Who designed the Cougar?
The Cougar, a name synonymous with performance and style, has a rich history in the automotive world. Originally introduced by Mercury in the late 1960s, the Cougar was designed to compete with other luxury sports cars of the era. This article delves into the design origins of the Cougar, highlighting the key figures and influences that shaped its development.
The Birth of the Cougar
The Mercury Cougar was first introduced in 1967 as a response to the growing demand for personal luxury cars. The design was spearheaded by a team at Ford Motor Company, with notable contributions from the talented designer, Don DeLaRossa. DeLaRossa's vision was to create a vehicle that combined the elegance of a luxury car with the performance of a sports coupe.
Design Influences
The Cougar's design was heavily influenced by the Ford Mustang, which had been released a few years earlier. The Cougar shared many of its underpinnings with the Mustang, but it was distinguished by its more refined styling and upscale features. Key design elements included:
- Long Hood and Short Deck: This classic coupe silhouette gave the Cougar a sporty yet elegant appearance.
- Distinctive Grille: The Cougar featured a unique grille design that set it apart from its competitors.
- Luxurious Interior: The interior was designed with comfort in mind, featuring high-quality materials and advanced technology for its time.
These design choices helped the Cougar carve out its niche in the automotive market, appealing to buyers looking for both style and performance.
Evolution Over the Years
As the Cougar evolved through the decades, its design continued to adapt to changing consumer preferences and automotive trends. The second generation, launched in 1971, introduced a more aggressive stance and larger dimensions, while the later models in the 1980s and 1990s shifted towards a more modern, aerodynamic look.
Legacy of the Cougar
The Cougar remains a beloved classic among car enthusiasts. Its design legacy is a testament to the creativity and innovation of its time, influencing future generations of vehicles. Today, the Cougar is celebrated not just for its performance but also for its iconic design that continues to inspire automotive designers around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the WSU Cougar logo?
Randall Johnson
Randall Johnson, 1915-2007, designed the original WSC cougar head logo in July of 1936 while a summer student employee at Washington State College. When WSC became Washington State University in 1959, Johnson proposed a logo redesign which was accepted with only one very slight change.
Who designed the Puma logo?
Lutz Backes
Lutz Backes, a caricaturist from Nuremberg, was the creator of the PUMA cat logo.
Why is WSU called the Cougars?
In 1927, a live cougar replaced the inanimate stuffed cats. This stealthy feline was presented as a gift to the school from Gov. Roland Hartley. Hartley suggested the cougar be named for the team's current quarterback, Herbert “Butch” Meeker.
What is the history of the cougar?
The cougar has been a feature of the North American landscape for thousands of years. However, in late the 19th and early 20th century, bounty hunting brought the cougar to the brink of extinction. Cougars (Puma concolor) evolve from a common ancestor with the African cheetah and American jaguarundi.
How much is a 1967 Mercury Cougar worth?
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.
Who designed the Ford Cougar?
Ford Cougar
| Ford Cougar (Europe) | |
|---|---|
| Production | 1998–2002 1998–2001 (Britain) |
| Model years | 1999-2002 |
| Assembly | Flat Rock, Michigan, United States Köln, Germany |
| Designer | Darrell Behmer |
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.
Who built the Cougar?
Ford
What was the car in under the yum yum tree?
1962 Ford Cougar 406 concept car
The red sports car Hogan drives is a 1962 Ford Cougar 406 concept car. It was introduced at the 1962 Chicago Auto Show.
Who designed the original Ford logo?
Childe Harold Wills
Childe Harold Wills designed the Ford logo. He used his grandfather's stencil set, which was based on the style of writing taught in schools when Ford and Wills were children. However, the Ford oval would not be featured on a car until the 1927 Model A.
