Car: Mercury Cougar Eliminator Coupe
Year: 1969
What makes it special: Taking a cue from rival manufacturer models like the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 or Mustang Boss 302 and Mustang Mach-1 from their sister company Ford, Mercury boosted their muscle car profile when they released their Eliminator model on the streets for the 1969 model year. It hosted a range of V8 engines from the Trans-Am inspired solid-lifter 302 Small Block to their lethal 428 cu in Cobra-Jet Big Block.
What made it famous: The Mercury Cougar Eliminator featured such asphalt destroying features as the 428 cu in V8 with or without Ram-Air, or the famed “Drag-Pak” option with an oil-cooler and a 4.30:1 gear ratio Detroit Locker rear axle. Not fitted with the equally famous “Shaker Hood,” the Eliminator’s hood scoop was only functional when the Ram-Air option box was checked off. Other features for Mercury’s street killer was a blacked-out grille, side stripes, front chin and rear foil spoilers and an “Eliminator only” array of special high-impact blue, orange and yellow exterior colors.
Why I would want one: These aren’t easy to find. They pretty much are the higher tier of Mercury muscle cars for the late 1960’s.
Fun fact: For those who weren’t satisfied with the Eliminator’s killer power, more dealer options could be ordered in the form of headers, dual-quad carburetor set-ups, deep-sump oil pans, and quadruple Weber Carburetor set-ups as well, making them even more potent.
Powered by Dragone Classic Motor Cars
