“The Last Convertible”
1973 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Convertible
(This title was held until the Ford Motor Company resumed making convertibles again in 1983)
by Rick Schmidt
The end of an era came when Ford Motor Company produced its last convertible, an XR-7 Cougar. For 1973, the only Ford product lines with a convertible model were Mustang from the Ford Division and the Cougar from Lincoln-Mercury Division. July 5, 1973 marked the end of an era when the last convertible came off the assembly line, an XR- 7 Cougar. Increasing safety mandates and changing buyer attitudes caused the demise of the convertible.
“It is a fact that our Cougar’s VIN # is not the highest, nor was the production-date the latest. As has been the practice with most “lasts” from Ford, the car was produced, pulled aside, meticulously gone-over / inspected and prepped, photographed, and then “ceremoniously” rolled off the assembly line as the LAST. As you can see in the photo, our car rolled off the line for the media with its top down, boot installed, and all plastic coverings and tags and stickers removed. After rolling off the assembly line the Cougar was immediately delivered to Floyd Moore, a Chicago automobile collector.” – Rick Schmidt
Unique Cougars Menu
Unique Cougars
1967 Hollyberry Red Cougar
1968 Cougar 500
1968 Cougar Calypso Coupe
1969 Cougar Fastback
1969 Cougar Ski-Pac Special
1969 Eliminator Prototype
1969 Kumpf / Kenz & Leslie Special
1969 Rocky Mtn. Life Ins. Cougar
1969½ Golden Cougar
1970 Cougar El Gato
1970 Houndstooth Cougar
1973 "Bronze Age" Cougar
1999-2000 Roush Cougar
Cougar XR7-G Prototype
Cougar XR-7S
The Last Cougar Convertible
Super Cat
V8 Interceptor
“We acquired the car in the mid-90’s from Floyd Moore, who had owned it since new. Floyd had ‘friends in high places’ within Ford, hence his ability to acquire special benchmark Ford vehicles through the years . . . We also purchased the 1 GO-millionth and 150-millionth Fords from Floyd, 1979 Mustang VIN # 00001, and several other nifty pieces that he had arranged for through his executive friendships at Ford throughout the ’70’s.
“The Cougar is basically ‘brand-new’, as it has traveled less than 500 miles in its lifetime, and has benefited from collector’s-care its entire life. It’s very likely the lowest-mile 1973 Cougar on the planet, and we keep it in perfect running condition, cycling fresh fuel and fluids and running it regularly.”
The B3 – Light Blue body color has a white top with a stunning all white leather interior with blue carpeting and appointments.
Standard Equipment
- Automatic Transmission
- Power Front Disc Brakes
- Power Operated Top
Options Listed on the Window Sticker
- XR-7 Convertible
- Light Blue
- White Convertible Top
- 351 Cobra Jet
- GR 78 x 14 White Side Wall Steel Belted Tires
- Convenience Group
- Power Steering
- Tilt Steering Wheel
- Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
- 4-Way Power Seat
Options (cont.)
- Whisper-Aire Conditioner
- AM / FM Stereo Radio
- Interval Windshield Wipers
- Protective Bodyside Molding
- Appearance Protection Group
- Dual Racing Mirrors
- Tinted Glass – Complete
- Heavy Duty Battery
- Power Windows
- Wire Wheel Covers
One nifty option on the car, that you RARELY see anymore, is the “leather-wrapped” steering wheel. This wheel was prone to getting scratched-up and dry-rotted. With less than 500 miles, the original leather wheel on this car is as – new.
Note: This is a very rare option for the 1973 Cougar.
Text from The Big Book Mercury Cougar: The Classic Years 1967-1973
Our collection is available by appointment-only. Please contact Rick Schmidt to arrange a visit.
Rick Schmidt
V.P., C.O.O.
National Parts Depot
rschmidt@npdlink.com
