17th Jun 2018, 13:20

If I were a Ford/Mercury collector on a budget, my first pick would be a first gen Cougar. They are still out there and can be picked up reasonably with time and diligence. It still has nice looks and drives well. They didn’t have the appreciation that a Mustang has. You can drive it often and over distance, with a reliable drive anywhere drivetrain. They usually were not stripped and had power steering, brakes, 12V, and a small block that runs well on modern gas. I am not referring to the XR7 or the Eliminator at higher cost. Or later ones. My mom had one from 67 new to mid 70s and I drove it at times. A bit spirited in high school, but it still held up very well. These were luxury cars in their own way. A Mustang from that era will cost more and be worth more.

This car was often sadly overlooked. Also an insurance beater. Some had the rare 4 speed. I see a 68 quite a bit at cruise nights and area shows. Nothing done to it and the typical surface rust of this era if not garaged. It even won a trophy at an area show for most original. I sat next to him in a couple of shows over the years. A guy with kids and high overhead, but he appreciates his car as much as myself. I went with my mother when she purchased her 67 new. In my opinion this car would be a nice all around car to enjoy. Take it to cruise nights and simple mechanically. Likely led a better life as well.