Mercury is well noted for the ’69 Cougar Eliminator. Produced to rival the Camaro, Boss 302, and Mach 1 Mustangs. The Cougar Eliminator came with a range of engines, from the Trans Am-inspired solid-lifter 302-cid small block to the 428-cid Cobra Jet big block.

Mercury had introduced its sporty Cougar coupe in 1967 as a luxury-touring alternative to the Mustang pony-car . It had exquisite styling and upscale interior appointments, and was built on a stretched out Mustang chassis to provide a longer, and better ride-enhancing wheelbase.

With an array of record-setting Comet and Cougar drag specials, and NASCAR-winning Cyclones, Mercury was no new comer to performance. While the Cougar was still thought of as more of a luxury touring car than an American muscle car, it wasn't until the release of the 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator the cougar stood out as serious performance.

Not all ’69 Eliminators came equipped with the 428 Cobra Jet, but those that did were offered with and without Ram Air, and a 4.30:1 gear-ratio. Eliminator didn't use the shaker hood; its standard scoop was functional only when Ram Air was ordered. A blacked-out grille, side stripe, and front and rear spoilers enhanced the muscular look, and Mercury offered the Eliminator in an array of colors including; blue, orange, and yellow exterior colors. The real pavement pounders excelled even more as dealers ordered headers and dual-quad carburetors and more. From the factory, or with these available parts, the 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator was true American muscle.

Mercury Cougar: Specifications

· 0-60 mph: 5.6 sec.
1/4 mile: 14.1 sec. @ 103 mph