1970 Mercury Cougar, 351 Cleveland with Holley Sniper EFI and front discs

Why we picked it

This 1970 Cougar hardtop has a 351 Cleveland V8 (the VIN carries the H code) now fed by a Holley Sniper EFI system, backed by an FMX 3-speed automatic. It is red with a black vinyl top and red vinyl interior, shows 45,800 miles (true mileage unknown) and has a clean Florida title in the seller's name. The seller has owned it since 2019.

Upgrades include an aluminum radiator with dual electric fans, a front disc brake conversion, aftermarket spoilers and LED lighting. The listing notes paint chips and scuffs, a hood that does not quite match, a torn driver's seat, a disconnected radio and paint bubbling at the bottom of the doors, though the seller says there is no visible rust. The current bid is $7,250 and the auction ends October 9. Bids usually climb near the end.

The value check

When we found it, the bid was $7,250. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $14,750–$23,100, so the middle of the market is about $18,925. That put this car 62% under.

Base-model 1967-70 Cougars in driver condition sold for $14,750 to $23,100 in the past year (Hagerty, BaT, Mecum). The $7,250 bid is about 62% under the $18.9k midpoint, though bids usually climb before the October 9 close.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1968 Cougar sold $14,750, Hagerty Sep 2026
• 1969 Cougar sold $16,783, BaT Sep 2026
• 1969 Cougar sold $17,600, Mecum Jul 2026
• 1968 Cougar sold $23,100, Mecum Apr 2026

What to check

• Paint bubbling at the door bottoms often means rust underneath; check the doors, rockers, lower quarters and trunk drop-offs
• Inspect floors and the cowl area, both common rust spots on Florida-kept Cougars
• The sequential taillight system and hideaway headlight vacuum system are prone to failure; test both
• Confirm the Sniper EFI was installed with a proper return-style or in-tank fuel pump setup
• Mileage is not verified

Making it drive like new

The cooling, fuel and brake basics are already started. Next steps would be a front coil-over or improved spring and shock package with a thicker sway bar, a 4-speed AOD-E or 4R70W overdrive automatic to replace the FMX, subframe connectors, and fresh seats and carpet. Fix the door-bottom paint issues properly before any respray.

3 builders make a complete chassis for the 1967–70 Mercury Cougar. Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.

How it ended

Bidding reached $11,000 but the car didn't sell (ended Oct 9, 2026). Unsold cars often get relisted, so it may turn up again.