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The 1971 Mercury Cougar is a classic American muscle car known for its sleek styling, powerful engine, and impressive performance. This car was produced during a time when American automakers were focused on creating high-performance vehicles that could compete with the best in the world.
In this blog post, we will explore the history of the 1971 Mercury Cougar, its features and specifications, engine, transmission, exterior, interior, performance, legacy, and answer some frequently asked questions about this classic car.
History
The Mercury Cougar was first introduced in 1967 as a high-performance version of the Ford Mustang. The car was produced for several decades and went through many design changes during that time.
The 1971 Mercury Cougar was part of the car’s second generation, which was produced from 1971 to 1973. The second-generation Cougar was known for its distinctive styling, which included a long hood, short deck, and a distinctive grille.
Features and Specifications
The 1971 Mercury Cougar was available in several different body styles, including a two-door coupe and a convertible. The car was also available with several different trim levels, including the base model, the XR-7, and the Eliminator.
The XR-7 and Eliminator models featured upgraded interior amenities, such as power windows and locks, air conditioning, and a premium sound system.
Engine
The 1971 Mercury Cougar was available with several different engine options, including a 351 cubic inch V8 engine, a 429 cubic inch V8 engine, and a 351 cubic inch V8 engine with a 4-barrel carburetor.
The 351 engine produced 240 horsepower, while the 429 engine produced 370 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a three-speed automatic transmission as standard, with a four-speed manual transmission available as an option.
Transmission
The 1971 Mercury Cougar was available with either a three-speed automatic transmission or a four-speed manual transmission. The automatic transmission was standard on both the 351 and 429 engines, while the manual transmission was available as an option. The manual transmission featured a floor-mounted shifter, while the automatic transmission featured a column-mounted shifter.
Exterior
The 1971 Mercury Cougar was known for its distinctive and stylish exterior design, which included a long hood, short deck, and a distinctive grille.
The car was available in several different colors, including black, white, red, blue, and green. It also featured chrome bumpers, door handles, and side mirrors, as well as a distinctive grille and hood ornament.
Interior
The interior of the 1971 Mercury Cougar was stylish and comfortable, with a variety of optional amenities available. The XR-7 and Eliminator models featured premium cloth seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The car was also available with optional extras, including power windows and locks, air conditioning, and an upgraded sound system.
Performance
The 1971 Mercury Cougar was a high-performance muscle car, with plenty of power and handling capabilities. The car’s V8 engines provided plenty of power for cruising and passing on the highway, while its advanced suspension system provided a smooth and comfortable ride.
The car was also available with optional power steering and power brakes, which made it easier to handle in tight spaces and at high speeds.
Legacy
The Mercury Cougar has become an icon of American automotive history, and the 1971 model played an important role in its legacy. The car’s distinctive styling, powerful engines, and impressive performance helped to establish the Mercury Cougar as a leader in the muscle car market.
Today, the 1971 Mercury Cougar is a popular classic car among collectors and enthusiasts, and it is highly sought after for its unique combination of vintage style and modern amenities.
Conclusion
The 1971 Mercury Cougar is a classic American muscle car known for its sleek styling, powerful engine, and impressive performance. Its distinctive design, powerful engines, and advanced features make it a standout among its competitors. Whether you are looking for a stylish and comfortable daily driver or a powerful and capable cruiser, the 1971 Mercury Cougar has something to offer.
FAQs
What engine options were available on the 1971 Mercury Cougar?
The 1971 Mercury Cougar was available with several different engine options, including a 351 cubic inch V8 engine, a 429 cubic inch V8 engine, and a 351 cubic inch V8 engine with a 4-barrel carburetor.
What transmission options were available on the 1971 Mercury Cougar?
The 1971 Mercury Cougar was available with either a three-speed automatic transmission or a four-speed manual transmission.
What body styles were available on the 1971 Mercury Cougar?
The 1971 Mercury Cougar was available in several different body styles, including a two-door coupe and a convertible.
What were some of the optional amenities available on the 1971 Mercury Cougar?
The 1971 Mercury Cougar was available with optional power windows and locks, airconditioning, and an upgraded sound system. The XR-7 and Eliminator models also featured premium cloth seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
What is the legacy of the 1971 Mercury Cougar?
The 1971 Mercury Cougar played an important role in establishing the Mercury Cougar as a leader in the muscle car market. Today, it is a popular classic car among collectors and enthusiasts for its unique combination of vintage style and modern amenities.
I’m Timothy Ballard, owner of a used car dealership in Springfield. I love just about everything automotive, but I have a special place in my heart for trucks. I’m an ASE Certified Master Technician, so I know my way around a car. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my family and hiking new trails.