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1967 Mercury Cougar: Redefining Muscle and Luxury in the Pony Car Segment
11:05

1967 Mercury Cougar: Redefining Muscle and Luxury in the Pony Car Segment

1967-Mercury-Cougar-copyThe 1967 Mercury Cougar roared onto the scene as a stylish and powerful alternative in the pony car segment. Sharing its underpinnings with the Mustang, the Cougar brought a touch of European flair and a lineup of potent V8 engines to the table. Ford intentionally slotted the Cougar between the Mustang and the Thunderbird. The following narrative is a detailed breakdown of the powertrain choices, transmission options, performance packages, and notable extras that made the Cougar a standout in its debut year.

Launch & Sales Performance

1967 Mercury Cougar brochure front and specs copy

Introduced by Lincoln-Mercury on September 30, 1966, the Cougar surpassed expectations, accounting for nearly 40% of total 1967 Lincoln-Mercury division sales. Offered only as a two-door hardtop, it debuted with a base price of $2,854, about $284 more than the Mustang. A fully loaded XR-7 version topped out at $4,500, aligning with the Ford Thunderbird’s base price—just as Mercury intended.

Accolades and Design

1967 Mercury Cougar Motor Trend Car of Year copy

The Cougar was named 1967 Motor Trend Car of the Year, the only Mercury to ever receive this honor. Built on the Mustang’s updated 1967 chassis, the Cougar had a three-inch longer wheelbase (111 inches total). Both shared a platform derived from the rear-wheel-drive Ford Falcon unibody design.

Though it shared its engine lineup with the Mustang, the Cougar exclusively offered V8 engines. It also introduced several upscale features including hidden headlights, a distinctive split front grille, and sequential rear turn signals (borrowed from the Thunderbird). These styling cues, along with a longer hood and shorter deck, gave the Cougar a European-inspired design aesthetic.

Performance Options & XR-7 Trim

1967 Mercury Cougar XR-7 brochure page copy

A notable $185 upgrade, the XR-7 package, added even more European flair—simulated wood dash trim, full black-face instrumentation, toggle switches, and an overhead console. Nearly all Mercury options were available on the Cougar, including speed control and the Tilt-Away steering wheel, which pivoted up and to the side when the door opened.

1967 Mercury Cougar - Body Paint Color Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

  4 Sheffield Silver
  6 Fawn
  8 Jamaican Yellow
  A Onyx
  B Turquoise
  D Nordic Blue
  E Cumberland Beige
  F Tiffany Blue
  I Lime Frost
  K Caspian Blue
  M Polar White
  O Seafoam Green
  Q Glacier Blue
  T Cardinal Red
  V Cinnamon Frost
  W Trafalgar Blue
  X Burgundy
  Y Inverness Green
  Z Sage Gold

 

Racing Heritage

1967 Mercury Cougar Trans Am brochure copy

In 1967, legendary builder Bud Moore entered Cougars into the Trans-Am Series, backed by factory support from Ford. Drivers like Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, and David Pearson took the wheel. Mercury narrowly lost the championship to Ford by just two points, but it firmly established the Cougar as both a performance car and a luxurious pony car.

1967 Mercury Cougar Trans Am cutaway copy

Above: The cutaway diagram of transforming a 1967 Mercury Cougar into a Group Two Trans Am racecar is courtesy of Motor Trend magazine, the February 1967 issue. Below is a photo of a replica of the Bud Moore Racing team '67 Mercury Cougar Group Two Trans Am racecar.

1967 Mercury Cougar Bud Moore Dan Gurney Racing Trans Am replica copy

Production & Rarity

  • Total 1967 Cougars produced: 123,672
  • XR-7 units: 27,221
  • Models with front bench seat: 7,412
  • Four-speed manual transmission models: Only 5.3%

1967 Mercury Cougar four speed interior copy

Above: This and the following 1967 Mercury Cougar interior and engine photos are courtesy of Mecum Auctions.

1967 Engine Options

289 CID V8 – 200 HP

  • Configuration: 2-barrel carburetor (Code C or D)
  • Compression: 9.3:1
  • Torque: 282 lb.-ft @ 2400 RPM
  • Carburetor: Autolite 2-barrel
  • Price: $106

289 CID V8 – 225 HP

1967 Mercury Cougar 289 V8 225 horsepower copy

  • Configuration: 4-barrel carburetor (Code C or D)
  • Compression: 9.3:1
  • Torque: 305 lb.-ft @ 3200 RPM
  • Carburetor: Autolite 4-barrel
  • Price: $158

289 CID V8 “Hi-Po” – 271 HP

  • High-performance (Code K)
  • Compression: 10.5:1
  • Torque: 312 lb.-ft @ 3400 RPM
  • Mechanical lifters; special cam timing
  • Used for homologation in Trans-Am
  • Rare, not included in early literature

390 CID V8 “Marauder” – 320 HP

1967 Mercury Cougar 390 V8 copy

  • GT/GTA engine (Code S)
  • Compression: 10.5:1
  • Torque: 427 lb.-ft @ 3200 RPM
  • Carburetor: Holley 4-barrel
  • Price: $265

Chassis Specifications

  • Wheelbase: 111 in
  • Length: 190.3 in
  • Height: 51.8 in
  • Weight: 2,988 lbs.
  • Tire Size: 7.35x14 (black wall standard, white wall optional)

Transmission Choices

The Cougar offered a mix of manual and automatic gearboxes to suit a range of driving styles:

  • Three-speed manual – Standard on base models
  • Four-speed manual floor-shift – Standard on XR-7, optional on others
  • Cruise-O-Matic automatic – Available across the lineup

Manual

  • 3-Speed (Standard, except XR-7):
    • 289: 2.99:1 (1st gear)
    • 390: 2.42:1 (1st gear)
  • 4-Speed (Standard on XR-7, optional otherwise):
    • 289: 2.78:1 (1st), 1.93:1 (2nd)
    • 390: 2.32:1 (1st), heavy-duty unit

Automatic – Cruise-O-Matic

1967 Mercury Cougar automatic trans shift lever copy

  • 289 V8: Low: 2.46:1
  • 390 V8: Low: 2.46:1

Transmission Gear Ratios

Each transmission was tailored to the engine for optimized performance:

Three-Speed Manual

  • 289 V8: 1st – 2.99:1 | 2nd – 1.75:1 | 3rd – 1:1 | Reverse – 3.17:1
  • 390 V8: 1st – 2.42:1 | 2nd – 1.61:1 | 3rd – 1:1 | Reverse – 2.33:1

Four-Speed Manual

1967 Mercury Cougar four speed shown copy

  • 289 V8: 1st – 2.78:1 | 2nd – 1.93:1 | 3rd – 1.36:1 | 4th – 1:1 | Reverse – 2.78:1
  • 390 V8 (Heavy Duty): 1st – 2.32:1 | 2nd – 1.69:1 | 3rd – 1.29:1 | 4th – 1:1 | Reverse – 2.32:1

Three-Speed Automatic (Cruise-O-Matic)

  • 289 CID: Low – 2.46:1 | 2nd – 1.46:1 | High – 1:1 | Reverse – 2.20:1 
    • Max Stall Ratio: 2.02:1
  • 390 CID: Low – 2.46:1 | 2nd – 1.46:1 | High – 1:1 | Reverse – 2.18:1
    • Max Stall Ratio: 2.10:1

Rear Axle Ratios

Axle ratios varied depending on engine and transmission combinations, offering either standard gearing or optional performance gearing:

200 HP (289 CID) V8

  • Manual (3-speed or 4-speed): 2.80:1 (std), 3.20:1 (opt)
  • Automatic: 2.80:1 (std), 3.20:1 (opt)

225 HP (289 CID) V8

  • All Transmissions: 3.00:1

390 CID V8 (320 HP)

  • All Transmissions: 3.00:1 (std), 3.25:1 (opt)

Equa-Lock Limited-Slip Differential was available across all models for enhanced traction.

GT Performance Package

1967-Mercury-Cougar-Emblem-Placement-A copyFor performance enthusiasts, the optional GT Package bundled several upgrades into one potent package:

  • 390 CID V8 engine
  • Special Handling Package
  • Wide-oval whitewall tires
  • Low-restriction dual exhaust system
  • Power front disc brakes
  • GT badging and medallions

Optional Equipment Highlights 

1967 Cougar features options brochure copy

The Cougar could be outfitted with a long list of factory options that added comfort, style, and functionality:

  • Air Conditioning – $355.95
  • Comfort-Weave Vinyl Interior – $33.05
  • Courtesy Light Group – $16.85
  • Deck Lid Luggage Carrier – $32.45
  • Door Edge Guards – $4.40
  • Electric Clock – $15.76
  • Front Bench Seat w/ Center Armrest – $24.42
  • Heavy-Duty Battery – $7.44
  • Oxford Vinyl Roof – $84.25
  • Power Brakes – $42.29
  • Power Disc Brakes – $84.25
  • Power Steering – $95.00
  • AM Radio – $60.05
  • AM Radio w/ Stereo-Sonic Tape System – $188.50
  • AM/FM Radio – $133.65
  • Rear Bumper Guards – $12.95
  • Shoulder Belts – $27.06
  • Speed Control (Cruise Control) – $71.30
  • Sports Console – $57.00
  • Styled Steel Wheels – $115.15
  • Tilt Steering Wheel – $60.05
  • Tinted Glass (All) – $30.25
  • Tinted Windshield Only – $21.09
  • Two-Tone Paint – $27.06
  • Visual Check Panel – $39.50
  • Deluxe Wheel Covers – $18.79
  • Wire Wheel Covers – $69.51

1967 Mercury Cougar brochure options copy

1967 Mercury Cougar - Motor Trend Car of the Year

The 1967 Mercury Cougar was far more than just Mercury’s version of the Mustang—it was a bold and successful attempt to redefine the pony car segment with sophistication, style, and performance. By bridging the gap between raw muscle and refined luxury, the Cougar appealed to a more mature audience seeking both excitement and comfort. With its award-winning design, exclusive V8 lineup, and impressive list of available options, the first-generation Cougar made an immediate and lasting impact.

1967 Mercury Cougar ad copy

Its success, both on the sales floor and the racetrack, cemented its legacy as one of the most distinctive and innovative vehicles of the late 1960s. Today, the '67 Cougar stands as a testament to Mercury’s ability to blend performance and elegance into a truly iconic American car.

Final Thoughts

The 1967 Mercury Cougar offered a well-rounded blend of performance, style, and personalization. From the base V8 models to the high-output GT packages, buyers had plenty of choices to configure a car that fit their driving desires. With options rivaling its Ford Mustang sibling, the Cougar made a strong impression as a refined yet capable performer in the growing muscle car market.

Classic Industries - Plenty of Parts for Mercury's Refined and Racy Pony Car - the Mercury Cougar

1967 Mercury Cougar Ford Heritage Vault

Above: 1967 Mercury Cougar (photo courtesy of Ford Heritage Vault)

You'll find a Cougar pony paddock full of parts for the Mercury Cougar manufactured (1967-1997) at Classic Industries. In fact, check out all that CI has to offer for the stylish Mercury Cougar. More Mercury Cougars are needed on the roads, at the car shows, and on the vintage racetracks around the globe! Components from Classic Industries can greatly help you in getting your Mercury Cougar restored or restomodded and released back into the wild!

1967_mercury_cougar_rear Ford Heritage Vault copy

Above: 1967 Mercury Cougar (photo courtesy of Ford Heritage Vault) - Other images and Mercury Cougar brochures are courtesy of Over-Drive Magazine, as well as extensive technical and product marketing information.

 


 

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