The manual shifter looks like an A/T shifter, I can't imagine it must be pleasant shifting with that, or am I wrong? I have no experience with such a shifter...
It Took 3 Years To Restore This '70 Mercury Cougar Boss 302 Eliminator
What we have here is a relatively rare 1970 Mercury Cougar Boss 302 Eliminator, one of just 323 units produced with this particular engine and transmission combination.
The car was sold new at San Bruno Lincoln-Mercury in California back in its day, and has since been fully restored – a process that is said to have taken 2,000 hours over a three-year period according to its Mecum Auctions listing.
(https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mercury-cougar-boss-302-eliminator-1.jpg)
Power comes from a 4.9-liter 290 HP Boss 302 4V Ford engine with 73,000 original miles (117,500 km), mated to a close ratio 4-speed manual gearbox.
Visually, the car boasts a Competition Blue exterior with a dealer-installed chin spoiler, original re-chromed bumpers, tinted glass, original restored wheels with F70-14 Polyglas tires, plus front disc brakes.
(https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mercury-cougar-boss-302-eliminator-8.jpg)
Other features include the black Comfortweave interior upholstery, original re-webbed seat belts, restored clock, AM radio and power steering, which definitely comes in handy on these types of cars (unless you're trying to sneak a workout into your commute).
As for what type of Cougar this is, well it's the more popular first-generation model (produced between 1967 and 1970), which was a genuine Pony car – it was literally the Mustang's twin brother. Newer Cougars later morphed into forgettable mid-size offerings and became less appealing.
Now, if you like your Cougars looking a little more raw, then check out this 1967 Restomod rendering. It may not be real, but it goes to show how visually aggressive first-gen models used to be, especially if you strip them down.
(https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mercury-cougar-boss-302-eliminator-3.jpg)
(https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mercury-cougar-boss-302-eliminator-5.jpg)
Link: https://www.carscoops.com/2020/04/it-took-3-years-to-restore-this-70-mercury-cougar-boss-302-eliminator/
Hurst T-Handle. Had one in my first VW. They work OK.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on April 14, 2020, 11:38:16 AM
Hurst T-Handle. Had one in my first VW. They work OK.
T handles are for automatics.
Balls are for manuals.
THIS IS THE WAY IT IS.
Now if I were to buy a classic muscle car, this is what I would look for. Pretty much the same as the BOSS 302 Mustang, but with a touch of class.
The 290 bhp was just a number with the BOSS 302 engine. As measured at the time, it was much closer to 350 bhp.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on April 14, 2020, 12:35:31 PM
T handles are for automatics.
Balls are for manuals.
THIS IS THE WAY IT IS.
Pistol grips for manuals
(http://kcclassicauto.com/Vehicles/1970_Dodge_Challenger_RT_440_K16-696/1970_Dodge_Challenger_RT_440_012.jpg)
Quote from: Speed_Racer on April 14, 2020, 03:18:08 PM
Pistol grips for manuals
(http://kcclassicauto.com/Vehicles/1970_Dodge_Challenger_RT_440_K16-696/1970_Dodge_Challenger_RT_440_012.jpg)
Balls! :lockedup:
I like the first gen Cougars, but not the colour of this one. Too shouty.
Nice - an off-the-beaten-path car of the era, esp. given that the Cougar's MO was as a near-luxury GT (i.e., though quirky, the Boss 302 is misapplied in such a heavy car).
Quote from: GoCougs on April 15, 2020, 05:26:26 AM
Nice - an off-the-beaten-path car of the era, esp. given that the Cougar's MO was as a near-luxury GT (i.e., though quirky, the Boss 302 is misapplied in such a heavy car).
So a 100 or so pounds vs. the BOSS or Z28 is going to make it overweight?
Quote from: FoMoJo on April 15, 2020, 06:01:02 AM
So a 100 or so pounds vs. the BOSS or Z28 is going to make it overweight?
Well, I didn't exactly use the term "overweight" but the Cougar was notably bigger/heavier than the Mustang.