Two-Owner 1978 Mercury Cougar XR-7

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

“Pure poetry in motion,” proclaimed Mercury’s 1978 brochure, and the Cougar XR-7 lived up to that promise. The 1978 Mercury Cougar XR-7 marked a significant evolution in Mercury’s lineup, transitioning from its original pony car roots into the personal luxury segment. As part of the fourth-generation Cougar (1977–1979), the XR-7 was the premium trim, sharing its platform with the Ford Thunderbird and Ford LTD II. It featured a distinctive design with a half vinyl roof, opera windows, and a Continental-style rear deck lid with a simulated spare tire hump — an homage to Lincoln’s luxury styling cues. 

The XR-7 came standard with a 5.0-liter V8, but buyers could opt for more powerful 5.8-liter or 6.6-liter V8 engines, paired with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission.  

Despite the growing emphasis on fuel economy and the eventual phasing out of larger engines, the 1978 XR-7 was the most successful model year of its generation, with over 166,000 units sold. Today, it stands as a symbol of late-1970s American luxury, blending comfort, style, and V8 performance in a uniquely Mercury package. As the brochure stated, “Cougar is a car you will have to personally drive to fully appreciate”— and this 66,962-mile XR7 has had just two owners from new. 

Highlights 

• Two owner 1978 Cougar XR-7  

• Showing 66,962 miles believed original 

• Finished in Dark Jade Poly (46) with a White vinyl half top 

• Jade Meteao Vinyl interior 

• Optional 5.8-liter (351 cu-in) V8   

• Three-speed automatic transmission 

• The Body Tag decodes as: 

  • Paint: 46YW – Dark Jade Poly 

  • DSO: 33 – Cleveland district sales office 

  • Body: 67L – Cougar XR-7 two-door hardtop 

  • Trim: DR – Jade Optional Meteao Vinyl Twin Comfort Lounge 

  • Scheduled Date: 05F – 5 November 1977 

  • Axle: 1 – 2.50:1 standard 

  • Transmission: X – FMX automatic 

• The chassis number (8H93H667794) decodes as: 

  • 8 – Model year 1978 

  • H – Lorain, Ohio, final assembly plant 

  • 93 – Body style Cougar XR-7 two-door hardtop 

  • H – 351 cubic inch V8 (2-barrel carburetor) 

  • 667794 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Recent maintenance includes: 

  • Replace transmission vacuum modulator 

  • Replace idler arm, sway bar links, power steering pump, and pressure hose 

  • Replace rear main crankshaft seal 

  • Wheel alignment  

  • Replace all brake hoses, master cylinder, front pads, adjust rear brakes and power flush brake system 

  • Replace and pack front wheel bearings 

  • Evacuate, vacuum and recharge AC and convert system to r134

• Factory AM/FM radio with power antenna 

• Half vinyl roof 

• Opera windows 

• Continental-style rear deck 

• Wood-grain interior trim 

• Dealer-installed Ziebart rustproofing and painted pinstripes 

Known Imperfections 

• Some bubbling on the rear window under the vinyl top 

• Paint repairs can be seen on small sections of the left rear quarter panel and the left front fender  

Included 

• Original owner’s manual  

• Warranty card 

• Two sets of keys  

 Ownership History 

The consigning dealer of this 1978 Mercury Cougar XR-7 states, “It was purchased new by the original owner in Florida, and it remained in his garage until 2021 when our storage customer in New Jersey bought it. He became the second owner and had several services done for the AC, brakes, and an oil leak.” 

“In 2024, there was a transmission leak that was also repaired. The miles are all original. There is some bubbling on the rear window under the vinyl top. Otherwise, the paint appears to be all original, and there is no history of accident damage. The engine starts right up, runs and drives well, and the air conditioning is cold. It has no leaks and does not need any services. It was never smoked in either.” 

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.  

Contact: William Cooper   Phone: 469.463.4542   email: wcooper@hagerty.com