Finding a 1972 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Cobra Jet with a factory four-speed manual is a rare treat for any muscle car enthusiast. This specific hardtop represents one of only 877 units produced with the Cobra Jet Performance Group for that year. Originally delivered to Las Vegas, the car underwent an extensive refurbishment that swapped its factory pewter for a striking Grabber Blue finish. It retains its predatory stance while offering mechanical upgrades that improve its reliability and road presence. Seeing a classic Cougar with these specific performance options highlights the bridge between luxury and raw American power.
Design and Exterior Refinements
The exterior of this Cougar moved away from its original Light Pewter Metallic roots during a 1998 restoration. The chosen Grabber Blue paint pays homage to the bold palettes of the era. Black side stripes complement the vibrant color, running along the length of the body. A functional hood scoop with 351 Cleveland markings hints at the power tucked underneath. Modern touches include tinted glass and quad headlights that maintain the traditional face of the XR-7. Chrome bumpers and front overriders add a polished contrast to the matte black detailing on the hood and sides.
Chassis and Handling Setup
This 1972 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Cobra Jet sits on iconic Magnum 500-style 15-inch wheels. These wheels feature blue Cougar-logo centers to match the body paint. Firestone Wide Oval radial tires provide a period-correct look with improved modern grip. The car utilizes power steering to manage the heavy front end with ease. Braking performance relies on power-assisted front discs and rear drums for confident stopping power. During the refurbishment, the suspension was completely overhauled to handle the increased output from the modified engine. Lakewood traction bars were added to the rear to keep the tires planted during hard acceleration.
Interior Comfort and Controls
The cabin maintains a high level of classic luxury with black vinyl bucket seats and patterned cloth inserts. Woodgrain trim accents the dashboard and center console for a sophisticated feel. A Hurst shifter with a white knob sits prominently, linked to the Toploader transmission. While the factory air conditioning was removed, the car retains its Ford-branded AM/FM stereo. The Rim-Blow steering wheel is mounted on a tilting column for better driver ergonomics. Safety remains a priority with front shoulder belts and lap belts for all occupants.
Modified Cobra Jet Performance
The heart of this build is a rebuilt 351ci Cleveland V8 enhanced with a Demon 725-cfm four-barrel carburetor. Internal upgrades include a Summit Racing camshaft and Milodon stainless-steel valves for better flow. Crane Cams roller rockers and a double-roller timing chain ensure the valvetrain remains precise under load. Cooling is managed by an aluminum radiator and a stainless-steel overflow tank. The exhaust note is amplified by Hooker ceramic-coated headers and a 2.5-inch aluminized H-pipe system. This setup routes power through a Centerforce dual-friction clutch to a 9-inch rear end with 3.50:1 gears.
Technical Performance Summary
Performance is defined by the 351ci V8 engine delivering substantial torque through a Toploader four-speed manual gearbox. The combination of a Hayes flywheel and a Lakewood bellhousing ensures the drivetrain can handle high-revving shifts. With 3.50:1 rear gears, the car balances off-the-line acceleration with steady highway cruising capability. The modified ignition system, featuring an MSD Blaster 2 coil, provides the spark needed for consistent combustion.
Final Thoughts on the XR-7
The 1972 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Cobra Jet is a significant piece of automotive history that successfully blends style with mechanical grit. Its rare production numbers and the inclusion of a four-speed manual make it a standout in the Mercury lineup. The modifications performed during its refurbishment enhance its drivability without losing the soul of the original design. It remains a focused and well-documented example of the final years of the classic muscle era.
Disclaimer: Content on this site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Details, analyses, and opinions reflect current trends and personal views, not professional or financial advice. Always verify information with official sources before making any decisions.
Source: bringatrailer.com
