Pick of the Day: 1976 Mercury Cougar XR7 driven just 12,228 miles since new

The Mercury brand served as the mid-priced nameplate for Ford Motor Company for about 73 years, bridging the gap between Ford and Lincoln.  Defunct since 2011, the brand seemed to love cat-themed model names, offering vehicles that included the Bobcat, Lynx, Sable and Cougar over its lifetime.

The Pick of the Day is a one-family-owned, very-low-mileage 1976 Mercury Cougar XR7 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Taylorsville, Illinois.

Showing just 12,228 miles on the odometer, this 46-year-old Cougar is described as being a true original. 

“My father bought this 1976 Mercury new at the local Mercury dealer,” the listing states. 

Pride of ownership is evident in the vanity plate with 76 CAT, a Cougar-branded baseball cap in the back seat, and more than 50 images showcasing the car’s condition.

The Cougar was Mercury’s second-longest-running model, with a 34-year production run (the flagship Grand Marquis, at 36 years, had the longest).  The Cougar nameplate evolved through eight generations between 1967 and 2002.  While most widely known as a two-door coupe, some Cougars were offered in hatchback, four-door sedan, and even station wagon body styles. 

The third-generation model like this one, sold between model years 1974 and 1976, was available only as a two-door hardtop and shared chassis underpinnings with the Ford Torino.  Characteristic design elements for this generation of Cougar were opera windows in the C-pillar and a standard vinyl roof.

“Always a show winner and a time capsule,” the seller states, followed up with “lots of documentation.”

The photo gallery substantiates that statement with an image of the Cougar with the nearly 10 different trophies and plaques received over its lifetime, as well as a trunk full of booklets, brochures, and owner information.  The sheet metal, interior, and underbody appear to be in prime condition consistent with the mileage reading.

Engine sizes for this era of Cougar were offered in 351cid, 400cid, and 460cid displacements, but a three-speed automatic was the only available transmission.  This Cougar is powered by the 400cid V8 and looks to be completely stock from top to bottom, right down to the eight-track tape player. 

A period-correct CB radio is mounted beneath the dash and a cougar figurine is prowling the rear window deck.

The seller is asking $25,000 for the well-preserved classic cat.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.