When did Ford stop making Cougars?
The Ford Cougar, a nameplate that has seen various iterations since its inception, has a storied history in the automotive world. Understanding when Ford ceased production of this iconic vehicle provides insight into the brand's evolution and the changing landscape of the automotive market.
The End of an Era
Ford officially stopped producing the Cougar in 2002. The last model year for the Cougar was 2002, marking the end of a production run that began in 1967. The Cougar was initially introduced as a luxury version of the Ford Mustang, appealing to consumers looking for a stylish and performance-oriented vehicle.
Historical Context
The Cougar went through several transformations over the decades, including:
- First Generation (1967-1970): Launched as a personal luxury car, it was based on the Mustang platform.
- Second Generation (1971-1973): This version grew larger and more luxurious, reflecting the trends of the early 1970s.
- Third Generation (1974-1976): The Cougar was redesigned to fit the mid-size car market.
- Fourth Generation (1977-1982): This iteration was more of a personal luxury coupe, emphasizing comfort over performance.
- Fifth Generation (1983-1988): A return to a sportier design, this version was based on the Ford Fox platform.
- Sixth Generation (1999-2002): The final generation, which was a rebadged version of the Mercury Cougar, aimed at a younger audience.
Reasons for Discontinuation
Several factors contributed to the discontinuation of the Cougar:
- Declining Sales: As consumer preferences shifted towards SUVs and crossovers, sales of coupes like the Cougar dwindled.
- Market Trends: The automotive market saw a significant shift towards more practical vehicles, leading to the decline of traditional coupes.
- Brand Strategy: Ford focused on consolidating its lineup and investing in more popular models that aligned with market demands.
Legacy of the Cougar
Despite its discontinuation, the Ford Cougar remains a beloved model among car enthusiasts. Its unique blend of style and performance has left a lasting impression, and it continues to be a sought-after vehicle in the classic car market. Collectors and fans appreciate the Cougar for its historical significance and distinctive design.
In conclusion, while Ford stopped making the Cougar in 2002, its legacy lives on through the memories of those who drove it and the enthusiasts who continue to celebrate its history.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 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.
How much is a 1973 Mercury Cougar worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $13,825 for a 1973 Mercury Cougar in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1973 Mercury Cougar? The highest selling price of a 1973 Mercury Cougar at auction over the last three years was $16,500.
How much is a 1967 Mercury Cougar worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,533 for a 1967 Mercury Cougar in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1967 Mercury Cougar at auction over the last three years was $54,075.
How many miles per gallon did a 1973 Mercury Cougar get?
Based on data from 1 vehicles, 12 fuel-ups and 2,218 miles of driving, the 1973 Mercury Cougar gets a combined Avg MPG of 13.72 with a 0.82 MPG margin of error.
How much is a 1969 Cougar eliminator worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $55,540 for a 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator at auction over the last three years was $133,875.
How many 67 cougars are left?
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. That makes any 1967 Cougar a rare car!
What is the rarest Cougar?
1968 GT-E version
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. Only 264 of the GT-E models were ever delivered, most with the 427 although no official records exist as to the powerplants.
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 year was the Cougar Eliminator?
1969
Cougar Eliminator (1969–1970)
Largely a counterpart of the Ford Mustang Mach 1 and Ford Boss 302 Mustang, the Cougar Eliminator replaced the Cougar GT as the performance-trim Cougar on April 1, 1969.
