusk9460]

I loved this cougar rx7 in lipstick red , White vinyl top with white bucket seats and gear stick on floor.

[@mikewright2858]

My grandparents had one similar to this ... it was a boat, for sure.

[@Siryn]

My father had one of these. He bought it when it was brand new and he loved that thing! His was a brownish/ bronze color though. I remember him taking me to school in it. It just kinda floated down the road like a yacht. LOL

[@davids1816]

This would make a very cool starting point for a resto-mod. The reviewer is hilarious.

[@whatsthebigfndeal]

My first car was a 78 cougar. It had a factory cb and an 8 track tape player. I had one of those cassette adapters that just stuck out of the 8 track and sounded horrible. It had a 302 and was a boat. It did 0-60 in about 8 minutes. This was in 1987-88. I had a lot of fun in that car.

[@dieselcoondog]

I always liked this model, don't know why. Amazing that 2 doors used tobe what, 20 percent of the market? Thunderbird, Cougar, Satellite Sebring, Roadrunner, Charger, Cordoba, Cutlass, Grand Prix, Regal, El Dorado, Tornado, Marks, etc; plus 2 door version s of just about every sedan. Now, not a single one. I would gladly buy a modern version of a Riviera, but nothing but copycat suvs as far as the eye can see.

[@paulhoffman778]

Had one in high school loved it, love his comment drive it like a SEA RAY!

[@carsyoungtimerfreak1149]

I found the commercial... Let me please go back to 78 and have a drive in a XR7 with Cheryl...

[@mannfan12]

Oh this brings back memories. I owned a '78 Cougar Brougham back when I was in college in the early 80's. Same car but the opera windows and the rear trunk and tailights were similar to the LTD II. Everything else was same as the XR-7. Mine was loaded with everything except power antenna. The funny thing with this XR-7 is that it has the power antenna but nothing else. Very Strange for an XR-7. The XR-7 was the top trim line for the Cougar. Honestly, as many XR-7s I encountered back then, I never saw one that didn't have power windows. The one in this video is a first.

[@gerardmills1389]

I liked my 78 XR-7, CIRCA 1996. Mine had the console, rally dash, cruise, comfortilt, I had the "Pheulhog " 351M/400 C.I.D.

[@carlosg1165]

I had a t bird a 1978 beautiful dove gray with grey int ; they ride soo smoothly and quiet

[@coolpeople4287]

78 was a good year. This car was for stylin & profiling. My buddy had one. This Cougar was the shit back then, man.

[@chrisexperience7]

One thing I can agree with, regarding tornadoes: “back when they were named after women, and rightfully so.”

[@jonboy9912]

You mean they always take your house?!!

[@chrisexperience7]

Donald Trump is a Ghetto trick lol!!

[@chrisexperience7]

Donald Trump is a Ghetto trick oh I know, I’m right there with you!!

[@quicksilver462]

"herricanes!"

[@jamesfrench7299]

Imagine how it would look in white! Was not prepared for the interior -wow!! Enjoyed your commentary as usual 👏.

[@KP-zi6jx]

Same about ppl...everything goes well until ppl get involved. But loved these Cougars back in the day, I was 12 yrs old, ppl/middle class seemed to be doing well, so at Grandma's on Sundays everyone had news cars, aunt had a white '78 Trans Am, there was a Caprice wagon, new F-series 4x4, dad had a new Chevy 4x4 w/Scottsdale package, then a new Cougar like this...seemed the wheels were prettier than just finned, but car was white w/that orangish-gold 1/2 top/interior and trim. Stunning car for it's day.

[@bullitt3980]

I think you seen Farrah Facett doing Mercury ads. Mercury was named for the Roman god of speed, guy with wings on his feet. These and their T Bird brother were everywhere late 70s, only thing missing is the option to cover the continental part of the trunk lid with padded vinyl

[@kathyguinto4585]

Green's a nice color for this car,and the white landau top goes good with it,and I love the all green interior,just beautiful!.And the alloy wheels,like them too.This car is really beautiful!.JMG

[@humbleevidenceaccepter7712]

I went to school with a kid whose uncle was an ad exec for Mercury in the 70's. He told us how they would have someone hold a piece of meat on a stick to get the cougar to jump on the Earth model in the TV ads.

[@harmonicamikemerrill1715]

I had one, same color, my vinyl top was the same green as the paint. Only car I didn't change, like rims, I kept it all stock. Loved it. I ended up totaling it. I was so bummed out but got a 77 T Bird, light green. I did put some cragers on the T Bird though. And I totaled that one too, both accidents were not my fault.

[@808kiker]

This is definitely a car Huggy Bear from Starsky and Hutch would be driving. haha

[@raymondbaker5607]

I had one, what a beautiful car!

[@Mr2pint]

Love the interior..

[@MyDailyUpload]

My aunt owned one of these. I thought it was a really nice looking car. I loved riding in it and got to drive it a few times. Steering was loose and unresponsive. It had decent acceleration for the time as my uncle told me it had a 351 Cleveland engine. (Don’t know if it was actually true). It may have been a 400 actually I don’t know a lot about Fords and it wasn’t my car. Anyway good memories of that old car. Loved the round Cougar outline hood ornament.

[@mariateresamartinezamestoy5841]

Que belleza!! Amo este modelo de auto. Desde, 🇺🇾 URUGUAY.

[@OldManFrank]

*I had a 1968 Mercury Cougar with a BOSS 302 in High School in the mid to late 90s; California screwed out of it. Now, I have a 1976 Chevrolet Camaro with a 350 HO as a redemption muscle car.*

[@vatorob702]

I had one, 78 with a 400M auto, I was 17. I was poor and new to vegas, they wanted 300 bucks for it and the guy said it dint start so I paid the man and checked. it was out of gas. I drove it till i got more money to buy a lincoln mark 7. loved the cougar.

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

LOVE!! that car - and Bill, love your commentary on all things!! Keep up the great work!

[@twobighedz]

I spent a lot of time in one of those! My mom had a 1979!

[@dennisgenovese227]

Always loved this car.

[@rwj777]

This car and the Ford Thunderbird shared basically the same interior of this year. 👌🏾

[@styldsteel1]

77-79 cougar and Thunderbird were exactly the same car

[@johnharris7751]

That interior was use back far as 1972 in Grand Torino.

[@socalltd]

77-79 LTDII, Thunderbird, Cougar and Lincoln Mark V were basically the same

[@jdlamb1690]

If you ever wanted to know where to find a Lincoln Mercury dealer, you simply looked for the “Sign of the Cat!” My Dad had a 1976 chocolate brown on brown Mercury Cougar XR7.