This isn’t just any classic Mercury Cougar; it’s the “Goldcat,” a one-of-a-kind, meticulously crafted machine that embodies the spirit of American muscle with a touch of personalized flair. This Cougar has undergone a complete rotisserie restoration, transforming it into a show-stopping masterpiece. With approximately 5,000 miles driven since its rebirth, this Goldcat is ready to prowl the streets and turn heads wherever it goes. The owner has invested nearly $60,000 in parts alone, a testament to the dedication and passion poured into this project. This golden beauty has earned numerous “Best of Show” and “Best Engine” trophies, and has even been featured in a magazine, solidifying its place in automotive artistry.
Interior: Where Classic Meets Custom
Stepping inside the Goldcat is like entering a time capsule infused with modern comfort and style. The seats have been meticulously reupholstered and re-foamed, offering a luxurious embrace. Custom leather-wrapped door panels, complete with integrated lights, add a touch of elegance. The custom leather-wrapped center console houses a custom tachometer and shifter, placing vital controls at the driver’s fingertips. New carpet and a new headliner create a fresh and inviting atmosphere. A gauge pillar pod displays water temperature and boost/vacuum readings, keeping the driver informed about the car’s performance. A custom steering wheel and new door sill plates enhance the overall aesthetic. The package tray, equipped with 6×9 speakers, and the Classic sounds stereo system provide an auditory experience as impressive as the visual one.
Body: A Golden Masterpiece
The Goldcat’s exterior is a testament to the artistry of bodywork and paint. The car spent over a year in the body shop, undergoing meticulous preparation for its three-stage House of Kolor Pagan Gold candy paint. Over $20,000 was invested in the body and paint alone, resulting in a finish that’s both vibrant and deep. All exterior trim and moldings have been re-chromed or polished to a mirror shine, while all emblems have been replaced with new ones. The bumpers and headlight/taillight grilles have also been re-chromed, adding to the car’s gleaming presence. New floor pans and torque boxes have been installed, reinforcing the car’s structure. Subframe connectors have been welded in for added rigidity. An electric headlight door conversion replaces the original vacuum-actuated system, eliminating the notorious “shake.” An LED taillight conversion adds a modern touch. The fuel tank is new, and the battery has been relocated to the trunk for improved weight distribution.
Suspension: Handling with Precision
The Goldcat’s suspension has been completely overhauled to provide a balance of performance and comfort. New upper and lower control arms with ball joints have been installed, along with Koni shocks up front and KYB shocks in the rear. A custom strut tower brace enhances front-end rigidity. New coil springs in the front and new leaf springs and shackles in the rear provide a smooth and controlled ride. A new idler arm, inner and outer tie rod ends, and strut rod bushings ensure precise steering. An oversized front sway bar further improves handling.
Brakes: Stopping Power to Match the Performance
The Goldcat’s braking system has been upgraded to provide confident stopping power. Wilwood drilled rotors and four-piston calipers provide exceptional braking performance up front, complemented by stainless steel flexible brake lines. The rear drum brakes have been fully rebuilt, including new shoes, drums, springs, and wheel cylinders.
Engine: The Heart of the Beast
The Goldcat’s heart is a Ford 302 roller camshaft block, stroked to 347 cubic inches and professionally built by Paul’s Empire Head Shop. A GM 4-71 supercharger, currently running at 5 psi of boost in street trim, adds a significant boost in power. The blower was recently overhauled by FIST. A Quick Fuel 750cfm blower carburetor and an Edelbrock mechanical fuel pump with 3/8″ stainless fuel line ensure proper fuel delivery. Race Tec forged blower pistons with an 8.5:1 compression ratio, Edelbrock Performer RPM cylinder heads with 2.02 intake valves, and a custom ground hydraulic roller blower grind camshaft from Snyder Cams with aluminum roller rocker arms contribute to the engine’s impressive performance. Short tube headers with a full custom 2.5″ dual exhaust and Flowmaster three-chamber mufflers create an exhilarating sound. An MSD distributor with a boost timing master controller ensures precise ignition timing. A polished radiator with a high-flow water pump keeps the engine running cool. Custom laser-engraved “Golden Cat” valve covers add a touch of personalized style.
Transmission: Shifting into Excitement
The Goldcat’s power is channeled through a Tremec TKO 600 five-speed transmission with a Centerforce clutch and clutch cable conversion. A new custom-length driveshaft connects the transmission to the rear end.
Rear End: Power Meets Traction
The rear end is a powder-coated 9″ unit from Quick Performance, equipped with an Eaton True Trac differential and a 3.25 gear ratio, providing excellent traction and performance.
Summary/Specs:
- Year: 1967
- Make: Mercury
- Model: Cougar
- Trim: Custom “Goldcat”
- Mileage: 83,000
- Engine: 347 CI Small Block Supercharged
- Transmission: Manual (Tremec TKO 600 5-speed)
- Exterior Color: Candy Gold
- Interior Color: Black
- VIN: 7F91C504146
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general knowledge and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation for any specific vehicle. For more information on this specific car, you can reach out to the seller.
Source: hemmings.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
