Mercury is another great American automotive name that has fallen by the wayside. Founded by Edsel Ford in 1938, it was intended to sit between the Ford and Lincoln brands. By 2011, the brand was defunct, but there's no need to shed tears because along the way, Mercury gave us some greats. One of those was the Cougar. It straddled the lines of a pony car and a personal luxury car. And that's why, if you're a Cougar or Mercury fan, this first-generation 1968 Mercury Cougar will be of particular interest. The car has done a tad over 100,000 miles, highlighting the fact that it's meant to be driven. However, these cars are sturdy and reliable, so you need not be apprehensive at its six-figure mileage. The current owner reports that it's received new tires and an oil change, too, further easing any concerns you may have. Let us tell you more about this piece of Sixties history.

Exterior and Interior

This 1968 Mercury Cougar is painted in a pleasant shade of red that's not retina-searing bright, nor is it muted. Then, you'll notice the contrasting black vinyl roof. This was a Sixties signature, where automakers tried to mimic a convertible's looks by wrapping their hardtops in black vinyl or, sometimes, painting them black. Despite first appearances, this car is a hardtop, and offers superb weather protection as a result. It also has a nice set of alloy wheels. Finally, you'll note that its lights and badging all appear in good condition. See, that's why we said not to worry about mileage. This car has been cared for. The same can be said for the tan interior of this 1968 Mercury Cougar, with its black upholstered seating for up to four adults. Yes, it's a 100,000-mile interior, and you can see some signs of it, but it still looks good. You'll find a two-spoke steering wheel, low-back seats, and a T-bar gear shifter. We also spy a Sony AM/FM radio head unit with a CD player that's definitely a late Nineties or early Two Thousand-era upgrade. We're also informed that the car has air conditioning to keep you cool on hot days. As for the trunk, it could use a new liner but appears in good condition otherwise. And yes, it's spacious. Touring with luggage won't be a case of compromise if you choose to do it in this 1968 Mercury Cougar.

Engine

The 289ci V8 that powers this 1968 Mercury Cougar isn't the largest engine that was offered for first-gen Cougars, but it's still plenty powerful. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 3-speed automatic gearbox. There's an independent front suspension system with coil springs, and leaf springs at the rear. Braking is addressed by front discs and rear drums. All this makes for a great classic car driving experience.