Not Sure About This: 67 Cougar Fastback (not mine)

[Diogenes]

During one of my usual Craigslist searches for cars, I came across this gem. The first generation Cougar is my first search, given it is pretty much my favorite body design, this popped up. I'll include the text of the listing and a photo in case the ad comes down quickly. I'm not too sure about this. It is different. I'm guessing it's been done before, but I've not seen one.

Text of ad:

 1967 Mercury Cougar Fastback (Custom). Yes, it's really a fastback! This is a project car started by a professional. All of the most expensive fabrication has already been done. Factory color is Candy Apple Red. Black interior but all the fold down seat is the 2 tone green that came out of the Mustang. Bucket seats and the fold down rear seat. 17" Magnum 500 style wheels (new) and new (rear) speed rated wide tires. Mustang II front suspension conversion. 2x3 tubular frame (10 gauge) front and rear. It's mini-tubed 4" total. I have a couple of hood choices: Stock (new) Dynacorn hood or a custom-made hood. This car is easily 90% rust free. Power front and rear disc brakes, A/C conversion (factory) Power Rack and pinion Steering. A very low miles 347 stroker short block w/289 heads w/screw in studs (off the engine) or a 289, 302 or 351W rebuildable engine(s) rebuildable engine. Has new high lift hydraulic camshaft (I need to find the info card that came with the cam). Arp rod bolts. High volume oil pump. Deep rear sump oil pan. Old style Edelbrock torquer aluminum high rise intake, HP C4 transmission (very hard shift). Shortened (4") 9" rearend w/3:90 new ring and pinion. I do not know what the actual mileage is because the dash/gauges were converted to an XR7 wood grain w/tachometer. When it comes to restorations like this, mileage is irrelevant. Far too many things to list in this add. Lots of new parts! The car needs a windshield, steering wheel (I have the steering column), some chrome around the back window, nothing big missing. Serious calls only! Scammers beware! I can only accept phone calls and I will not answer texts! No e-mails because for some reason my ability to reply has been removed. A lot of extra parts. $ 25,000 OBO


https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/d/seven-mile-1967-cougar-fastback/7662772966.html

[Gregwill16]

There was a similar one listed last November in Cincy, but for only $4500. It appeared they had used Fairlane/Torino fastback metal on it that was red and white, so may not be the same one. I have to admit the one last year looked pretty good. Not sure what the custom interior would cost to finish it out, though.

[thatdarncat]

There was a company out there at one time doing Cougar fastback conversions using the Torino fastback roofs. I remember seeing a picture someone had of the place with a stack of cut-off roofs ready to go. Maybe someone remembers the outfits name. I’ve seen a couple done with the Mustang roofs like this one in the past too.

[Diogenes]

I found the below image/article, and it shows a better angle. It is cool looking, and definitely not something you see everyday.

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/this-1967-mercury-cougar-fastback-unicorn-was-done-by-a-17-year-old-143700.html

[Rory428]

Although I can appreciate all the work required to do this conversion, I personally think the extra rear length makes the car look a bit akward, with such a long trunk lid. Perhaps the longer roof from a 68/69 Fairlane/Torino/Cyclone would offer better proportions.

[Heo]

I like it but, i think i would remove the louvers from the pillar
But 25 000$ for the first one......nahhh. A stitch welded together
unfinished projekt with overlapping pathes

[TurboChris]

Reminds me of a cool tshirt I saw once. It basically said, "Anyone can restore a classic.....it takes a REAL man to cut one up"

[Diogenes]

I like it but, i think i would remove the louvers from the pillar
But 25 000$ for the first one......nahhh. A stitch welded together
unfinished projekt with overlapping pathes

I definitely agree with getting rid of the louvers on the pillars, I thought that the moment I saw it. It makes it a little too "Mustang" for my taste, even though the fastback Mustangs are cool, but I'm a huge Cougar fan. With some exceptions, I always thought "why would you want a Mustang when you could have a Cougar". The fastback Mustangs are cool, the 69-73 Mustangs mostly--in my opinion. I always thought it was a shame the direction they went with the Cougar, but they didn't want any competition with the Mustang. There were some Cougar concept renderings based on the new Mustang platform that would've been interesting, though I think there needed to be a little more first generation Cougar specific design incorporated, but again, Ford didn't want competition--what a shame, could've kept Mercury a viable make.

[Hemi Joel]

I don't think the curvy lines of the Mustang fastback top and rear window work with the angular line of the Cougar. Something with straighter lines is needed. Maybe take the top from a 64 Comet, cut down the width, flatten the top a bit, flatten the back glass and inset it a bit like a 68 charger.