1968 Mercury Cougar XR7 Hardtop
Why This Car Is Special
The Mercury Cougar was introduced as the more refined and luxurious sibling to the Ford Mustang, offering a perfect balance of muscle car performance and upscale comfort. Designed to appeal to drivers who wanted style without sacrificing power, the Cougar remains one of the most distinctive pony cars of its era.
This restored 1968 Mercury Cougar XR7 Hardtop is beautifully presented and powered by a built 302…
1968 Mercury Cougar XR7 Hardtop
Why This Car Is Special
The Mercury Cougar was introduced as the more refined and luxurious sibling to the Ford Mustang, offering a perfect balance of muscle car performance and upscale comfort. Designed to appeal to drivers who wanted style without sacrificing power, the Cougar remains one of the most distinctive pony cars of its era.
This restored 1968 Mercury Cougar XR7 Hardtop is beautifully presented and powered by a built 302 cubic inch small-block V8 paired with an automatic floor-shifted transmission. It features a well-appointed interior with high-back bucket seats, center console, factory-style woodgrain accents, a wood steering wheel, a black vinyl top, and an eye-catching factory code 6K Light Aqua exterior finish.
Features
1968 Mercury Cougar XR7 Hardtop
Built 302 cubic inch small-block V8
Automatic transmission with floor shifter
Engine block and heads painted blue
Open-element air cleaner
Aluminum intake manifold
4-barrel carburetor
Ford Racing aluminum valve covers
MSD distributor, coil, and spark plug wires
Exhaust headers
Factory-style engine compartment appearance
Aqua high-back bucket seats
Matching rear bench seat and door panels
Wood steering wheel
Factory woodgrain dash with gauges and controls
Center console
Factory tachometer
Radio
Overhead console
Aqua XR7 floor mats
Moonroof
Factory code 6K Light Aqua paint
Black vinyl top
Chrome front and rear bumpers
Dual exhaust
Recessed, hidden headlights
Chrome spoked mag wheels
Black sidewall tires
Mechanical
The built 302ci small-block V8 delivers dependable power and smooth performance, backed by an automatic transmission that shifts from the floor. Known for durability and versatility, the small-block Ford platform provides both reliability and strong street manners.
Under the hood, the engine is detailed with blue-painted block and heads, an open-element air cleaner, aluminum intake, 4-barrel carburetor, Ford Racing valve covers, MSD ignition components, and exhaust headers. Everything is presented within a clean, period-correct engine bay.
Interior
Inside, the Cougar offers a comfortable and upscale driving experience. Aqua high-back bucket seats are complemented by a matching rear bench and door panels. The cabin features a wood steering wheel, factory woodgrain dash trim, center console with storage and armrest, factory tachometer, radio, overhead console, XR7 floor mats, and a moonroof—providing both comfort and classic style.
Exterior
Finished in a rich factory code 6K Light Aqua, the exterior pairs beautifully with the black vinyl top. Chrome trim, chrome front and rear bumpers, dual exhaust, and the signature recessed hidden headlights give the car a refined yet muscular appearance.
This Cougar strikes the perfect balance between luxury and performance, equally at home among classic luxury cars or high-performance muscle machines. Chrome spoked mag wheels with black sidewall tires complete the look and contribute to confident handling and road presence.
Conclusion
This 1968 Mercury Cougar XR7 Hardtop is a beautifully restored example of Mercury’s luxury-oriented pony car. With its strong built V8, desirable XR7 features, and striking color combination, it makes an excellent addition to any garage or collection.
Opportunities to own a well-optioned, great-looking Cougar like this don’t come around often.