An unstressed 429 big-block was offered for '71 only; other engines were two- and four-barrel 351 small-blocks, de-rated after '71 with the industry switch to SAE net horsepower quotes. The Cougar was really less a ponycar in these years than a cousin to the lush mid-size Montego -- which it became by shifting to that platform for '74.
Still, the 1971-73s aren't as boring as you might think
and are worth collector consideration, especially XR-7 hardtops -- as nice
inside as ever -- and the super-rare ragtops, both XR-7 and base.
Pluses
of the 1971-1973 Mercury Cougar:
- Last of their kind
- Smooth and plush, especially XR-7s
- Mechanical and most body parts still available
- Good club support
- Convertible
values drifting up
Minuses
of the 1971-1973 Mercury Cougar:
- Probably won't ever be a high-status Cougar
- So-so workmanship
- Rust-prone unless looked after
- Clean
convertibles tough to find
Production
of the 1971 Mercury Cougar:
- 2-door hardtop: 34,008
- Convertible: 1,723
- XR-7 2-door hardtop: 25,416
- XR-7 convertible: 1,717
Production
of the 1972 Mercury Cougar:
- 2-door hardtop: 23,731
- Convertible: 1,240
- XR-7 2-door hardtop: 26,802
- XR-7 convertible: 1,929
Production
of the 1973 Mercury Cougar:
- 2-door hardtop: 21,069
- Convertible: 1,284
- XR-7 2-door hardtop: 35,110
- XR-7 convertible: 3,165
Specifications
of the 1971-1973 Mercury Cougar:
Wheelbase,
inches: 113.0
Length,
inches: 196.7-199.5
Weight,
pounds: 3,330-3,530
Price,
new: $3,289-$3,903 (U.S.)
Engines
for the 1971-1973 Mercury Cougar:
*SAE grossType Size Horsepower Years ohv V-8 351 240/285* 1971 ohv V-8 351 168/262/266** 1972 ohv V-8 351 168/264** 1973 ohv V-8 429 370* 1971
** SAE net
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