1969 Mercury Cougar convertible, all stock collectible, 351 W 4 bbl automatic AC

1969 Mercury Cougar base model (not XR7) Additional Info:

This gorgeous cat has led a pampered, sheltered life with only 77,800 original miles, always stored indoors and as close to original as they come. Absolutely no rust or body damage anywhere. Straight, solid body with all panels and gaps in proper alignment. No indication that there has ever been an accident. Floor pans are solid and original with factory undercoating. Lime frost green paint with ivy gold interior and matching top boot. I bought the car in 2012 with 74,000 miles. Previous owner purchased car in 1997 with 71,000 miles and stored it inside his Michigan warehouse. It does not appear that the car was ever driven in Winter. Expertly repainted in the factory original color over 20 years ago and still looks better than new, with correct dark green pinstripes (paint, not tape). Painstakingly hand detailed and smooth as glass, with only a handful of minor stone chips on hood. Won trophy for best convertible at Western Regional Cougar Show in 2014 with over 90 Cougars in attendance. Stunning appearance in person - the pictures don't do it justice.
White top with folding rear glass has been replaced with no signs of wear. Goes up and down perfectly and fits well. Interior is completely original except front bucket seats and headrests have been recovered in factory correct vinyl. No rips or tears. Original dash pad is supple with no cracks or ripples. Original console with padded armrest is supple with no cracks. Nice original steering wheel with working rimblow horn, no cracks. Original carpet is in very good condition with minimal wear. Original AM/FM radio and speakers. Weatherstripping and rubber moldings are all original and in very good condition for their age, not cracked or dried out. Tinted windshield and windows are all original with CarLite logos with very little chipping or scratches.
The trunk is like a time capsule, complete with the original unused spare tire, tire cover, jack, trunk mat and factory air pressure bottle. The trunk mat and tar paper underlayment are original and intact, but fragile. Correct cardboard taillight protectors inside the trunk. Rear bumper is original with very nice chrome and no dents (has one small blemish); front bumper was dull, so it was re-chromed (triple nickel plated). Front grill is perfectly straight and clean, with headlight doors opening and closing properly. Sequential turn signals operate correctly, as well as headlights, highbeams, tail lights, license plate light, side marker lights, and windshield wipers. All other stainless trim is in very good condition.
Mechanicals: 351 Windsor with original Autolite 4 barrel carburetor with metal tag, 290 hp, dual exhaust, factory AC (never removed), power steering and brakes, automatic transmission. Original air cleaner and manifold riser. Engine has never been rebuilt and still has the original water pump and radiator, although the radiator and cooling system have been recently reconditioned with all new FoMoCo radiator and heater hoses and OEM style clamps. Heater core does not leak. It has the original and rare bakelite fan shroud (complete with perquisite crack on top). Valve cover and oil pan gaskets recently replaced, with covers and pan bead blasted and painted in correct Mercury blue. Rear main seal replaced. Original underhood pad. The only aftermarket item under the hood is the electronic ignition, a huge improvement over the original breaker points. Always starts right up without smoke; idles and accelerates smooth and strong. It has never overheated on me, even when stuck in heavy traffic. Drives straight without vibration or pulling to either side upon braking. New 14” radial whitewall tires with correct optional rally wheels for 1969, red center caps with "walking cougar" emblems, and stainless beauty rings.
All evidence suggests that this car has always been carefully maintained, accident-free, and well protected from the elements. A pure joy to drive. Not working: brake lights and AC. Watch the "Cougar Buyer's Guide" videos on youtube from West Coast Classic Cougar to fully appreciate what a clean, solid example this is. Winning bidder will also receive the California Custom soft cotton cover, like new (pictured in garage).