The Vintage Mercury-Lincoln Cougar - A Nascar Legend
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Vehicles -> subcategory Trucks-SUVS.
The Vintage Mercury-Lincoln Cougar: A NASCAR Legend
Many may view the Mercury Cougar as a mere luxurious version of the Ford Thunderbird. However, enthusiasts of Ford, Mercury, and the iconic Mustang might be surprised to learn that 35 years ago, the Cougar Pony Car was making waves on the Trans-Am circuit.
Origins and Development
The idea of a smaller, sporty vehicle had been on Lincoln-Mercury’s mind since February 1963. Inspired by the success of the Ford Mustang?"whose popularity was likened to donuts selling by the dozen?"the company decided to capitalize on the burgeoning market for compact, fast cars. The name "Cougar," like "Mustang," evokes speed and agility, fitting for a car marketed as sleek and swift.
Design and Features
Built on a 111-inch wheelbase, the Cougar was shorter than its Thunderbird counterpart. Beneath its elegant exterior, it shared much with the Mustang and the Ford Falcon. The Falcon, known as the Ford Frontenac in Canada, was instrumental in providing a cost-effective and reliable foundation for both the Mustang and Cougar projects. Even the early Mustang dashboards mirrored those of the Falcon.
The Cougar featured the same Falcon front suspension and a solid rear axle with four-leaf springs. It came standard with a 289 cubic inch V-8 engine generating 200 bhp, while an optional 390 cubic inch V-8 engine offered 320 bhp. For performance enthusiasts, the GT option included enhanced handling, power disc brakes, and special GT wheels.
Racing Legacy
Lincoln-Mercury’s chief designer envisioned the Cougar as an elegant European sports car, akin to the Jaguar Mark 2. In 1967, the Cougar entered the racing scene, with Bud Moore leading the charge for the SCCA Trans-Am Championship. The team, featuring drivers like Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Formula 1’s Peter Revson, and NASCAR's Dave Pearson, placed second behind the Ford Mustang team. In 1968, under Moore’s guidance, driver DeWayne "Tiny" Lund clinched the NASCAR Grand Touring Championship.
Market Challenges
Despite its racing acclaim, the Cougar struggled with market positioning. Lincoln-Mercury lacked focus in marketing, failing to understand and address the desires of potential customers. By 1969, the Cougar had grown larger, paving the way for the landau roofs and opera windows that defined the era. This shift marked the beginning of a decline from the Cougar’s peak years, specifically the 1967-70 models when it roared with dual exhausts and was known for its power.
In summary, while the Mercury Cougar had a promising stint on the racing scene, its struggles in market identity and changing customer preferences led to its decline. Yet, the early Cougar models remain a testament to an era when the car truly had some bite.
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