When Mercury launched the Cougar for the 1967 model year, it positioned the car as a sophisticated alternative to the similar Ford Mustang - opens in new window or tab.. While the two shared many components, the Mercury Cougar rode on a three-inch longer wheelbase for a smoother ride. The Cougar also had a more luxurious cabin, hidden headlights, and snazzy sequential tail lights.
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The Mercury 1970 Cougar recently listed on eBay presents an opportunity to own Mercury’s luxurious pony—an example that was beautifully restored and enhanced with modern upgrades.
The Rare Eliminator?
This Cougar is finished in an attractive deep blue shade with a contrasting black interior. It wears the Eliminator badging and trim associated with the most potent version available in 1970. Mercury produced the Eliminator variant for just the 1969 and 1970 model years.
The Eliminator includes suspension upgrades for better handling, a standard 351-cubic-inch V-8 engine - opens in new window or tab., front and rear spoilers - opens in new window or tab., blacked-out trim, and other upgrades. Mercury built fewer than 2,500 Eliminators over the two-year span.
This car has the correct striping, hood scoop, and spoilers associated with Eliminator trim. However, it may not have left Ford's Dearborn Assembly Plant - opens in new window or tab. as a real Eliminator. Determining its true identity could be a challenge. Mercury’s vehicle identification numbers didn’t include a special designation for an Eliminator in 1970.
While this Mercury Cougar includes most of the Eliminator trim and features like high-back bucket seats, its asking price is far less than the Eliminators for sale these days, and it is most likely a tribute car.
Largely Stock
The car’s listing photos reveal this southern car to be rust and damage-free. The paint gleams with a deep luster, and all chrome and badging are in excellent condition. That includes Eliminator-specific trim features—such as the blacked-out grille, hood scoop - opens in new window or tab., and badging on the rear fenders - opens in new window or tab.. The only noticeable deviation from stock is the larger 17-inch American Racing Torq-Thrust wheels - opens in new window or tab. and tires.
Inside, this 1970 Mercury Cougar's cabin presents like new, with correct high-back bucket seats, original door panels - opens in new window or tab., and carpets showing no apparent signs of wear. The dash top and headliner are just as clean and flawless, with all original and hard-to-find bits in place. An aftermarket AM/FM radio was added, along with Cougar-branded floor mats - opens in new window or tab.. Everything else has an original and factory look, down to the floor-mounted T-handle shifter - opens in new window or tab. for the automatic transmission.
Neat and Tidy
The correct 351 V-8 under the hood was dressed up - opens in new window or tab. with a chrome air cleaner and valve covers - opens in new window or tab., and the engine compartment presents a tidy, stock appearance.
Whether or not it’s a true Eliminator, this turn-key 1970 Mercury Cougar is undeniably beautiful.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.