This 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 restomod is a stunning example of classic American muscle, meticulously built by the award-winning team at KTL Restorations. Known for their expertise in Cougar restorations, KTL is the same shop responsible for "Lethal Cat," the 1970 Mercury Cougar that won the Goodguys 2019 Muscle Car of the Year. Their craftsmanship is evident in every inch of this build, from the flawless bodywork to the high-performance drivetrain.
The car wears a GT-E inspired two-tone paint scheme, with a deep black upper body and a silver lower section, and featuring a painted silver pinstripe. The doors, trunk, and hood shut with precision, showcasing the level of care put into its assembly. Chrome and trim are in excellent condition, complementing the clean front fascia where hideaway headlights sit beneath an aggressive hood scoop. XR-7 badges on the C-pillars nod to the car's premium heritage, while 18x8.5 Boss Motorsports wheels wrapped in 26x10R18 Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R tires give it a modern stance with a muscular presence.
Under the hood, this Cougar trades its factory 302 V8 for a potent 347 cubic-inch stroker, built to deliver both reliability and performance. Polished valve covers proudly display '347 C.I. STROKER' callouts, while aluminum Edelbrock E-Street heads and an Edelbrock E-Street fuel injection system ensure ample power delivery. An MSD ignition with red spark plug wires provides a strong, consistent spark, while an aluminum radiator with electric fans keeps temperatures in check. The engine is paired with a C4 3-speed automatic transmission, sending power to a Ford 9" rear end with 3.00 gears, making it a well-balanced combination for both highway cruising and aggressive acceleration. The throaty dual exhaust, featuring Flowmaster mufflers, produces an unmistakable sound that announces this Cougar's presence long before it arrives.
The fully restored interior retains the signature luxury of the XR-7 package. A wood-grain instrument panel, leather seating surfaces, an overhead console, and classy toggle switches highlight the premium feel of the cabin. Updated air-conditioning utilizes factory controls and ventilation. XR-7 instrumentation ensures the driver has all necessary information at a glance, while the leather-wrapped T-handle shifter adds a period-correct touch. Every detail has been thoughtfully restored, making the interior as refined as the exterior.
Built for both show and enjoyment, this Cougar features power four-wheel disc brakes and power steering, enhancing drivability without sacrificing its vintage character. Even the floorpans are painted, a testament to the meticulous work performed by KTL Restorations. This is a car that's equally at home on the show field or the open road, a seamless blend of classic Mercury styling and modern performance upgrades. With its high-quality restoration, upgraded powertrain, and unmistakable XR-7 luxury, this Cougar is a standout example of how to tastefully elevate a classic muscle car.
Key Highlights
Ground-up, rotisserie build by award-winning KTL Restorations
XR-7 package
347ci stroker V8
Edelbrock electronic fuel injection
Aluminum Edelbrock heads
C4 3 speed automatic transmission
Ford 9" rear end w/ 3.00 gears
Restored leather interior
Power steering
Upgraded power four wheel disc brakes
Modern air-conditioning
18" Boss Motorsports wheels
Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R tires (26x10R18)
All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multipoint inspection
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