In a recent Pick of the Day, we wrote about how Ford had a unique quirk that may have compromised its performance reputation. That’s not to say Mercury didn’t have that issue because it most certainly did. In the case of our latest Pick of the Day, it seems to have followed a similar path, though the model’s evolution tempered the possible compromise in reputation. This 1971 Mercury Cougar GT hardtop is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Huntsville, Alabama.
The Ford in question was a 1969 Mustang Mach I, which looked the part but came standard with a 351-2V. This was part of a tradition introduced in 1967 after Ford downgraded the Fairlane GT’s standard engine from a 390-4V to a 289-2V. However, when it comes to the 1967-68 Cougars, the Cougar GT always came standard with a 390-4V.
The GT package wouldn’t return until 1971, though Cougars (if not the world) had evolved. High-performance cars were persona non grata according to the insurance industry, so performance was deemphasized on many cars. On the Cougar’s end, it was moving towards the personal luxury segment and had dropped much of what made it unique from the Mustang and other pony cars. For the first time ever, the headlights were exposed, with the horizontal grille divided by an upright center grille that imparted a more prestigious look. The taillights lost their full-width design, though the nifty sequential operation remained. The Cougar was longer and wider than before, though despite appearances, it didn’t really weigh much more.
Models remained the same: standard Cougar and Cougar XR-7. The Eliminator package was eliminated, now replaced by the return of the GT package. Only available on the standard Cougar hardtop, it triggered the inclusion of dual racing mirrors, competition suspension package, wide-sidewall tires, trim rings, tachometer, “unique” instrument panel treatment, higher axle ratio, performance cooling package, and color-keyed hood scoop. That scoop could be made functional with the new-for-1971 429 Cobra Jet with Ram Air, but the standard engine for the GT was the same standard engine for all Cougars: the 351-2V. Downgrade! You could also opt for the 285-horsepower 351-4V or 370-horse 429 Cobra Jet. Unlike the Mustang, the Cougar did not have the Drag Pak.
Mercury built only 787 Cougar GTs for 1971, and considering this generation of the Cougar took a bit longer to find love, it makes sense how difficult it can be to stumble upon a GT. This Bright Red 1971 Mercury Cougar GT hardtop is equipped with the optional “M-code” 351-4V, so it actually can uphold the GT name. “Power is delivered through an automatic transmission, providing the smooth, effortless driving experience expected from a premium American coupe of the era,” says the seller. “The combination of rarity, documented two-owner history, numbers-matching components, excellent condition, and desirable GT equipment makes this Cougar a particularly compelling collector car.” Features include black canopy-style vinyl roof, five-slot styled steel wheels, Décor group interior with Comfortweave vinyl, AM/8-track stereo, full-length console, remote driver-side mirror, and clock.
Four-hundred and seven GTs had the 351-4V, so clearly buyers were interested in performance and not just looking sporty. For $28,599, you can have an unusual car that sat at the crossroads of personal luxury and performance.
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