Classic Cars / Mercury / Car for sale

1968 XR7-G

Sale price: $31,398.00 make an offer

Pending offers

Date: 2014-04-03

Shawn (from CA) offered usd

Date: 2014-05-31

jim smith offered 0000 usd

Car location: Snohomish, Washington, United States

Sale type: Fixed price listing

Technical specifications, photos and description:

Year:
1968
Mileage:
100,000
Engine:
390 4v
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1968 XR7-G for sale

Current customer rating: current rating for this car(2.15) based on 685 votes

For sale is this gorgeous Black Cherry over Dark Red 1968 Cougar XR7-G from the Jim Pinkerton collection.   This two-time magazine feature Cougar appeared as the cover car in Legendary Ford magazine in the May-June 2007 issue which also included a three page spread in the magazine.

More recently. this car along with a 69 Shelby was jointly featured in the March 2013 Hemmings Muscle Machines magazine as part of a Hertz feature.   These articles in two prestigious automotive magazines demonstrate the rarity of this G and validate the current condition of the nearly 22 year old restoration.

This unique Cougar is one of 619 XR7-G's produced in 1968 and is one of the first 188 XR7-G's built which were all delivered to the Hertz Corporation.   Features that distinguish the XR7-G from a standard XR7 include a distinctive center console. front fog lamps. hood pins. hood scoop. bullet drivers side rearview mirror. pipe-in-pipe exhaust with trim rings and XR7-G “C” pillar. grill and dash emblems.   Hertz G's were all identically equipped but with varying interior and exterior colors.

History

This spectacular Cougar was originally ordered by the Hertz Corporation as part of their Rent-a-Racer Sports Car Club and was in rental service at the Portland. Oregon airport for the first year of its life.

After serving the rental car market. it was sold to Colleen and Darrel Koss through Ford-Lincoln-Mercury's “Subsequent Owner Program” via Morrow Motors in Yakima. WA.   The Koss family lived in Spokane at the time but later moved to Lewiston. Idaho

This XR7-G was parked at a radio station in Lewiston where one of the owners was employed. when Mike Willett of Lewiston first spotted it.   In 1982 he was successful in persuading the owners to part with it. and he immediately began a ten year major restoration project on the car.

The restoration was finished in 1992. and the car was shown extensively in California. Oregon and Washington where it won awards at nearly every show it was entered in.  

In February of 2004. I purchased the XR7-G from Mike and became the fourth owner.

Features and Options

This potent Cougar is equipped with a recently rebuilt 390 4V engine. C6 transmission. power steering. and power disc brakes.   A host of desirable options including speed control. air conditioning. tilt/tilt-away steering wheel. console. rear window defogger. AM/FM Stereo with rear speakers. and power sunroof make this a comfortable and pleasurable car to drive.   Of course. all the XR7-G specific parts detailed above are also included on the car.  The speed control. AM/FM stereo. rear speakers and defogger were all NOS parts that were added during the restoration to make the car even more appealing to drive.

Drivetrain

As with all Hertz G's. this car was originally delivered with the “S” code 390 4V engine.   When the car was restored. the original block was retained but the correct cylinder heads were not used.   In their place. “X” code heads were used.  When I got the car I obtained a correct date coded set of H heads for it. and while I was at it. I added a slight overbore and a 428 crank. which brought the displacement up to approximately 415 cubic inches. The engine was rebuilt by FE expert Jack Tarner in Owaso. Oklahoma.   We used Harlan Sharp roller rockers. and the engine machine work specs. cam specs. and original billing all go with car.    

I also removed. but kept. the original cast iron intake S code manifold. and installed an aluminum 427 PI. short-port manifold.   I obtained the correct distributor and carburetor for the car.   At different times I've run the chrome Ford valve covers which had some slight damage and have since been sold. The original enclosed air cleaner. as well as the pent roof running cat valve covers and matching (original stamped steel base) oval running cat air cleaner go with the car as well as the two different snorkels.  

The car has the usual minor oil and power steering fluid drips. and the engine uses some oil- about a quart every 1. 00 miles or so.   The hydraulic lifters bleed down so they clatter upon initial startup after the car has been idle for a day or two.   However. these minor issues in no way affect the drivability of the car but I wanted to mention them in the interest of full disclosure.

The changes made to the already potent 390 really make it come to life.   The car is extremely fast and pulls strong with no hesitation or stumble. The dual exhaust has a nice low rumble and sounds great under acceleration.

The H code C6 transmission is believed to be original. but the partial VIN stamped on the spine of the main body of the transmission cannot be determined while the unit is in the car.   My recollection is that I verified it when I pulled the engine in 2005 for its upgrade. but apparently failed to photograph it.  The C6 was rebuilt during the restoration and functions flawlessly in all gears.

The 2. 75:1open rear axle is original to the car and functions as it should with no issues.  

The air conditioning is charged with R12 and blows cold at all blower speeds.   The condenser and evaporator are original.   The expansion valve was recently replaced.

The 3 row. 24” radiator has been re-cored and keeps the car cool under all conditions. including with the air conditioning on full blast in stop and go traffic.

 

 

The engine compartment is beautifully detailed with all the correct markings and decals.   It has been painted in gloss black rather than satin black as would be original but it looks better and is easier to clean.   This is another area which was improved to the way it should have been done by Mercury.

Exterior Paint and Trim 

This car was painted in its original Black Cherry color over 21 years ago but you would never know it from looking at it.   The base coat/clear coat paint is extremely deep and glossy with nothing but minor imperfections which are only visible upon close inspection by a trained eye.   It is a stunning color that is a real crowd pleaser.   It would be hard to find a more dramatic color to grace the lines of the first generation Cougar.  

 

 

The minor imperfections noted above are from drying. heating and shrinking as you would expect for a car that was painted over 21 years ago.   There are no dings. dents. scratches or scrapes anywhere in the paint.

 The black vinyl top adds an element of elegance to this sporty Cougar.   It was replaced during the restoration using original fabric and was installed in the original fashion.  

All emblems on the car are correct and in excellent condition.   All of the original anodized aluminum front and rear trim was chrome plated and while not correct. is absolutely stunning and the way Mercury should have done it originally.  

 

The front bumper is still very nice but has some thinning on the inside corners.   The rear bumper and the stainless trim around the windows and drip rails are in perfect condition with a deep shine and no imperfections. The wheel lip moldings were replaced with NOS during the restoration and are still in fantastic condition.

The original styled steel wheels are very nice and have newer reproduction XR7-G center caps and NOS trim rings.   The Goodyear Eagle ST raised white letter tires were installed during the restoration and still have plenty of miles left on them.

 

Interior 

The striking red interior was completely restored and the seat inserts were upholstered in very durable vinyl rather than leather.   The pattern and grain is a perfect match to the original so the difference in materials isn't noticeable.   You get the benefit of durability with the appearance of original leather.  

The power sunroof opens and closes as it should although it's a little on the slow side.   I will include a rebuilt sunroof motor in case of future problems.   The roof panel seals correctly and there are no leaks.

When Mike restored the car he added some accessories to it. all of which are period correct and were available through the dealership.   These include cruise control. AM-FM stereo with rear deck mounted speakers. rear window defogger and accessory underhood and deck lid lights.   He also painted the lower dash red rather than the correct black. and installed deluxe seat belts for a subtle bit of extra bright work in the interior.

 

 

Undercarriage

The disc brakes. front suspension. rear suspension. shocks. emergency brake and steering all function as they should with no squeaks. groans. rattles. clanks or any other unusual noises.   Parts have been replaced where needed but the undercarriage has not been fully detailed for concours shows.   It has always competed as a driver and is very well suited for that.

 

 

General Information

Overall. this is a very striking color combination that is rarely seen. particularly on an XR7-G.   This is a car you can hop in and drive anywhere in the United States with no worries.   It has participated in CCOA National Show as well as local shows all over the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada almost always winning an award.   It's absolutely beautiful but since the undercarriage isn't detailed the car is a perfect candidate to be driven to shows and it doesn't need to be relegated to a trailer.

Everything works as it should except where noted in the text of this auction.   This is a no surprises. no excuses car that will make the buyer very proud to own.   The reserve is fair and certainly far less than it would take to acquire a Hertz G and treat it to a high quality restoration such as this one has received.

A $1. 00 deposit is required within 24 hours from the winning bidder. The deposit may be paid using Paypal. cash (in person) or via a bank wire transfer.   Full payment prior to delivery to be made by bank wire transfer or certified check.   Payments by check will be held for two weeks or until cleared by the bank prior to releasing the car or the title to the winning bidder.

Bidding on this vehicle through EBAY is a legally binding contract so if you place a bid. please be prepared to complete the transaction.   Zero feedback bidders must contact me for authorization prior to bidding. Any zero feedback bidders who do not contact me before bidding will have their bid cancelled.

Delivery in my personal enclosed trailer may be available within a reasonable distance from Seattle for a fee to be negotiated between the winning bidder and I.

An original unrestored set of five Rader wheels may be available to the buyer for an additional sum to be determined by the buyer and seller of the wheels.   These are extremely hard to find but are the crowning touch for any XR7-G.   If interested in the wheels. I will provide the buyer with the wheel owners contact information.

Please contact me. Jim Pinkerton. at three six zero-668-zero2four3 for any additional information or to schedule a viewing prior to auction end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also published at eBay.com

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Comments and questions to the seller:

from Al, dated 14 july 2021
Hi,
Is thus Car still for sale?
Please give me a Answer.

Thank you.

from Kura, dated 20 february 2015
what is the status on this car? I am guessing it is not for sale, and it is appearing on this site just to draw traffic, but if it is, send me a note,

Thank you

from Jeff, dated 13 august 2013
Is this car still for sale?

from stephenpalner, dated 07 august 2013
Jim:

The Vin of the Burgandy "G" is 8F93J577013

Steve Palmer 240-988-8706

from stephenpalner, dated 07 august 2013
Jim:

My name is Stephen Palmer and I own 2 "G" cars.
I am a member of Del Marva and PA/NJ Cougar Clubs.

the reason I am writi9ng is because one if the "G" cars was purchased from Lin Thurston, formerly with West Coast Classic Cougar and I believe that it was previously owned by Mike and Tina Willet, the same person who restored your "G"

My "G" has striking similarities to your car. The engine compartment was detailed in gloss black, black cherry with sunroof, swing away, speed control (operational), rear window defogger, head rests, shoulder belts, remote trunk release, AC, oval air cleaner, correct hood pins and cables, luggage rack and cougar stamped tow hitch. It is a "J" code car though.

Do you have any information about this car?

Unfortunately I am at work and do not have the Vin.

I believe that I sent you both of the vins a couple years back. Not sure. The other "G" is gold with a sunroof, "J" code also that I bought from Malcolm G Lane in the late 80s. The car was in Sterling Virginia.

Please write back and I will give you the Vins, for both cars so that they can be added to the registry.

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