Mustang Cousin: 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7

The first generation Mercury Cougar was a bit more than just an up-market Mustang coupe.  It offered a few unique accouterments that were not available on the Mustang (such as pop-up hidden headlights) AND it was only available with V8 power (no wimpy inline-6s for the Cougar). As an additional hidden bonus, today's Cougar is both the hot-rod XR-7 version AND equipped with a 4-speed toploader gearbox.  Find this 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 offered for $14,000 in Carrollton, TX via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Thirtieth Anniversary:1997 Mercury Cougar XR7

The 30th anniversary gift for a wife is supposed to be diamonds or pearls, but I think that is a total load of DeBeers funded hooey -- and anybody who really loves (and is still married to) his cougar after three decades would get her a Mercury. Find this 1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 offered for $1,750 Ft Myers, FL craigslist. Tip from Dascpcu.

Extraterrestrial Big Cat: 1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Convertible

I am a big fan of the Mercury Cougar, not just because of all the instantly accessible cougar jokes, but also because they offer a great pony car experience with a twist of lime.  For the first generation (1967-1970) they were typically well equipped with V8s, power brakes, power steering, 4bbl carbs, all the good stuff that you might find in a Mustang if you look long enough.  Find this 1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Convertible bidding here on eBay for $15,600 with a few hours to go, located in Old Bridge, NJ.

10k: Cool Hood Scoop: 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7

The first generation Mercury Cougar (1967-1970) was an up-market version of Ford's popular Mustang pony car. It shared many mechanical components with the Mustang, but the sheet metal, interior bits and hidden headlights were only used on the Mercury.  Although it was never available with the Mustang's base inline-6 (only V8s) the Cougar leaned toward luxury buyers and had features like houndstooth vinyl roof with matching upholstery.  Find this 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 currently bidding on ebay for $11,900 with 1 day to go, located in Torrance, CA.

5k: Big Block Project: 1967 Mercury Cougar XR-7 GT 390

The Mercury Cougar is a coupe styled Mustang derivative that filled the gap in Ford's lineup between the cheap youth oriented Mustang and the big bloated/expensive Thunderturd.  The XR-7 option trim sounded like some sort of space themed model, but in truth it was simply a luxury version, complete with wood trim, fancy interior and some badges.  Find this 1967 Mercury Cougar XR-7 GT 390 for sale in Mount Airy, MD currently bidding for $5,000 on ebay with a few hours to go.