4th Generation Mercury Cougar proves that SEXY Sells Cars

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

To see the complete playlist of the Mercury Cougar generations click here: kzbin.info/aero/PLz2M3b_orpr02q5e91MoejUIVxNvAlDj6

[@save16thave]

My brother and I had twin Cougars. His was a 78 XR-7 with a 351w. Mine was a 79 XR-7 with a 302. For their length the back seat and trunk were tiny. Before he finally junked his I pulled the 351w and it lives on in my 66 Comet with AFR heads.

[@scottleyva8656]

"At The Sign of The Cat" was one of the best marketing slogans of all time.

[@magooracing]

In 1988 we drove our 77 XR7 from Houston to Detroit straight thru without turning it off to see the F1 Detroit Gran Prix. From there we crossed over to Canada to Niagara Falls. Then to DC, then to Cape Hatteras, then New Orleans and back home. Best mpg was 17, it had a ridiculously large fuel tank, 27 gals I think. The best tires we found for it were the Goodyear Eagle GT+4, the stiff sidewall made go around corners like on rails, considering the “ride engineered” suspension.

[@althunder4269]

When I was a teenager back in the 1970s a friend of mine's dad owned the local Lincoln/Mercury dealership. They always had the new cars to drive and these Cougars were one of the cars they had available. His dad seemed to like the Colony Park station wagons and they had a few of those in their driveway over the years.

[@georgeburns7251]

Wow, those were near cars. My brother in law was the manager for a Lincoln Mercury dealer in San Jose, California. I don’t remember the year, but Mercury sent around an animal trainer to the dealerships who brought with him a live cougar, a bobcat, and I think a linx. The dealership was named Joe Kerlly Lincoln Mercury. We brought our kids to the showroom to see the cats. They were on leashes and not in cages. The cougar was big, and the kids, my wife, and I were a bit scared. We didn’t get too close. My brother in law had the trainer bring the cats to his daughter’s school the next day for “tell and share”. The event made the papers the next day. Obvisouly, my life included many Mercury vehicles, but unfortunately not a Cougar. The best car I ever owned was a Mercury Marquis which I drove for 270,000 miles with the original engine and transmission. I donated it, still runny, to the Good Will when the heater core went out and I didn’t want to fix it again. Replaced it with a new Taurus, but I still loved the way the Marquis fit me.🎉

[@johncuprisin8752]

@@georgeburns7251 I had a guy bring a Cougar to the L-M dealership I worked for in the early 80’s. I put motor mounts in the guys car and his Cougar pooped on the showroom floor.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

@@georgeburns7251 thanks for sharing! I would have steered clear of the big cats. 😉

[@ATLcentury334]

Those Cougars were making the rounds at all the auto shows back then too. I remember my cousins and I making our way toward the Cougar on the turntable with the Farrah look a like stroking the car in a somewhat lewd way. It wasn’t until we got to the railing that we noticed the real Cougar wearing a rhinestone collar sitting next to the car. I didn’t want to be his next snack so I left.

[@kennethsouthard6042]

The Lincoln Mercury dealers on the west side of the valley were Joe Kerley on Stevens Creek, Sunnyvale Lincoln Mercury on El Camino and Lago later McHugh on Los Gatos Bl. in Los Gatos. Since we lived in Saratoga, my dad usually went to McHugh to get his Lincoln serviced whenever there was something that he couldn't handle himself. However, he was a Ford employee and bought the car which was a prior executive lease car from Ford Aerospace in Palo Alto.

[@billymcmanus9642]

I got my driver's license in my grandmothers 77 cougar brougham 4 door. It was a gorgeous car she got it fully loaded. It was gray with gray full vinyl roof red pinstripe and red interior. She got it brand new and barely drove it by the time I got my driver's license in 1992 it had only 42,000 miles on it then and was in her garage with a cover over it. It drove so nice and always serviced at the Lincoln Mercury dealership. She ended up passing away few years later and I got the car. I had it for about 10 years until it was stolen from my home in Brookline Massachusetts and was found in New York but they set it on fire. I was heartbroken for a long time 😢. I ended up finding a 77 Ford LTD II 4 door Brougham not as loaded as the cougar but it did come with a few. I loved both of those cars and would love to get another one some day

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you for sharing your story. I'm sorry to hear about the 77 Cougar.

[@jaydawg4065]

Oh man!!! Thank you for this video! I absolutely loved my 1978 Mercury Cougar XR7. Me and my brother took the 351 Windsor out, and put a 429 thunder jet in it, and put 3.70 to 1 rear gears in the 9-in Ford rear end, and I drove that thing for 5 years like that!

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

That is awesome! Thank you for watching!

[@jaydawg4065]

@@TonysFordsandMustangs You make some great videos sir. I love your channel.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

@@jaydawg4065 Thank you very much! It's comments like yours that keep me going.

[@mrbreeze5556]

Another informative video Tony! You always do a great job presenting all the facts and data! In 1978, twenty year old me thought he needed to order a new 1979 Mercury Cougar XR7. I was all set to go to my local dealer and place my order. Well, the dealer had just received their first Capri RS and after taking a look at it, going home and buying every car magazine with a review, I went back to the dealer and placed an order for a 1979 Mercury Capri RS with all the goods. $6571.55 out the door when it finally arrived on 12/23,1978. I think I made the right choice and bought myself a kick ass Christmas present and saved about a grand over the cat!

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

@@mrbreeze5556 thank you very much!

[@TomSnyder-gx5ru]

I remember these Cougars and its cousin the T-Bird were VERY popular and were everywhere - many referred to these Cougars as a "mini-Mark" because of the hump in the trunk lid. Unfortunately Ford dropped the ball (big time) with the following generation of the T-Bird/Cougar in 1980 - talk about a "fall from grace!"

[@donaldwilson2620]

Fun Fact: Jason Priestley's character, Brandon Walsh, drove a brown 1979 Mercury Cougar during the 1st season of Beverly Hills, 90210. He also drove a brown Chevy Chevette in the pilot episode. In the 2nd season, he switched to a beige 1965 Mustang convertible and was his ride for many seasons after. He then switched to a black SN95 Mustang GT convertible in later seasons.

[@tomcat630]

Brandon wrecked the Cougar and went to jail overnight for DUI, in a "very special episode". Nickname for car was "Mondale".

[@ChadQuick270W]

I liked this generation of Cougar and LTD II. They looked nice and I liked the over assisted power steering and power brakes. I don’t care about “road feel”. The station wagons only lasted for the 1977 model year. I guess people bought more of the full size wagons. The aluminum turbine spoke wheels are my favorite.

[@billkerstein1637]

I really enjoyed my 1978 XR7 all the years in many miles I had it. It was a solid great car of the late 70s. It had the handling suspension. I had the 351M engine that would easily peg the silly 85mph speedo. I got a bigger boat and wanted to tow heavy weight so I removed the smog, recurved the distributor, rejetted the carb and changed the power valve. Power was good but gearing wrong. Took 2.50 gears out put in 3.00. While replacing the water pump I took a peak at the timing chain. Large rugged unit but 4 degrees retarded at the factory. I bought a multi keyed crank gear and advanced the cam 4 degrees from straight up. Reset timing and replaced the single exhaust that blew out the first hard road test. Man did this car run and pulled like a mule now! I beat 350 4v Monte Carlos, 400 T-birds, 360 Magnums and everything out there similar size and weight that had big engines! The trans was a big block C-4 I learned and was floor shift. I decided not to swap to a C-6 as first planed. Added big trans cooler and towed boats, U-hauls. Trailers and some big dead cars and never had an issue. 17 mpg while not towing. Put in a 460 Lincoln radiator and towed with a/c blasting never got hot ever.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you for sharing your experience with your Cougar and for watching. It is appreciated.

[@doxyonr]

My 1st new car was a 1978 XR7. Dark jade metallic . Interior was same color. I loved it. Next thing closest to a Lincoln.

[@conantigard]

I have a 1979 XR-7 Mercury Cougar in great shape out in my shop, with my 19770 Houndstooth Mercury Cougar. Love this model.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Very cool!

[@ronaldlebowitz7409]

the disco cougar

[@SCRAMBLER390]

Hey Tony, have you ever considered a video explaining all thebhistory, differences and years of the different 351 engines? 351W, 351C and 351M? Just a suggestion LOVE the videos.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

@@SCRAMBLER390 maybe one of these days. I think that’s a topic that has been covered quite a bit.

[@petertornabeni602]

Was a good looking car long wide good looking I just remember no power and cooling problems. Tony thank you very much for this video. I look forward to your next. You do an excellent job and I appreciate it.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you very much watching and for the kind words. You memory seems pretty spot on.

[@styldsteel1]

Don't forget the long hood and short deck, ever so popular in the 70s. What a sexy look. Miss them days

[@TK-ff5kc]

My dad had a brand new 1977 XR7, black with red interior. I remember he had issues with it when new, it kept shutting off and dying on him. Only kept it 3 years. I remember him wanting one all the way back to 1970 when I went with him to the dealership when I was 5. I though he was going to buy one and was so disappointed when we left and he didn't, I guess he was just going to look.

[@Slowgroovin]

The four door and wagon versions would be extremely rare to find nowadays.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Most definitely.

[@johngamble6773]

I remember My late Father,test driving a 4 door Cougar at a Linc-Merc dealer before he purchased a 1979 Marquis 4 door brougham,it was a creamy sort of yellow color with a burgundy vinyl top and velour burg interior.pretty sure it was a 302 engine.Seeing your Cougar video made me think of My Dad.Thank you.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

@@johngamble6773 Having recently lost my father I understand how it can be comforting to reminisce. It am truly glad this video was able to rekindle some memories for you. Thank you for the comment. It made my day.

[@owlnswan4016]

The two-door is still quite attractive, like its Thunderbird companion.

[@osirisandilio]

1985, sophomore year in high school. I was ready to step up from my Mercury Bobcat. Took dad to test drive a 78 Trans Am. When Mom found out, I was offered her 78 XR7. Just like the one in the thumb nail picture. It was no Trans Am, but I really did love that car

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

@@osirisandilio Awesome and thanks for sharing experience.

[@edensker]

Kudos for including the wagon. Not many folks are aware of them.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you! I have had several comments from folks saying they would like to track one down.

[@edensker]

@@TonysFordsandMustangs I actually one one of the nicest '77 wagons remaining. It took years to find.

[@openliquor]

My dad has the 2 door version, but it had the more basic vertical tail lights from the sedan…it was a more basic 2 door, like the LTD II. Find memories of that car. Great video!

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you for watching!

[@rubber-duck]

I always liked this model of the cougar/T-bird

[@BensDad2003]

Thank you for the video! By and far my favorite generation of Cougars. This was so in time with the era and it was no wonder they did so well.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tomcat630]

Rare that someone would say "favorite Cougar". All over internet the 60's car fans are all about the 67-70.

[@jamesbenge454]

I really appreciate and enjoy your videos. I have a friend who had a maroon '79 Cougar Brougham 4 dr.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you for the kind words and I am glad to hear you like them!

[@jimlafreeda43]

Love it, my first car a 78 xr7 with 351M motor, center console, 8 track stero. It was a boat but I loved it. Thank you !!!

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you Jim!

[@OLDS98]

I enjoyed the video. I appreciate it. I liked the generation of the Cougar. I knew it sold well. I recall many people owned them. I had no idea it was that loaded and the options offered as well. This car was close to the Thunderbird. You could see it. That continued for years to come in the 1980's and 1990's. They did manage to make them look different. I was told this generation Cougar was for people who want a Lincoln but could not afford the car. It fit the bill.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Well said!

[@OLDS98]

@@TonysFordsandMustangs Thank you.

[@CAROLDDISCOVER-2025]

I have a Thunderbird I believe the same color maybe called a different name but that really dark blue. Same as the cougar. They had a night cougar I believe hear it I may be confusing it with the Thunderbird but it seemed to me it was of the next generation. Back then Farrah fawcett could sell anything. How far is Jaclyn Smith is my favorite what does that have to do with Mercury cougars of this year? Another Well done episode.

[@thumperjdm]

As an aside, I absolutely love your 'Blazing Saddles' t-shirt. I've gotta get one of those! 🤣

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

That is the first time that anyone, anywhere picked up on that shirt. ;)

[@jimlubinski4731]

Great video. I loved these Cougars, but then I loved most Cougars. I remember when my dad was looking at the Cougar and the T-Bird, I was trying to influence him to buy the Cougar XR-7. I can probably blame Farrah for that! Anyway, he bought the '78 T-Bird Town Landau with the 351. It was also a gorgeous car.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks for sharing!

[@TomSnyder-gx5ru]

That would've been a tough call for me also, as much as I like the Cougar I think the T-bird had a slight edge and your dad made the right call. I especially liked the Town Landau with that band of brushed aluminum across the roof and those little interior lights tucked into the side panels on either side of the back seat.

[@jimlubinski4731]

@@TomSnyder-gx5ru I certainly wasn't disappointed when he bought the T-Bird. I thought it was magnificent in Midnight Blue with a Dove gray leather interior.

[@TomSnyder-gx5ru]

@@jimlubinski4731 That must have been sharp in that color combination, the midnight blue would've set off that brushed aluminum roof band beautifully - silver pin stripes on it by any chance? I'm jealous, my parents always went for "practical" cars instead of "beautiful" cars unfortunately - we're talkin '66 Chevy Belair sedan with a 6 cylinder, black-wall tires and no A/C here! 🤣you talk about not wanting to be dropped off at school?? - "that's ok dad, I'll take the bus!" 🤣

[@jimlubinski4731]

@@TomSnyder-gx5ru The Town Landau had gold pinstripes and gold accented turbine wheels. Doesn't sound like it would work, but it did!

[@ksigurdsen034482]

My first car in high school was a '77 Cougar XR-7 with the 351M and leather interior. It rode like a dream and gas mileage was descent considering the weight.

[@ADF-fe7fv]

Perhaps my favorite Mercury of ALL time and definitely favorite model years for this model. However, the 4-door and wagon just never appealed to me. Seeing one of these going down the road was always a treat! Riding in one as a mere teen was even better! Nuff said.

[@neilschipper3741]

Another great video. I can't ever remember seeing a cougar station wagon.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

@@neilschipper3741 they built them for sure.

[@johnfrank3642]

I bought a 1978 cougar with 96,000 miles for $1200 in 1986 and I drove that thing still had over 140 247,000 miles I love that car my nephew not road to Pennsylvania one weekend when he was up here visiting me and he loved riding in the car he still talks about it till this day I wish I could find another one head to 302 motor it was good on gas and ran good and look good

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks for watching and sharing your experience!

[@christophersanders5007]

My father bought a new Mercury Cougar XR-7 in 1979. It was a good looking car that was black with grey vinal half top roof, and grey cloth interior. The only problem with it was the transmission was not strong enough to handle the 351 engine, and weight of the car. The transmission was replaced under warranty two times. It spent more time in the dealership garage than it did on the road because of the transmission. My father finally traded the car in after the transmission went out for the third time.

[@Arnold-t8n]

My Father still has his 1978 Mercury Cougar XR7. His transmission needed some work at about 32,000 or so miles because of the heat here in California Traffic. Heat was the killer. The mechanic said to put an Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler in front of the radiator, which I did for my Dad. He than literally drove the Cougar for more than 250,000 miles with no problems with the transmission or the engine. Even his original YORX made air conditioning compressor was working and never ever leaked freon. If that is not impressive and don't know what is. He has the 351-400M engine. This tells the whole world that YES, Cars back then had quality and durability built in. That is why I would not buy a new car if my life depended on it.

[@moseshancock3336]

I remember those ads I'm old man. 😂😂😂😂

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

it happens to the best of us....

[@djsandvig1]

My ‘78 , black & tan , 351W , X-R7 . The best , most comfortable interior ever . Bought it in ‘86 for $1300 and drove it for three years before the motor began leaking oil out of every seam. Scrapped car,still have driveline in my storage building. It may find a home in a T-bucket.

[@gcfifthgear]

Cute touch with the cougar cubs in the back of the Cougar Villager station wagon. A member of my extended family had a four-door Cougar pillared hardtop; all of them, to me, looked more attractive than the Ford LTD II (the stacked headlights on the LTD II looked out of place). Ironically, the 1977 Cougar Villager station wagon was fractionally longer than the Mercury Marquis Colony Park station wagon that year, thanks to the bumpers...

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks for the info!

[@Butchcub75]

one year only 77 Cougar Villager! I had a 78 XR7 351M V8 in college in 1994. Midnight blue on blue. Great car until the engine blew. (also had a 78 Thunderbird and 2 76 Cougars). These are some of my fav COugars I think they came with a rear stabilizer.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thanks for watching and sharing.

[@RonnN-gf8tm]

Nice work Tony!! Trying to remember what year Mercury used the symbol with three vertical lines.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you and the 3 line logo kicked in 1984

[@RonnN-gf8tm]

@@TonysFordsandMustangs Right on!!! Thanks Tony!!😃

[@BlackPill-pu4vi]

Interesting that Ford offered the Cougar/Thunderbirds of that time with the 400 engine as an option. Very few were purchases because the economy was in the tank, gas prices were rising, and fuel availability was spotty i.e. gas lines. The few that did have the 400 were no slouches. Fast by Malaise Era standards and drank gas like the old oversized boats they replaced.

[@thomasdudansky6762]

Wish your videos were longer really like your stuff

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

@@thomasdudansky6762 Thank you very much. I try to only use the time required to tell the tale and no more.

[@tonywestvirginia]

They are a sharp looking car.

[@tomcat630]

Farrah did ads before the 1977 model year, and Mercury was using live Cougars since 1967.

[@sombra6153]

The wagon version looked like a continuation of the mid 70s Montego. I liked the styling of the two doors built on that platform. They rode great. Wish they’d had a little more attention to power. I remember the police versions of the platform with 400s. They weren’t very impressive performance wise.

[@robertpasquini4097]

My special order ‘78 XR7 in dark jade was a lemon. The dealer never fixed it right then they wrecked it when it was in the shop. They backed it into a raised lift.

[@neilouellette3004]

Back in the mid 80's I owned a 78 Cougar XR7 w/the rare "sport package". Loved that car but blew a rod in the 351 after 1 year of owning. I was bummed as I babied that car.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Sorry to hear about your experience. That wasn't the norm back then.

[@MarkBravo-v6l]

I had the XR7 I Bought it back in .89 First Car I Owned that had Air Conditioning That Winter I nearly Froze to death when I got snow bound up in the Sierra Madre Mountains I hiked out back to civilization. Oakhurst CA. But not before I had to fight off A mountain lion with my E Tool .

[@styldsteel1]

Hey Tony. I enjoy each and every video you do. 2 points. Are or were you in involved with FoMoCo to any capacity? You know and have mote information than the average guy. 2nd...just an FYI, I'm tirelessly looking for an XR7 with the midnight/ Chamois option. Absolutely nothing. Nowhere. Recently one sold for North of 40 grand. So there ya go. Keep up the fine work. Im looking forward to your response 🤘

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Thank you for watching. I was a salesman at Ford Dealership in the late eighties for a few years. After leaving there I was representative for a company that was an OEM repair facility for Ford, GM, and Mopar. They repaired instrument clusters, body controllers, and radios. I worked there through the mid 90's. I went up and down the east coast speaking close to 1000 parts and service department managers every other month or so about these items and bull shitting about cars in general as car people tend to do. So directly working for Ford no, on the outside looking in yes.

[@styldsteel1]

@TonysFordsandMustangs fine fine work. You've really busted your hump and sounded the pavement hard. Just terrific.

[@tomcat630]

Combine the 1977-79 T-Bird and LTD II sales #'s and I bet they are higher. This era of T-Bird was a huge hit.

[@tomcat630]

Another way to describe it is the 1972-76 Montego "re-designed", alongside a reskinned 1974-76 XR-7 coupe. The LTD II was a restyled 1972-76 Gran Torino. Trying to go against GM's line up.

[@OathTaker3]

I never owned a Cougar but I did own a 79 LTD II.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

I'll cover the LTD II at some point!

[@OathTaker3]

@@TonysFordsandMustangs I'm looking forward to it.

[@scwaty180]

I had a the Ford version a burgundy 79 T bird with electric moonroof, as a teen at the time that was THE car😅 Ive thought about finding another one but they are rare to find one in good condition and doesn't have the outrages asking price

[@frankperrone5663]

Very true I also own a 1978 XR7 with 351M with floor shift the culprit was a C4 automatic tranny that failed twice on me..

[@biglazybilly]

love them cars.

[@timothyhh]

I somehow missed that the Cougar was ever a sedan or wagon.

[@buddywayne1]

I had a '79 XR7, black with gold and a gold interior. I LOVED that car. The '80 was a huge disappointment. I never bought another after the downsizing.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

I can understand the disappointment of the 1980 model from someone who brought and loved this generation Cougar. They weren't really comparable

[@samueldeandrade9058]

Muito lindo!

[@kc0lif]

1977 the cougar had a wagon the villager.

[@robertpasquini4097]

The ‘79 had shortened side moldings on both ends. I thought it looked dumb.

[@manthony225]

I never got why they added the Cougar name to the wagon and sedan for 77. They should have called them restyled Montegos. But hey, they sold so what do I know😅

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

They wanted to drop the Montego Nameplate but still sell Wagons. So you got a Montego wagon with a Cougar front end.

[@TomSnyder-gx5ru]

I agree - putting the Couger name was on a wagon and sedan was baffling to me also and "cheapened" the Couger name, should've been Montegos! Same with Ford putting the Mustang name on that electric SUV!

[@erickort1987]

gorgeous lady in the commercial

[@kirkcather3670]

If anyone is seeing that Splash toilet bowl cleaner ad, I bought it. It doesn't work anywhere as well as it says. You still have to scrub.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

I don't control the advertising KZbin rolls during the videos but thanks for the heads up!

[@giuliopedrali4794]

Beautiful but similar to Thunderbird of the same years

[@michaeldemarco9950]

When comparing the LTD II volumes to the Cougar, don’t you have to throw in the T-Bird volumes on the Ford side?

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Not really as the T-bird while on the same platform wasn't the same car. The Cougar was Mercury's LTD II

[@michaeldemarco9950]

@@TonysFordsandMustangs , canibalization? Would the T-Bird have eaten into LTD II 2-dr sales? A moot point, I guess.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

@@michaeldemarco9950 The T-bird and Cougar both Sold well however they were different cars. Slightly different but different enough. The LTD II and Cougar are almost the same car.

[@davidkastin4240]

What? A Cougar wagon was available for 77? Never knew that.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Yes it was sort of. It was Montego with a Cougar front end. ;)

[@michaeldemarco9950]

Weren’t there, almost, two Cougars for 1977? Cougar 4-dr Sedan - LTD companion. Cougars XR7 2-dr Coupe - T-Bird companion? Admittedly, they were all the same platform, but technically, was there a non-XR7 2-dr Sedan to serve as the LTD 2-dr companion?

[@chrisubias7135]

The Cougar started out as being a Mustang doppelgänger and then morphed into a Thunderbird doppelgänger

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

This one was a LTD II clone which was the Thunderbird Doppelganger so that's a true statement. Thanks for watching!

[@louismartinez4467]

O sorry I was thinking diff cougar LOL

[@michaelwhite2823]

I want a Cougar Villager wagon for weirdness or at least a sedan.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

@@michaelwhite2823 The wagon would be cool for sure.

[@BobGeogeo]

I feel bad for the air molecules that were hit by the front of this Cougar.🙃

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Aero wasn't really a thing back then

[@Alaska_Engineer]

Is that to say a “cougar in the back seat” is better than a “trunk monkey”? 😂

[@asteverino8569]

😂😂😂😂😂 It's a T-Bird.

[@JosephFeraco]

I think it was about 7500 dollars for the XR 7

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

Sounds about right.

[@EyesWideOpen61]

Sexy? LTD II? Pimped out Torino These were such a sad attempt to compete with GM’s colonnade cars, even Cordoba blew it off the sales chart The styling gimmicks are hideous

[@williamcuthbertson6575]

True story: The Cougar television commercial was produced by Ron Burgundy.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

That is an awesome piece of information! Thanks for sharing.

[@joeseeking3572]

Blech. These cars were totally forgettable. Though if you put one next to a similarly sized/ priced Monaco/Fury, they do actually benefit from squared up styling. The XR7 was peak disco. But the public loved that model - which was essentially a Thunderbird, and actually had a base price $200 above the T-Bird. You can't compare Cougar sales to the LTD II, as the XR7 (Thunderbird) was almost all of it. That said, there is a loaded Villager wagon that comes out to a local car show I wouldn't mind having just for its relative rarity. White with brown 'super soft vinyl' split bench. I think it even has the 400.

[@TonysFordsandMustangs]

While not my favorite either they have their fans and they are reminiscent of times for sure.

[@zoomlistings]

I am so glad this time is gone.