Page 60 - Expereience_Magazine_2021_Fall_Barrett-Jackson

LOT #676 - 1969 COUGAR XR7 428 SCJ
NO RESERVE
TOP

CAT

POWER AND COMFORT BLEND IN THIS
1969 MERCURY COUGAR XR7 428SCJ

Few American muscle cars were able to navigate that scoop functional, as well as including die-cast finned
narrow lane between refinement and pure performance, aluminum valve covers and hood-locking pins. To get
but the Mercury Cougar was a leader in that elite group. the Super Cobra Jet equipment, buyers ordered the
The 1969 Cougar XR7 428SCJ shown here, offered Traction-Lok differential and high-performance axle.
with No Reserve at Barrett-Jackson’s Houston Auction, That delivered either a 3.91 or 4.30 gear snuggled in the
September 16-18, is the ultimate expression of that Traction-Lok rear end (this Cougar has the 3.91 gear).
balance. The car is not only heavily optioned with The SCJ engine was reinforced with a strengthened
comforts, but has the top powertrain option, the 428 reciprocating assembly with beefy LeMans connecting
SCJ with Ram Air induction, teamed with a close-ratio rods, among other upgrades, to withstand the rigors of
4-speed transmission and Traction-Lok rear axle. Throw drag racing.
in the Medium Emerald Metallic paint, and the winning As you’d expect in an upscale Mercury muscle car, the
bidder will drive off in a truly singular muscle car. Cougar carried more sound-deadener than its corporate
The 428 Cobra Jet, introduced in 1968, was a game- cousin the Ford Mustang, making for a quieter commute.
changer for Ford Motor Company’s performance With its longer wheelbase and longer and wider body,
image. It delivered the gut-punch torque expected from the Cougar delivered a smoother ride than the Mustang
big-block V8s, but was also more streetable and less as well.
expensive than the 427 V8 that had previously been The Cougar was restyled for 1969, and was both longer
Ford’s top option. It was underrated by the factory at 335 and wider than the 1968 models. The refreshed car
horsepower, with 440 ft/lbs of torque. had a distinctive sculpted bodyline that ran from the
The 428 CJ was an option on all Cougars in 1969. The front of the car to the rear wheels, along with ventless
Ram Air induction option made the Cougar’s hood side windows, wraparound backup lights and a larger

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