1970 Mercury Cougar Base Model 3-Speed Manual RUST FREE VERY CLEAN!!!

Make:	Mercury
Model:	Cougar
Type:	Coupe
Year:	1970
Mileage:	96,000
VIN:	0F91HXXXXXX
Color:	Blue
Engine:	351-2v
Cylinders:	8
Transmission:	Manual
Interior color:	Blue
Vehicle Title:	Clear
Item location:	Buffalo, New York, United States

1970 Mercury Cougar Additional Info:

This is a 1970 Mercury Cougar project car. You are probably not going to find a better one. I am not going to go deep in the description because the pictures speak for themselves. If you want a closer picture or a certain area or just have a question, all you need to do is ask.
This was purchased from the original family who owned it from the northwest. It sold new in Inglewood California and stayed there until the owner passed away in the mid 80's. It then went to another family member in Washington which was where I bought it from. The car was supposed to go through a repaint some time after that stalled in the process due to the lack of time or money which resulted in the grey primer. Other than that the body was never worked on (as I was told). You can see the factory paint showing through in many spots.
I have discovered that the 351C engine is NOT numbers matching. Has early 1971 production heads and a mid 71' intake. Not sure about the date on the block. However the engine is in excellent running condition and doesn't blow any smoke. I recently did a compression check and the lowest cylinder was #6 at 135 psi, the highest was cylinder #8 at 170 psi. The rest were in between. I believe the 3 speed trans (shifts great) and 9 inch to be original. The odometer is show 96k miles which I believe to be original to the car. (Not the engine obviously)
The interior needs attention but the dash pad (not reproduced) and door panels (not reproduced) are in excellent condtion. Headliner and seats are ripped up but easily fixable. Carpet is ok for its age but count on replacing it.
As for the body you can't really ask for a better starting point than this. There was rust in the battery tray area due to battery leakage but was professionally fixed along with one rust spot on top of the driver side fender apron. There is one small trouble spot directly behind the passenger rear tire (see picture). Other than that just look at the pictures.
I have the build sheet, Marti Report, engine tag, rear end tag, buck tag (pictured).
Also have the original hub caps.
The Wilwood disc brake conversion kit (pictured, new, never installed) is included with the sale. Use it, sell it, do whatever you want with it.
It is still wearing the original single exhaust! The tailpipe if falling off but it is there.
The starter was replaced recently.
The driver side window was busted at some point in time.
Notice the California Emission duct work still intact in the trunk.
Hideaway headlights DO work but only when engine is running. Taillights light up but don't sequence.
Car can be started and driven onto a trailer but is NOT road worthy. One of the front brakes don't work, anti-freeze mists from the radiator while running, loose upper ball joint (driver side).
Reason for selling: I don't want to sell and don't have to but space is getting tight, could use some room. Other projects are sitting around. Sold as it condition.