Model history
The Mercury Cougar is based on the Ford Mustang 1, but is far from a Mustang in Cougar clothes. Mercury got a longer wheelbase, and its own design language. Perhaps with a view to being a bit more elegant than Ford? The first Cougar model was sold in the model years 1967 through 1970. In terms of engines, the same engines as in the Mustang were delivered - depending on the model year - primarily the V8 engines of 289, 302, 351 and 390 cubic inches - but also Ford's 7- liter V8 427 engine.
Mercury Cougar in Norway
Hidden lights created a tough front end. As far as I know, there was no regular import of Cougar to Norway, only individual imports via private individuals. One of the most famous imported cars was the pink car of the popular artist Cowboy Laila. In accordance The car register there should currently be 116 cars first registered between 1967 and 1970. I could not find any cars of Norwegian origin. A little deep dive among Norwegian cars shows that the most popular engine is undoubtedly the 351 V8 (5,8 litres), followed by the 301 and 289 V8.
About the pictures
The main photo of the brown car was taken at Ekeberg. It is equipped with the 390 V8 (6,4-liter). The white car is a 1970 model 351 V8, photographed in Frognerparken (Oslo) on the occasion of celebrating American National Day. The 1970 model (perhaps also 1969) received a slight change in the front and in the forward part of the bonnet. The white Cougar Convertible at sunset is photographed at Saltnes in Råde. The burgundy one with a black vinyl roof was photographed in Kulturgaten in Fornebu. The red one in the last picture was photographed at Wings & Wheels 2022 in Kjeller. The car is a 1970 351 V8 from a member of Amcar Lillestrøm. The blue car in profile was photographed on Veterans' Day 2022 at Tofte.
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Cowboy-Laila's car
It is pink, built as a 1969 model XR-7 HT with a 351 V8 engine. Now it no longer rolls around on Løten. It was last observed on the TV program "Norwegian Rednecks".