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1968 Mercury Cougar coupe, side view with hood scoop
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1967-1970 Mercury CougarFirst-Gen Cougar

1967–1970 60+ on the wall 33 documents ↓

The first-generation Mercury Cougar (1967-1970) is a pony car built on a stretched Ford Mustang platform, with the wheelbase lengthened 3 inches to 111. Every Cougar left the factory with a V8, starting with the 289 and running up through the 302, 351, 390, and the 427 and 428 Cobra Jet big blocks. Hidden headlamps behind a full-width electric-shaver grille and sequential rear turn signals set it apart from the Mustang, and Motor Trend named it Car of the Year for 1967.

Other Mercury Cougar generations

1971-1973 Mercury Cougar 1974-1976 Mercury Cougar 1977-1979 Mercury Cougar 1980-1982 Mercury Cougar 1983-1988 Mercury Cougar 1989-1997 Mercury Cougar 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar

Platform

The 1967-1970 Mercury Cougar shares its unibody structure, front suspension, and rear leaf-spring layout with the Ford Mustang, but rides on a 111-inch wheelbase, 3 inches longer than the Mustang's 108. The extra length sits between the firewall and the rear axle, which gives the Cougar a smoother ride and slightly more rear-seat room. Through 1968 the only body style was a two-door hardtop. A convertible joined the line for 1969, when the body was restyled larger and wider along with the Mustang. No fastback Cougar was ever built.

Engines

No first-generation Cougar came with a six. The base engine in 1967 was the 289 cubic inch V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor at 200 hp gross, and a 4-barrel 289 rated 225 hp was optional. The 1968 model year opened with the 289 2V, now rated 195 hp, and during the year the 302 took its place, rated 210 hp with a 2-barrel or 230 hp with a 4-barrel. For 1969 the 351 Windsor 2V at 250 hp became the standard engine, with a 4-barrel version at 290 hp optional; for 1970 the 4-barrel car switched to the 351 Cleveland at 300 hp. All figures for these cars are gross ratings, since net ratings did not take over until 1972.

  • 289, 200 hp 2V standard and 225 hp 4V optional in 1967; the 2V dropped to 195 hp for early 1968
  • 302, 210 hp 2V or 230 hp 4V, replaced the 289 during 1968
  • 351 Windsor, standard for 1969, 250 hp (2V) or 290 hp (4V)
  • 351 Cleveland 4V, 1970, 300 hp
  • 390 4V, 320 hp in 1967 (GT option), continued through 1969
  • 427, 390 hp, GT-E only, 1968
  • 428 Cobra Jet, rated 335 hp, from spring 1968 through 1970

The rare GT-E package appeared for 1968 only. It launched with the 427 side-oiler wearing a 4-barrel and a hydraulic cam, rated at 390 hp and sold only with an automatic. Partway through the 1968 model year the 427 was dropped and the 428 Cobra Jet took its place in the GT-E. Total GT-E production was 394 cars, 357 with the 427 and 37 with the 428 CJ.

Drivetrain and transmissions

All first-generation Cougars are front-engine, rear-wheel drive. Small blocks used a 3-speed manual as the base transmission, with a 4-speed manual and a 3-speed automatic optional. The automatic was the C4 behind the 289 and 302, the cast-iron FMX behind the 351, and the C6 behind the 390 and 428. The 427 GT-E came only with the automatic, but once the 428 CJ replaced it a 4-speed became available. Rear axles are Ford 8-inch on most small-block cars and the 9-inch behind the big blocks, with optional Traction-Lok limited slip. 428 CJ cars ordered with the Drag Pak got 3.91 or 4.30 gears and an oil cooler, making the engine a Super Cobra Jet.

Year-by-year changes

  • 1967: Launch year. 289 standard, 390 optional, GT handling package available. Hidden headlamps and sequential turn signals from the start.
  • 1968: 289 (now 195 hp) starts the year, then the 302 replaces it. GT-E package with the 427, then the 428 CJ mid-year. XR7-G appears, a Dan Gurney-themed dress-up package built with hood scoop, fog lamps, and optional sunroof. Side marker lights added per federal rule.
  • 1969: Full restyle, wider and about 3 inches longer overall, headlamp doors now horizontal. Convertible added. 351 Windsor 2V becomes the standard engine. Eliminator introduced in spring 1969.
  • 1970: Front-end refresh with a vertical center grille section. 351 Cleveland replaces the Windsor 4V. Eliminator continues. Last year of the first generation before the bigger 1971 body.

Trims and variants

The XR-7 was the luxury trim all four years, with a wood-rimmed steering wheel, full instrumentation including a tachometer, toggle switches, and leather-and-vinyl seating. It could be combined with any engine, which means an XR-7 with a 428 CJ is a real factory combination.

The Eliminator ran 1969-1970 as the performance package, answering the Mustang Mach 1. It came with a blacked-out grille, front and rear spoilers, hood scoop, side stripes, and high-back buckets, offered in bright colors like Competition Orange and Bright Blue. Engine choices ran from the 351 4V up through the 390 (1969 only) and 428 Cobra Jet, plus the solid-lifter Boss 302 at 290 hp, the same engine as the Boss 302 Mustang. Eliminators are far scarcer than their Mustang counterparts: 2,250 built for 1969 and 2,268 for 1970.

By the SuperMotors Editorial Team · Last updated July 2026 · Spotted an error? Suggest a correction

Asked all the time

What engines came in the 1967-1970 Mercury Cougar?

Every first-generation Mercury Cougar (1967-1970) has a V8. The base engine was the 289 in 1967, replaced during 1968 by the 302, with the 351 Windsor becoming standard for 1969 and the 351 Cleveland 4V arriving for 1970. Big-block options were the 390 (1967-1969), the 427 in the 1968 GT-E only, and the 428 Cobra Jet from spring 1968 through 1970.

Which years did the Cougar GT-E use the 427 versus the 428 Cobra Jet?

The Mercury Cougar GT-E was a 1968-only package. It started the model year with the 427 rated at 390 hp gross, automatic only. Partway through 1968 the 427 was discontinued and the 428 Cobra Jet replaced it in the GT-E. Only 394 GT-Es were built in total, 357 with the 427 and just 37 with the 428 CJ.

What is a Cougar Eliminator and what years was it made?

The Cougar Eliminator was Mercury's performance package for 1969 and 1970, introduced in spring 1969. It added spoilers, a hood scoop, stripes, and a blacked-out grille. Engines ranged from the 351 4V to the 428 Cobra Jet (335 hp gross), plus the solid-lifter Boss 302 at 290 hp. Production was 2,250 for 1969 and 2,268 for 1970.

When could you buy a Cougar convertible?

The first Mercury Cougar convertible arrived for the 1969 model year, when the body was restyled larger. For 1967 and 1968 the Cougar was sold only as a two-door hardtop. Convertibles continued through 1970 in both base and XR-7 trim.

What made the Cougar XR-7 different from a base Cougar?

The XR-7 was the luxury trim of the 1967-1970 Mercury Cougar. It added leather-and-vinyl upholstery, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, full gauges with a tachometer, and toggle switches on the dash. Any engine could be ordered in an XR-7, including the 428 Cobra Jet, so luxury trim and big-block power were not mutually exclusive.

How is the first-generation Cougar different from the Mustang it is based on?

The 1967-1970 Mercury Cougar uses the Ford Mustang's unibody and suspension but stretches the wheelbase 3 inches to 111, all of it added between the firewall and rear axle for a better ride. It also got hidden headlamps, sequential rear turn signals, more sound insulation, and V8-only engine lineups. The Mustang's six-cylinder and fastback body were never offered on the Cougar.

Technical Reference

Member-uploaded diagrams & documents for this generation. AI-classified; community-verified where badged.

Brochures & Literature (9)

Data/Spec Plates (2)

Manual Pages (4)

Service Procedures (4)

Schematics (2)

Exploded Parts (3)

Wiring Diagrams (3)

Blueprints (5)

Vacuum Routing (1)

The wall · registered 1967–1970 Cougars

Sorted by depth of documentation. Click any vehicle to open its permanent record.

1968 Mercury Cougar coupe, side view with hood scoop1968 Cougar1968 Cougar · 68Wcode427486 photos White 1970 Mercury Cougar parked curbside, showing front grille and headlights1970 Cougar1970 Cougar · Sway434 photos Pale green 1968 Mercury Cougar coupe on a black flatbed trailer at a gas station1968 Cougar1968 Cougar · Dustin Johnson195 photos Red Mercury Cougar hardtop coupe front three-quarter view beside an ivy wall“THE TOOL”1967 Cougar · 68Wcode427130 photos 1968 Mercury Cougar with a prominent grille and hood scoop“XR7G”1968 Cougar · sbbtech119 photos 1968 Mercury Cougar front grille and headlights, red paint with black stripe on hood scoop“Dyno Don's”1968 Cougar · 68Wcode427115 photos Blue 1968 Mercury Cougar coupe in side view parked by an old building1968 Cougar1968 Cougar · 68Wcode42782 photos Red 1968 Mercury Cougar front quarter view with damaged hood“Red W code GT-E”1968 Cougar · 68Wcode42768 photos Front of pale yellow Mercury Cougar with chrome grille and 'GT 390' plate on driveway“390GT”1967 Cougar · catman26767 photos Blue 1968 Mercury Cougar with a dented rear bumper and faded paint, seen from a rear-quarter angle“Madras Blue GT-E”1968 Cougar · 68Wcode42766 photos Orange 1968 Mercury Cougar convertible rear view“Top Cat”1968 Cougar · 1967cougar39048 photos 1968 Mercury Cougar with red and white paint, black hood scoop, parked outside.“XR7-G Red Hertz”1968 Cougar · 68Wcode42731 photos Purple 1968 Mercury Cougar coupe with black vinyl roof, side view1968 Cougar1968 Cougar · CougarXR731 photos Black Mercury Cougar coupe on modern five-spoke wheels, 3/4 front view1969 Cougar1969 Cougar · Frankie355527 photos Red 1968 Mercury Cougar with a white vinyl roof, parked on a gravel road“Red XR7-G”1968 Cougar · 68Wcode42725 photos Teal 1969 Mercury Cougar coupe seen from rear 3/4 angle parked by a vineyard.“XR7”1969 Cougar · fourdoorbronko23 photos 1968 Mercury Cougar, silver with black vinyl top, parked outdoors1968 Cougar1968 Cougar · Dragon2218 photos Two chrome valve covers, one open, one closed with a "390 HIGH PERFORMANCE" badge1968 Cougar1968 Cougar · maojar15 photos 1968 Mercury Cougar coupe parked indoors, showing side and front quarter panel“the cougar”1968 Cougar · cougartom15 photos 1968 Mercury Cougar parked on grass, rear three-quarter view“California Car”1968 Cougar · sbbtech12 photos Radiator assembly with two electric cooling fans mounted on the front1967 Cougar1967 Cougar · ThatDarnCat11 photos 1968 Mercury Cougar, dark blue with green vinyl top, parked in driveway“killer cougar”1968 Cougar · dnz6811 photos White classic Mercury Cougar coupe, 3/4 front view, headlights on, in driveway“Quick Silver Cougar”1967 Cougar · C7XR710 photos Gold 1970 Mercury Cougar coupe, 3/4 front view on gravel lot“1970 Mercury Cougar”1970 Cougar · NJ2000R9 photos 1967 Mercury Cougar parked in front of a brick building with a Gulf sign“1967 S Code”1967 Cougar · 1967cougar3908 photos Black 1968 Mercury Cougar parked on a driveway, front quarter view“Black Beauty”1968 Cougar · 68cougar298 photos Rusty faded blue Mercury Cougar front quarter with 'Cougar' badge and a Coke bottle on hood“XR7”1969 Cougar · Steve Saavedra8 photos Maroon convertible coupe with black top parked at curb in a hilly suburban neighborhood“the pervertible”1969 Cougar · Tom Cherry AKA Hawkrod8 photos Metal pulley bracket with a circular pulley attached, against a white background1968 Cougar1968 Cougar · 58custom7 photos Pile of green and red damaged car body panels with chrome bumpers and wheels outdoors“428 CJ”1969 Cougar · Tom Cherry AKA Hawkrod6 photos Faded silver Mercury Cougar two-door coupe with hidden headlights parked on grass1970 Cougar1970 Cougar · dark70685 photos White coupe in side view on a drag strip with rear tire smoke and spectators behind“white eliminator”1969 Cougar · Tom Cherry AKA Hawkrod5 photos Red 1970 Mercury Cougar convertible, 3/4 front view“Rita”1970 Cougar · Sara Lancaster4 photos White Mercury Cougar with black vinyl roof, front view on an autumn lawn“Money Pit”1969 Cougar · Mike Donnelly4 photos Dark red coupe parked in driveway with red wagon beside it, suburban houses behind“grandpa's car”1969 Cougar · Tom Cherry AKA Hawkrod4 photos Orange 1969 Mercury Cougar with black racing stripes and a woman standing next to it1970 Cougar1970 Cougar · polarismudder143 photos Tan and cream coupe parked outdoors between a tan wagon and a red car in a wooded driveway“the fastback”1968 Cougar · Tom Cherry AKA Hawkrod3 photos Dark stylized graphic with white text, no vehicle visible1969 Cougar1969 Cougar · Steve Saavedra2 photos Blue coupe with white vinyl roof shown in side profile, parked by a garden with a real estate sign.“sunroof XR-7”1968 Cougar · Tom Cherry AKA Hawkrod2 photos Blue two-door coupe parked 3/4 front view in a driveway with other cars“blue eliminator”1969 Cougar · Tom Cherry AKA Hawkrod2 photos Pale yellow Mercury Cougar coupe with black vinyl roof, front 3/4 view in parking lot“XR7-G”1968 Cougar · Tom Cherry AKA Hawkrod2 photos Black Mercury Cougar coupe, front 3/4 view, chrome wheels, parked on wet driveway by a house.“"the Cougar"”1968 Cougar · Forgeburn1 photo Dark blue coupe with open hood at indoor show, chrome grille, yellow plate AA-8012“67CougarBlue”1967 Cougar · mcj67cougar1 photo Black 1967 Mercury Cougar with a hood scoop and custom wheels parked outside“1badcat”1967 Cougar · Rick Cornwell1 photo Gold two-door coupe with vinyl roof parked in 3/4 front view near a house“goldie”1969 Cougar · Tom Cherry AKA Hawkrod1 photo 1967 Cougar1967 Cougar · Louis Gacs0 photos “Black Beauty”1968 Cougar · 68cougar290 photos “Black Beauty”1968 Cougar · 68cougar0 photos Yellow 1968 Mercury Cougar front end stripped for restoration“"the cougar"”1968 Cougar · bobst0 photos 1970 Cougar1970 Cougar · cougardude11x0 photos “2007 Nationals”1967 Cougar · C7XR70 photos 1969 Cougar1969 Cougar · CHKNMN0 photos 1969 Cougar1969 Cougar · Steve Saavedra0 photos 1970 Cougar1970 Cougar · lscinpa0 photos 1970 Cougar1970 Cougar · lscinpa0 photos 1969 Cougar1969 Cougar · lscinpa0 photos 1969 Cougar1969 Cougar · lscinpa0 photos 1969 Cougar1969 Cougar · mcborn industries0 photos 1969 Cougar1969 Cougar · fabspec0 photos “the Beast”1969 Cougar · Bundy Wist0 photos
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