How many 67 cougars are left?
The 1967 Mercury Cougar, a classic American muscle car, holds a special place in automotive history. Known for its sleek design, hidden headlights, and powerful performance, it was Mercury's answer to the Ford Mustang. As time has passed, the number of these iconic vehicles still in existence has dwindled. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that influence how many 1967 Cougars remain today and what enthusiasts can do to preserve these automotive treasures.
Understanding the Original Production Numbers
To estimate how many 1967 Mercury Cougars are left, it’s important to start with the original production numbers. Mercury produced approximately 150,893 Cougars in 1967, which included various trims and engine configurations. This was the debut year for the Cougar, making it a significant model for Mercury and a popular choice among buyers at the time.
Factors That Affect Survival Rates
Over the decades, several factors have contributed to the decline in the number of 1967 Cougars still on the road or in collections. These include:
- Wear and Tear: Many Cougars were daily drivers and subjected to the rigors of regular use, leading to mechanical failures and eventual scrapping.
- Accidents: As with any vehicle, accidents have claimed a significant number of these cars over the years.
- Rust and Corrosion: Older vehicles, especially those exposed to harsh climates, often succumb to rust, making restoration difficult or impossible.
- Neglect: Some Cougars were abandoned or left to deteriorate due to lack of interest or resources for maintenance.
Current Estimates of Remaining 1967 Cougars
While there is no definitive registry or database that tracks every surviving 1967 Cougar, enthusiasts and experts estimate that only a fraction of the original production remains. Some estimates suggest that around 5-10% of the original production may still exist in various conditions, ranging from fully restored show cars to project vehicles awaiting restoration. This would mean approximately 7,500 to 15,000 cars are still around today.
Preserving the Legacy of the 1967 Cougar
For those lucky enough to own a 1967 Cougar, preserving its legacy is a rewarding endeavor. Here are some tips for maintaining and restoring these classic cars:
- Regular Maintenance: Keep up with oil changes, tune-ups, and other routine maintenance to ensure the car remains in good running condition.
- Rust Prevention: Address any signs of rust immediately and store the car in a dry, climate-controlled environment when possible.
- Source Authentic Parts: Use original or high-quality reproduction parts to maintain the car’s authenticity and value.
- Join Enthusiast Communities: Connect with other Cougar owners through clubs and online forums to share knowledge, resources, and support.
Conclusion
The 1967 Mercury Cougar is a beloved classic that continues to captivate car enthusiasts worldwide. While the exact number of surviving Cougars is uncertain, their rarity and historical significance make them highly sought after. By taking steps to preserve and restore these vehicles, owners can ensure that the legacy of the 1967 Cougar lives on for future generations to appreciate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best year for the Mercury Cougar XR7?
WhatIs a Cougar XR7? During the model's 30-year lifespan nearly 3 million Cougars were produced, but the best ones were churned out between 1967 and 1970.
How many XR7 cougars were made?
1970 Model Year
| MODEL OR OPTION | # PRODUCED |
|---|---|
| STANDARD | 49,479 |
| STANDARD CONVERTIBLE | 2,322 |
| XR-7 | 18,567 |
| XR-7 CONVERTIBLE | 1,997 |
How much is a 68 Cougar worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $23,420 for a 1968 Mercury Cougar in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1968 Mercury Cougar at auction over the last three years was $58,800.
How many 1967 cougars are left?
For example, in 1967, there were 150,893 Cougars built. The database has records on approx 7,000. Of those, approx 4000 have been parted out, or condition is unknown. That leaves approx 3000 which is only a 2% survival rate.
How much is a 1967 Cougar worth today?
The value of a 1967 Mercury Cougar can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,533 for a 1967 Mercury Cougar in good condition with average spec.
How rare is a 1967 Mercury cougar?
The 1967 and 1968 Cougar GT is even rarer, as just 11,959 units were built those years. These Cougar GTs came with powerful 390-V8 engines under the hood and we're good looking cars. However, the most rare is the 1968 GT-E version, where either a 427, 390 horse V8 or a 428 Cobra Jet 335 horse engine sat in waiting.
What size engine came in a 1967 Cougar?
390 cubic-inch
Cougar GT (1967–1968)
Standard was the a 390 cubic-inch "Marauder GT" V8 (320 hp) as well as upgraded suspension, larger brakes, wheels, and tires, and a low-restriction exhaust system.
What is the most desirable Mercury Cougar?
Today, Cougars from 1967 to 1970 are all very collectible, especially the convertibles. Of the near 375,000 Cougars built in its four years of production, only about 13,500 were ragtops. The most collectible, no surprise, are the 428 Cobra Jets, the 427 GTE, and the Eliminator CJ model.
What does XR7 mean on a Mercury Cougar?
experimental racing
It's been suggested that "XR-7" is a cipher for "experimental racing," and there was, in fact, a team of Cougars prepared by NASCAR specialist Bud Moore for drivers Dan Gurney and Parnelli Jones to compete in the 1967 Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans-Am road-racing championship.
What year cougar is the most desirable?
If you are looking for a used Mercury Cougar, this list of the best Years is one you should keep an eye on.
- 1967 Mercury Cougar (Best Years)
- 1968 Mercury Cougar (Best Years)
- 1969 Mercury Cougar (Best Years)
- 1970 Mercury Cougar (Best Years)
- 1971 Mercury Cougar (Good Years)
- 1972 Mercury Cougar (Good Years)
