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1968 Mercury Cougar Hertz/Shelby XR7-G Show Board - History, 390 GT & Options
Reference · 1967-1970 CougarAll 21 brochures & literature
Car-show display literature describing the 1968 Mercury Cougar Hertz/Shelby XR7-G, its history, and option list.
Part of 1967-1970 Mercury Cougar Brochures & Literature
This is a car show display board for a 1968 Mercury Cougar Hertz/Shelby XR7-G owned by Allan Steinbock of Pittsburgh, PA. It explains the Hertz Rent-A-Racer program (tag line: "Every man should drive a sports-car even if it's only for one day!"), noting Hertz ordered 188 XR7-G equipped Mercury Cougars for 1968, built on the same assembly line as the 1968 Shelby GT-350 Mustangs and modified by Ford supplier A.O. Smith under Shelby Automotive's direction. The "G" designation honors race driver Dan Gurney. Approximately 67 cars are known in the XR7-G Registry; 43 were originally Cardinal Red/Dark Red interior, with an estimated 20 surviving. This example was restored to Concours standards by Garner Customs & Restorations. It has a 390 cu.in 4V GT engine and C6 transmission. The board lists XR7-G options including leather upholstery, woodgrain dash with tachometer, power sunroof (first American car with this option), Lucas fog lights, chrome locking hood pins, XR7-G center caps, vinyl roof, fiberglass hood scoop, wood shift knob, Delco-Remy third horn, Raydot racing mirror, XR7-G badges, and slash-cut pipe-in-pipe exhaust tips. Board produced by Don's Showboards LLC of New Hope, PA.
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Frequently asked questions
- How many XR7-G Cougars did Hertz order for 1968?
- Hertz ordered 188 XR7-G equipped Mercury Cougars for the 1968 Rent-A-Racer program.
- Who modified the XR7-G Cougars?
- They were modified by Ford supplier A.O. Smith under the direction of Shelby Automotive, built on the same assembly line beside the 1968 Mustang Shelby GT-350's.
- What does the 'G' in XR7-G stand for?
- The 'G' Cougars were named after famous race driver Dan Gurney, who had performed brilliantly for Mercury.
- What engine and transmission does this XR7-G have?
- A 390 cu.in 4V GT motor with a C6 transmission.
- How many XR7-G Cougars are known to survive?
- Approximately 67 cars are known to exist in the XR7-G Registry; of the 43 originally Cardinal Red/Dark Red interior cars, an estimated 20 remain in various conditions.
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