This 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 GT-E hardtop coupe (8F93W555822) is described as a 102k-mile California example that needs restoration. It was owned by one family and stored — apparently unused — in a garage for 20-plus years (the license plate sticker is from 1993). It’s a 427 car, but the original block reportedly was replaced early in the car’s life. These cars are rare, so finding a project example, especially one with substantial documentation and all the GT-E trim pieces, is unusual. Find this one here on eBay in Roseville, California with reserve met.

With just 394 built (357 reportedly with the 427 engine and 37 with the 428 CJ), GT-Es are among the rarest and most desirable early Cougars. This car originally was Cardinal Red but at some point received a poor-quality orange repaint, according to the seller. Rust is said to be mostly surface rust apart from a small area behind the right rear wheel. Chrome shows considerable pitting. Suspension components appear to be original and the underbody shows no sign of scrapes or damage, according to the seller.

The seat upholstery appears to be the worst part of the interior, while the dashboard and door panels seem decent. Overall the interior seems complete, though part of one toggle switch is missing. Options noted by the seller include AM/FM stereo radio and Tilt-Away steering wheel. Power steering, power brakes, automatic transmission and styled steel wheels were standard with the GT-E package and are present on this car. Factory A/C was not offered on GT-Es and neither was cruise control, but we suspect a new owner would happily live without them.

The sideoiler 427 V-8 in the GT-Es was rated at 390 horsepower and 460 lbs-ft of torque. It had hydraulic lifters, a single 4-barrel carburetor and 10.9:1 compression. The seller says a replacement 427 short block was installed by a dealer in 1968 (documents show the car was sold new in April 1968 by Lakeside Lincoln-Mercury in Oakland, California, though the engine may have been installed by a different dealer). The engine apparently runs, given the seller’s comments about installing a newer gas tank and sender, but its overall condition isn’t stated.

We find this project example of the holy grail of early Cougars intriguing. Though it does need considerable work, it appears to be complete and without serious rust. The seller says it could be cleaned up fairly easily and made into a nice driver and we’d be tempted to go that route despite the non-stock color. Given the prospect of spending some time behind the wheel, we don’t think the orange would bother us a bit.