RARE RARE ***4 SPEED*** *** Documented 1 OF 1****– Marti Report Verified!! RARE

1968 Mercury Cougar Additional Info:

1968 Mercury Cougar XR7 – J Code 302 / 4-Speed*********Documented 1 of 1 – Marti Report Verified**********Cardinal Red • 4 SPEED • Black Leather • Tilt-Away • A/C • HD Suspension

Ford and Mercury collectors — this is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

This 1968 Mercury Cougar XR7 is an ultra-rare J-Code 302 4V / 4-Speed manual car, finished in highly desirable Cardinal Red with Black Leather interior. While that alone makes it special, what elevates this car into another league is its factory option combination, verified by the included Marti Report as a documented 1 of 1 production example.

• J-Code 302 High-Performance 4V (10:1 compression)
  

• 4-Speed Manual Transmission
  

• XR7 Package
  

• Factory Air Conditioning
  

• Black Leather Interior
  

• Tilt-Away Steering Column
  

• Heavy-Duty Competition Suspension (stand-alone option)
  

• Manual Steering
  

The Heavy-Duty Suspension option is particularly significant, as it typically appeared within performance packages such as GT-E or Cobra Jet cars. Ordered as a stand-alone option on this XR7, it makes this car uniquely configured and officially documented as the only one built this way in 1968.

This is a two registered owner California car originally special-ordered from Lynch Mercury in Santa Monica, CA, where the original owner resided.

The original buyer was a Trans-Am racing enthusiast who wanted performance without the weight of a big block. He chose the high-revving 302 4V backed by a 4-speed, combined with manual steering and heavy-duty suspension for a true driver’s experience. At the same time, he retained the luxury of the XR7 package, adding A/C, leather, and tilt-away column. He knowingly built something special. But likely never imagined it would be a documented 1 of 1.

In 1995, the car was purchased by a young Mercury enthusiast who recognized its rarity. He owned and enjoyed the car for over 30 years, daily driving it for many of those years before retiring it to occasional use around 2005.

I own a restoration shop and am a long-time friend of the second owner. When he decided he was no longer prepared to restore the car properly, I acquired it with the intention of either restoring it myself or placing it with the right collector. After receiving the Marti Report confirming its 1-of-1 status, its significance became even more apparent. However, with multiple projects underway, I’ve come to terms that it may be years before this car gets its turn.

The vehicle retains its original black and yellow CA license plates, and comes with the original owners manual, warranty pamphlet, original metal key code tags, most all original registration cards including its first one issued in 1968, and more general maintenance records not photographed

• Runs strong
  

• Drives and shifts well
  

• Original 4-speed transmission and shifter remain in place
  

• Suspension has typical creaks
  

• Some steering play
  

• Cold-start smoke (likely valve seals)

• Headlight doors converted to electric power (from unreliable vacuum)

• Sequential tail lights converted to solid state for reliability
  

The original born-with J-Code engine was removed years ago due to wear and replaced with a correct-date J-Code 302 that runs very strong.

The original engine block is available and negotiable with the sale, along with:

• Original intake manifold
  

• Original air cleaner
  

• Other factory take-off components
  

If purchased at Buy It Now, the original engine and parts will be included. Otherwise, we can discuss terms.

The car retains its patina Cardinal Red paint and sits on vintage American Racing Daisy wheels, giving it an authentic period-correct look.

Structurally:

• Floors: Solid
  

• Trunk: Solid
  

• Rockers: Solid
  

• Cowl: Solid
  

Rust areas:

• In front of both rear wheels
  

• Lower forward door corners
  

• Beginning in rear window corners
  

• Front edge of hood
  

• Rear edge of trunk lid
  

Includes a spare original solid trunk lid. Hood replacement is recommended for restoration.

At some point decades ago, the car sustained a minor left-front fender incident, resulting in:

• Replacement used hood
  

• Replacement left fender
  

• Minor hammer/dolly work on left apron
  

This event caused a salvage notation on the title. The car remains extremely solid and straight overall.

• Dash pad: Excellent, no cracks
  

• Woodgrain XR7 dash: Very nice
  

• Headliner: Mint
  

• Original carpet: Excellent, minor fading
  

• Gauges, lights, switches: Functional
  

Seat upholstery needs attention:

• Driver seat taped
  

• Top of rear seat worn
  

The original tilt-away column was removed years ago due to functionality issues and replaced with a standard column. A replacement tilt-away column has been sourced and can be included for an additional $1,000 if desired.

This is not just another classic Cougar.

It is a documented 1-of-1, California-born, 4-speed J-Code XR7 with rare standalone HD suspension, factory A/C, leather, and tilt-away column — a unicorn specification.

It can be:

• Preserved and enjoyed as-is
  

• Fully restored to concours level
  

Opportunities to own documented 1-of-1 factory cars are exceedingly rare.

I am happy to assist with shipping arrangements through my logistics contacts, but final responsibility lies with the buyer.

Please call or message with serious inquiries. The vehicle is located Near LAX