1997 Mercury Cougar
Vehicle Specifications
- VIN1MELM62W6VH628206
- Classic Car ID102823813
- Stock NumberJER9720
- CategoryAmerican Classics
- Body StyleCoupe
- New/UsedUsed
- Mileage40,797 miles
- Engine8 Cylinder
- Transmission4-Speed Automatic
- Exterior ColorCrystal White Tri Coat
- Interior ColorLight Prairie Tan
Classic Car Overview
40,797 Miles 4.6L V8 Crystal White Tri-Coat Original Window Sticker
This 1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 is a beautifully preserved 30th Anniversary example showing just 40,797 miles. Finished in striking Crystal White Tri-Coat Metallic over Light Prairie Tan leather, it combines V8 power, rear-wheel drive, distinctive anniversary equipment, and unusually complete documentation.
The current owner purchased the Cougar from its original owner approximately six years ago, when it had only about 15,000 miles. Since then, it has been driven and enjoyed while remaining remarkably original and well cared for.
Best of all, the original window sticker remains with the car, documenting its colors, equipment, original selling dealer, and $21,930 MSRP.
4.6L V8 & Rear-Wheel Drive
Under the hood is Fords 4.6-liter overhead-cam V8, paired with a 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission and rear-wheel drive.
The engine compartment remains impressively original, retaining the factory-style hoses, clamps, hardware, and overall presentation.
Powertrain Highlights:
- 4.6L overhead-cam V8
- Electronic fuel injection
- 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Independent rear suspension
- 4-wheel disc brakes
- Anti-lock braking system
- Power rack-and-pinion steering
The Cougar is described as a particularly smooth and enjoyable driver, combining traditional V8 rear-wheel-drive character with the more refined independent suspension of Mercurys MN12 platform.
30th Anniversary XR7
The Cougar celebrated its 30th anniversary for 1997, and this XR7 carries the special anniversary equipment that distinguishes it from a standard example.
The original window sticker documents the 30th Anniversary Feature, along with embossed leather and other equipment. The cars Crystal White Tri-Coat Metallic exterior and Light Prairie Tan leather create an especially attractive combination.
A hand-painted pinstripe adds another period-correct touch, complete with the pinstripers small signature.
Exterior Highlights:
- Crystal White Tri-Coat Metallic
- 30th Anniversary equipment
- Hand-painted pinstriping
- 16-inch lace-style alloy wheels
- Goodyear tires with approximately 10,000 miles of use
- Dual tinted power mirrors
- Tinted glass
- Rear window defroster
- Power antenna
Light Prairie Tan Leather
The Light Prairie Tan leather interior remains exceptionally clean and complements the pearl-white exterior beautifully.
The original window sticker confirms an extensive list of equipment, including 6-way power driver and passenger seats, cruise control, power windows, power locks, illuminated entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear defroster, and embroidered floor mats.
Even the original rear floor mats remain unused in their plastic, a great detail that speaks to the preservation of the car.
Interior & Convenience Features:
- Light Prairie Tan leather
- Embossed leather seating
- 6-way power drivers seat
- 6-way power passenger seat
- Power windows
- Power door locks
- Cruise control
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Air conditioning
- Illuminated entry
- AM/FM cassette stereo
- Power antenna
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Original embroidered floor mats
- Remote start added
One item to note is that the tachometer is currently not functioning.
The headliner, dashboard, seating, carpeting, and surrounding trim all present exceptionally well for a car approaching three decades of age.
Original Window Sticker & Documentation
The accompanying original Mercury window sticker provides excellent documentation for the car.
It identifies the Cougar as a 1997 XR7 2-door, equipped with the 4.6L overhead-cam EFI V8 and electronic 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission.
Factory options shown on the sticker include:
- Crystal White Tri-Coat Metallic
- Preferred Equipment Package 262A
- Cougar Group #1
- Electronic rear-window defroster
- Front floor mats
- Cougar Group #2
- Speed control
- Power locks
- Cougar Group #3
- 6-way power drivers seat
- Illuminated entry
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 6-way power passenger seat
- 30th Anniversary Feature
- California emissions system
- Anti-lock braking system
- Traction Assist
- 16-inch lace-style wheels
- Power radio antenna
The sticker shows a total MSRP of $21,930 after the original package savings.
It also documents the original selling dealer as Bright Bay Lincoln-Mercury in Bay Shore, New York, making this a longtime local car.
Exceptionally Original Presentation
Originality is one of this Cougars strongest attributes.
The engine compartment remains largely untouched in appearance, the interior is beautifully preserved, the original documentation remains with the vehicle, and even the spare tire is reported to have never been removed from its original location.
Factory markings and chalk marks remain visible in the trunk area, adding another interesting detail for enthusiasts who appreciate well-preserved original cars.
Additional Highlights:
- 40,797 miles
- Purchased from the original owner
- Approximately six years with current owner
- Original window sticker
- Original rear floor mats still in plastic
- Original spare reportedly never removed
- Factory markings still visible
- Extra factory equipment documented on window sticker
- Clean, highly original engine compartment
- Added remote start
- Tachometer currently inoperative
The Cougar XR7 occupies an interesting place in Mercury history. By 1997, the model had evolved into a comfortable V8-powered personal luxury coupe while retaining the traditional combination of two-door styling, V8 power, and rear-wheel drive.
This example stands out through its low mileage, two-owner history, 30th Anniversary equipment, attractive Crystal White Tri-Coat and Prairie Tan combination, remarkable originality, and surviving factory documentation.
With just 40,797 miles, its 4.6L V8, automatic overdrive, 30th Anniversary package, leather interior, ABS, Traction Assist, power equipment, 16-inch alloys, original window sticker, unused rear floor mats, and highly preserved condition, this 1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 is a particularly appealing survivor from the final year of this generation.
For Sale By Owner Located In Medford, NY 11763
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