The 1978 Mercury Cougar marked a pivotal point in the model’s history. Deviating from its coupe-only predecessors, the fourth generation expanded to include sedans and station wagons, broadening its appeal to a wider audience.
The XR-7 trim received a significant upgrade with the Midnight/Chamois Décor package, featuring a distinctive grille, rectangular headlights, and a Continental-style rear deck that lent the car a premium appearance.
Under the hood, a standard 5.0-liter engine provided adequate power, but performance-oriented buyers could opt for either the more robust 5.8-liter or the top-of-the-line 6.6-liter V8. However, a growing emphasis on fuel economy led Mercury to discontinue the larger engines in subsequent model years, a decision that had a substantial negative impact on sales.
Despite this setback, the 1978 model remains the most successful of the fourth-generation Cougars, with the XR-7 variant proving particularly popular. This underscores the enduring appeal of the model, even as it faced challenges in adapting to changing market conditions. A Craigslist ad has surfaced claiming a pristine 1978 Mercury Cougar XR-7, untouched by rust and restoration.
The seller paints a picture of an original car equipped with a potent 351 cubic inch V8 mated to a smooth-shifting C6 automatic transmission. The car’s exterior, while showing signs of age with faded paint, allegedly remains in its original state. Intriguingly, the owner boldly asserts that every component, down to the vintage 8-track player, functions perfectly.
However, a conspicuous absence of engine details raises questions about its history and current health. Considering the car’s age and less-than-stellar desirability in the collector car market, the asking price is likely to be reasonable.
To sweeten the deal, the seller is open to trading the Cougar for a suitable four-wheel-drive vehicle. While the ad presents an alluring proposition for classic car aficionados, a prudent buyer would prioritize a comprehensive in-person inspection to verify the car’s condition and value.
