1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Original "Q" Code 428 Cobra Jet, #'s Matching

 This is a factory original 428 Cobra Jet Cougar with a C6 automatic transmission and XR7 trim package. This has the original matching numbers drive-train and all the original body panels. There has never has been any rust on the car and it's never been in a wreck. There were only 140 1969 XR7 Cougars equipped with the 428 CJ and C6 transmission and of those. only 8 came with this color and trim code. The Elite Marti Report is included and confirms this is a one of one built car. All documentation is present in abundance including dash VIN. Door data plate. buck tag. confidential fender apron stamping and two build sheets found under the rear carpet. Partial VIN numbers are stamped on to the left rear of the block and on the C6.  I acquired this California car in 2005 and I am the third registered owner. I was able to trace the history back to the second owner who bought the car in 1971. This Cougar spent its entire life in California and Nevada before I purchased it and brought it home to Florida.
The vehicle came equipped with the following options; 428 CJ. C6 auto trans. power steering. power front disc brakes. traction-loc (31 spline) 3:00 ratio 9" rear end. Air Conditioning. leather seats. console. AM/8 Track Stereo Radio and tinted glass. While the AM/8 Track is not installed in the car. it is included along with the original distributor. XR7 hubcaps and Cobra Jet finned aluminum valve covers.
For the faint of heart let me immediately tell you the smog system. intake manifold and Holley were long gone when I took possession. Although the engine and transmission had been rebuilt before I purchased the car. I did not start the restoration until 2012 and completed it just last year. While the car has been driven just over 100 miles. it appears the engine's oil rings are not seating as it still has exhaust blow-by. It is getting better with more miles. however. I believe the engine may need to be taken out and gone through. I'm also hearing a slight lifter tick after it comes up to operating temperature. There are no other issues with the engine and it never runs hot. All that being said. the 428 runs like a bat out of hell and lights up the 11" wide tires all the way through first gear. Idle is smooth and there is no hesitation or bogs all through the RPM range. The transmission is fine and shifts perfectly in all forward gears and reverse; new torque converter installed. The 9" rear is original to the car as well. I replaced the pinion seal. carrier bearings. axle bearings and seals while leaving the original 3:00 ring and pinion as they showed no wear (mandatory ratio due to A/C option). The exhaust is new from WCCC and made to original specifications (the original exhaust was still on the car when I bought it but it could not be saved). however. there is a persistent leak on the passenger side where the H pipe connects to the manifold.  The A/C has never been hooked up but is complete. including all brackets. the idler pulley and original compressor and hoses.  Upper and lower dash were removed and cowl insulation was replaced. A/C-Heater box was removed and a new evaporator core and heater core were installed along with a seal kit.  The car has never been in a wreck or had any rust and all body panels including doors. hood and deck lid. floors. trunk. etc. are original to the car (the battery tray is even original!). The original paint was too far gone so the body was stripped to bare metal and painted in its original (Dark Ivy Green Metallic) color. code "C" in PPG base coat/clear coat. This was performed correctly with everything stripped from the car (except chassis) and the valances. hood. fenders and fender and quarter caps all assembled after paint. Front bumper is NOS while the rear is driver quality. AMK and factory correct fasteners were used during assembly. Magnum 500 rims. caps and B. F. Goodrich tires as new from last year and have about 100 miles on them.
The interior has new leather seats. new carpet and everything else was replaced or refurbished. including the Rim-Blow steering wheel. The headliner was replaced but in black with the correct dark green color not available at that time.  
As can be seen in the pictures. I did not restore the underside of the car. Rust shown in the pictures is surface rust only. all metal is very solid with no rust through anywhere. The odometer reads about 64. 00 miles and while I cannot guarantee its actual. it just may be. The car has the original suspension components including upper and lower control arms with the original ball joints. The tie-rod ends are original as is almost all of the other steering components. All are still in good shape and I did not replace them. the original exhaust system was still on the car in 2005 along with the voltage regulator starter solenoid and battery cables. The air cleaner assembly on the car now is original to the car. I installed a new control valve and P/S lines. I replaced sway bar bushings. rear shackle bushings and shock as well. I replaced  calipers. rotors. shoes. brake cylinders. master cylinder and vacuum booster. New radiator. hoses. clamps. etc. New Holly 600 CFM. fuel tank. fuel pump; everything under the hood is new as well including water pump. starter. starter relay. battery cables. etc. Great detail was made to replicate the factory look and attention to detail is everywhere.  
It is recommended and strongly urged that any interested parties come and inspect this vehicle. Vehicle is stored in a climate controlled facility and can be inspected at any time with prior appointment; a lift is available to inspect the underside as well. Facility is closed on weekends but I can make the car available for inspection with prior arrangements. however. I will not have access to the lift on Saturday. nbsp;Sunday or holidays.
Email me with questions if you are a serious. capable buyer and I will answer all of your questions about this cor. including its history from 1971 to present. More pictures are available upon request.  
A $3. 00. 00 deposit is required when vehicle is purchased . Balance is due within 5 business days. Buyer is offered the ability to inspect the vehicle before balance due date if they have not already done so. If not satisfied with the vehicle. $2. 00 of the deposit will be refunded without question.   
 

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