Mercury is as a Ford-subsidiary, slotted in between their own marque and the Lincoln. Although Mercury also has extremely large cars in their programme, the Cougar fits in between the Ford Mustang and the Ford Thunderbird. Compared with the Pontiac GTO, which is also available in Europe, it represents the somewhat smaller variation.

Should one make this comparison, then the smaller engine makes itself noticed. This doesn't mean just the primitive power when accelerating and the somewhat lower top-speed. In the USA, the Cougar can of course, also be had with a cubic capacity of up to seven litres. By the way, just as a matter of interest, the fuel consumption of the two cars doesn't vary much at all.

The smaller Cougar, as far as it's dimensions and weight are concerned, is substantially more reasonable. Indeed, for the normal, typical American fittings, e.g., electric windows, one would have to pay more. Also the interior, with its imitation wood panelling and small glove compartment, leaves room for improvement.

If you don't really understand the reason why the lids can't always be closed without problems, we would like to point out that Cougar is of course, another name for the Puma, the likeness of which is mostly found on the bonnet, also on the early models, and the lid should somehow represent its teeth.

Although the Cougar, with its leaf-springs, has the more simple rear-axle compared with the GTO, it lies better on the road without having any particular loss of comfort. This is presumably because of the conversions made for the European market and stamping rear axles were well known at this time, although more in the mid-range- than in the luxury class.

In contrast to that of the GTO, even the steering is praised, indeed, the wind noises caused by the frameless windows, is reproved. This Mercury is indeed, a typical Ford, reasonably priced and without serious shortcomings. 05/15