I grew up hearing amazing stories about the Mercury Cougar. As you may recall, my dad has always wanted a Cougar, even just a base model. He eventually found one that he likes, so hopefully he doesn’t see this Cougar Eliminator and decide he needs another! This example is believed to be highly original, although the paint has been touched up and a few pieces have gone missing over the past 46 years. The seller has gotten it running and driving, with a new exhaust system, and it’s listed here on eBay in Wylie, Texas with a BIN of $18,500 and the option to make an offer.
$18,500 is a bit rich for my blood, but this Eliminator is a special car. It was special ordered by the first owner in Competition Orange paint, with the 351 4V engine, FMX transmission and the Rally Wheel covers. The handling package, 3.25 rear end and F70x14 tires were standard with the 351 Eliminator, but are nice features to have and sure made it a great car! There were just 2,267 Eliminators built in ’70, but it’s believed that only 3 of those came with the Rally Wheel covers and this could be the only one of those painted Competition Orange. I love the looks of this car, especially with those hide away headlights!
This car’s history is a bit interesting. It was kept and cared for by the original owner until about 5 years ago. The next owner pulled the exhaust off, removed the headliner, carpets, then parked it and left it. It’s too bad they decided to pull it apart, it would likely be a much nicer survivor if they had continued to maintain it instead. I’m going to guess they were planning on restoring it, but lost interest or ran out of funds. It’s also a bummer that the parts they removed aren’t still with it, but they may have been past the point of saving. At least the new exhaust looks and sounds great!
While it’s a well optioned car, most
Eliminators were, and looks to be in solid shape I think the current
asking is a tad high. Thankfully the seller is willing to hear offers,
so perhaps they will accept an offer closer to $15k. If you make them an
offer, be sure to let us know! So do any of you have good stories or
memories of the Eliminator to share? If so, we would love to hear them!
Source: barnfinds.com
