1972 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Convertible

For 1971, Lincoln-Mercury released the second-generation Mercury Cougar. To expand potential competition for the model line, Ford benchmarked the design of the Cougar against the quartet of GM A-body coupes, placing the model line in competition with the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Again sharing much of its body shell with the Ford Mustang, the Cougar began to shift away from a "plush pony car", taking on aspects of both sporty cars and luxury cars. The second-generation Cougar is the final version derived from the Ford Mustang and the final version offered as a convertible. A light blue/white 1973 Cougar XR-7 convertible was the "last" convertible assembled by Ford Motor Company; at the time, American manufacturers ended assembly of convertibles during the 1970s in anticipation of increased rollover safety standards.
For consignment, a rare kitty with it being only 1 of 1,929 Cougar XR-7 convertibles built for the 1972 model year. Sporting a cosmetic restoration performed at some time in the past with new upholstery and a newer top, this cat surely won't last, so hurry up and grab it by the tail before someone else does.

Exterior
The Cougar is quite different from the Mustang in the realm of styling and for 1972 the two platform shared cars split further apart in theory and style. Leading the way is the adopted from other Mercury vehicles split grille treatment with a prominent center section and waterfall style grille. In a break from the previous generation, 4 exposed headlights replace the hidden headlights of yore. At the rear, inset into the bumper, are ribbed and trim highlighted sequential taillights. A respray of white covers the panels which show some usage, and fading as well as runoff, but consistent and shows with no rust. A newer black canvas convertible top with a plastic rear window is now on and has been noted by our consignor to have a leak where the top meets the windshield. Chrome bumpers and all trim retains its shine and shows very little wear. Dual exhaust with turn down chromed tips peek out the back at the bottom of the chassis. Chrome 15" Cragar wheels adorn the 4 corners and are wrapped in Cooper raised white lettering radials. Cue the cat growling.

Interior
Swinging one of the two doors open we are met with 2 sporty recovered high back buckets with black textured inserts and smooth black vinyl bolsters. In back is a matching bench stretching across the back. These seats are recovered with standard vinyl upholstery instead of the upscale XR-7 leather and the driver's seat is power actuated. Molded black vinyl makes up the door panels with nice chrome trimmed leather inserts and chrome power window switch controls. Being a XR-7 the dash has a nice burl walnut applique with 4 deeply inset gauge pods. This appliqué panel continues partially across the dash and surrounds some auxiliary gauge pods as well as heater vents. Below is a black horizontal panel that has a few toggles and chrome pull knobs. In the center dash we note the temperature slides and a Kenwood AM/FM/CD stereo. This central part of the dash cascades down to meet the long black center console, complete with clock, shifter, ash receptacle and storage bin/armrest. Clean black carpet floods the floors and is well protected by new black carpeted XR-7 mats.

Drivetrain
Under the hood in the patined and dusty engine bay is a number matching 351 Cleveland V8 topped with an Edelbrock 4bbl carburetor. This mill is bathed in Ford blue and is topped with a chrome Edelbrock air cleaner assembly. On the back is a FMX 3-speed automatic transmission which sends power back to a Ford 9-inch 2.75 conventional rear axle. A strong heart for this kitty.

Undercarriage
Some surface rust is seen, particularly around what appears to be a new fuel tank. As we move forward this rust mostly clears up and we see some spotty surface rust on the floor pans and framing, along with road dirt and white overspray on the unibody and flooring. The unibody, flooring, rockers and torque boxes remain solid and rust free. Independent coil spring suspension is on the front, meanwhile bringing up the rear is a leaf spring rear suspension. Dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers are on and power disc brakes for the front, and power drums for the rear.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter and a decent runner with some top end noise in the engine. Acceleration is adequate for a car of this era, braking is bias free and good handling make this a luxury muscle car much more upscale than the Mustang. The left rear power window would not move up nor down from either the driver's door master switch or the switch in that seating position.

A decently taken care of rarer car from the beginnings of the malaise era. Some new mechanicals and cosmetics bring this up to snuff as a great driver and looker, not to mention a People's Choice award winner at the Downingtown, PA “Support The Troops” car show. With a little bit of wrenching, you can have yourself a proud cat with a lethal roar!

VIN DECODE
2F94H558125
2-1972
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
94-Cougar XR-7 Convertible
H-351ci V8 2bbl
558125-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.