Two-Owner 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7G

Description

The 1968 Cougar XR-7G was Mercury’s answer to the Shelby Mustang—an upscale, performance-oriented variant of the XR7 named for road-racing legend Dan Gurney, though he only licensed his name. Ford delegated final assembly to Shelby Automotive (A.O. Smith) after Shelby American lost its LAX lease. Priced at $666.95 above the XR7, it featured a fiberglass hood scoop, fog lamps, racing mirror, unique interior, and a performance exhaust system. Reportedly, just 619 were built—188 for Hertz’s “Rent-a-Racer”—making the XR-7G extremely rare. Discontinued after ’68, it remains a cult classic among Ford/Mercury enthusiasts. 

Purchased by the seller in 1995 from the original owner, this 1968 XR-7G was reportedly restored in 2019 by the Cougar specialists at KLR Restorations in Danville, Virginia, and features factory-correct Black Cherry paint with a Ivory vinyl top and Parchment upholstery. The seller states that the factory 325-horsepower 390ci V8 and C-6 automatic transmission remain equipped, and very few miles have been added since the restoration.

This desirable 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7G is now offered with a Marti Report, photos of the 2019 restoration, the factory owner’s manual, and a clean North Dakota title in the seller’s name.

Highlights 

• Rare one-year-only 1968 XR-7G model, approximately 619 built

• Purchased from the original owner in 1995

• Cosmetic and mechanical restoration completed by Cougar-specialists KLR Restorations

• Marti Report included

Factory Equipment 

• 390ci V8 Marauder GT engine 

• C-6 three-speed automatic transmission 

• Power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes 

• Heavy-duty suspension 

• Power steering 

• Simulated walnut-grain dash with competition gauges  

• Unique XR-7G badges (C-pillars, dash, grille, wheels) 

• Concealed headlamps, sequential taillights 

• Fiberglass hood scoop and securing pins  

• Bullet-style racing mirror 

• Leather-wrapped wheel 

• Front seat headrests

• GT-style dual exhaust system

• Lucas fog lights  

• Ivory Vinyl roof 

• Data Plate Information: Serial Number 8F93S576271 

  • 8: 1968 

  • F: Built at Dearborn 

  • 93: Cougar XR-7 2-Door Hardtop 

  • S: 390-4V V-8 Engine 

  • 576271: Scheduled for production at Dearborn 

  • 65B: Cougar XR-7 2-Door Hardtop 

  • B: Black Cherry Paint, Ford #3059-A 

  • 6U: Parchment Leather Bucket Seats 

  • 13F: Scheduled for build June 13, 1968 

  • 11: Boston DSO (District Sales Office) 

  • G: 3.25 Limited Slip Rear Axle 

  • U: C-6 Select Shift Automatic Transmission 

Modifications 

• 2019 cosmetic and mechanical restoration completed by KLR Restorations in Danville, Virginia (see in-process photos in gallery)

Servicing & Documentation  

• May 2025: Most recent service 

  • Changed engine oil and filter 

  • Changed spark plugs and ignition wires 

• May 2020: Installed 205/70R14 General Altimax RT43 tires

• 2019: Comprehensive mechanical restoration by KTL Restorations 

Known Imperfections  

• Missing the cruise control lever on the steering column 

• The seller states the brake pedal is soft

•  Fog lights inoperable

Ownership History 

This 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7G was purchased by the seller in 1995 in Minot, North Dakota, from the original owner—a retired Air Force veteran who intended to restore the vehicle but never found the time. The original owner, Sgt. Griffin, bought the car new from Freeman Motor in Presque Isle, Maine, on August 20, 1968, and relocated to Minot Air Force Base shortly thereafter. In 2019, the vehicle was sent to the, Cougar specialists at KTL Restorations for a comprehensive restoration and has been driven sparingly since. 

 Included Items 

• Marti Report (see "Additional documents" section below) 

• Factory owner’s manual 

• One ignition and trunk key 

• NOS key blanks 

• NOS fog light covers 

• Two spare NOS wheel trim rings 

• Mercury Cougar car model and poster

Additional Information

From the seller, “This vehicle has received a lot of time and energy over the decades and is a never-ending source of stories and time with friends. Its beautiful styling makes this vehicle as much a piece of art as it is a rare relic of America's legendary muscle car past.”