The 1973 Mercury Cougar Convertible stands as a significant marker in automotive history, representing the final year of the first-generation luxury cat. With only 1,723 convertibles produced for the 1973 model year, finding a well-preserved example today is quite rare. This specific car underwent a professional refurbishment under previous ownership, emerging with a vibrant red finish. It pairs this bold exterior with a classic white interior, creating a timeless aesthetic. The selling dealer acquired this 1973 Mercury Cougar Convertible in 2025, and it now carries a clean California title.
Exterior Refinement and Convertible Styling
The visual presence of this vehicle is enhanced by several high-quality exterior updates. The selling dealer notes that the body has been refinished, and the chrome bumpers have been re-chromed to a mirror finish. A replacement white soft top ensures that the car looks just as good with the roof up. Color-keyed side mirrors provide a streamlined look that complements the long, flowing lines of the rear fenders. This combination of red and white is perhaps the most iconic configuration for this specific era of Mercury design.
Chassis Details and Luxor Wire Wheels
The stance of the car is defined by its 14-inch Luxor wire wheels, which add a sophisticated touch to the profile. These wheels are wrapped in thin whitewall tires that stay true to the luxury-sport crossover theme of the seventies. Driving dynamics are kept manageable thanks to factory power steering, which helps navigate the substantial length of the chassis. Furthermore, braking performance is handled by power-assisted front discs paired with traditional rear drums. These components ensure the car remains a comfortable and reliable choice for weekend cruising.
Interior Amenities and Cabin Configuration
Inside, the cabin offers a luxurious environment featuring front bucket seats and a matching rear bench. The white upholstery is accented with contrasting patterned inserts, giving the interior a distinct personality. Modern comforts were not overlooked during the refurbishment, as the car remains equipped with functional air conditioning. For entertainment, an AM/FM/cassette stereo sits in the dashboard to provide a period-correct audio experience. The overall layout remains focused on passenger comfort, providing ample room for four adults to enjoy top-down travel.
Instrumentation and Driver Controls
The driver is greeted by a two-spoke steering wheel and a classic gauge cluster. A 120-mph speedometer serves as the primary instrument, flanked by auxiliary gauges for vital engine metrics. Interestingly, the five-digit odometer shows approximately 34k miles, though the total chassis mileage is often difficult to verify on cars of this age. The selling dealer has added roughly 100 miles since acquisition, confirming that the vehicle is in road-ready condition. Every switch and dial inside the cockpit reflects the high standards of the previous refurbishment efforts.
V8 Performance and Mechanical Specifications
Under the expansive hood sits the legendary 351ci Cleveland V8 engine, which was factory equipped with a two-barrel carburetor. This powerplant is known for its smooth delivery and sufficient torque for a heavy luxury convertible. It is backed by a reliable three-speed automatic transmission that shifts effortlessly through the gears. This mechanical setup allows the 1973 Mercury Cougar Convertible to maintain modern traffic speeds without excessive strain. The engine bay presents cleanly, showing the care taken during the refurbishment to maintain the original mechanical integrity.
Summary of the 1973 Mercury Cougar
The 1973 Mercury Cougar Convertible remains a highly collectible piece of American luxury. Its rarity is guaranteed by the low production numbers of the final convertible run. This example manages to balance its historical significance with practical upgrades like air conditioning and disc brakes. Because it has been refurbished and kept in a dry climate, it offers a solid foundation for any enthusiast. It represents the end of an era before the Cougar moved toward a much larger platform. This red convertible is a striking example of the brands heritage.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
