The 1969-1970 Mercury Cougar was the second-series Cougar, with a longer, wider body on the same 111.0-inch wheelbase and two new convertible offerings. Styling was similar to 1967-1968, but more ordinary, particularly the grille. XR-7s continued to feature a full set of needle gauges and leather-faced seat upholstery as standard, and wore blackout grilles for 1970.
The former GT and GTE models were reduced to option packages available with or without XR-7 trim, but continued to pack big-block V-8s.A new variation was the Eliminator package for the hardtop, sporting appropriate tape striping, a rear decklid spoiler, wide wheels and tires, and a 300-bhp version of Ford's 351 V-8.
Like concurrent Mustangs, these were the last of the true ponycar Cougars.For 1971, Ford and Mercury both bulked up their ponycars, making them heavier and less agile, though more luxurious, than their predecessors. Styling became more like that of the mid-size Montego, which the Cougar was later based on.
- Pluses of the 1969-1970 Mercury Cougar:Clean long-hood/short-deck styling
Pleasant combination of performance and economy with small-block V-8
High performance
XR-7s are Milestone cars - Minuses of the 1969-1970 Mercury Cougar:Less distinctive styling and somewhat lower appreciation potential than the 1967-1968
Some electrical headaches
Rocker panel and floorpan rust
Thirsty and nose-heavy - Production of the 1969 Mercury Cougar:2-door hardtop: 66,331
Convertible: 5,796
XR-7 2-door hardtop: 23,918
XR-7 convertible: 4,024 - Production of the 1970 Mercury Cougar:
2-door hardtop: 49,479
Convertible: 2,322
XR-7 2-door hardtop: 18,565
XR-7 convertible: 1,977
Wheelbase, inches: 111.0Length, inches: 193.8 (1969), 196.1 (1970)
Weight, pounds: 3,219-3,408
Price, new: $3,016-$3,692 (U.S.)
