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Atomic Motors Classic Cars & Motorcycles

704 W Sunset Rd., Henderson, NV 89011
4.5
4.5 out of 5 stars
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Used 1986 Mercury Cougar

69,873 miles
For Sale:$69,980
Estimated payment:$1,587/mo.
$0 trade-in, 10% down payment, 48 months, Great credit score
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1986-mercury-cougar.jpg
  • Car
  • Coupe
  • Condition
    Used
  • Mileage
    69,873miles
  • Generation
    6(1983 - 1988)
  • Drivetrain
    Rear Wheel
  • Transmission
    Automatic
  • Exterior Color
    White
  • Interior Color
    White
  • Doors
    2
  • Max Seating
    5
  • Final Assembly Point
    Lorain, Ohio
  • VIN
    1MEBP92F9GH732406

Engine

V8 Gasoline

Message from the seller

AS LOW AS $698 PER MONTH O.A.C. Classic Motor Carriages produced a limited number of Tiffany Classics through the 80s. Production figures are sited as low as 150. This is NOT a kit car, this is a fully built coachwork car. These cars were among the most technically advanced vehicles available in the market in the 80s and came equipped with an amazing list of standard features. The designers who were tasked with designing this vehicle spent extra time on ensuring that the vehicle had amazing curb appeal with a comfortable interior as well. This car was built on a Mercury cougar chassis. From the top to the bottom, inside and out, this car has personality and luxurious looks! Classic Motor Carriages modified the Mercury Cougar by lengthening the wheelbase and installing revised bodywork, including a fiberglass front end, running boards, a rear trunk box with leather straps, and fender-mounted spare tire covers. This example is finished in white with gold pinstripes, and it is equipped with polished bumpers, quad trumpet horns, yellow fog lamps, simulated exhaust headers, Landau bars, a badge bar, and a gold-finished CMC hood ornament. It has white paint, Beige Leather Upholstery, 15" Wire Wheels, Power-Adjustable Front Bucket Seats, Automatic Climate Control, Cassette Stereo & Remote CD Changer. Thoroughly sorted out including a major undercarriage restoration, stripped, sanded, painted and cleared, Brand new Coker Wide White tires, front end alignment and any and all suspension parts that showed wear have been replaced. A/C gone through and sorted. 2 months, 5 days a week of continuous work to make this car as close to new as we can make it. Truly stunning automobile. 5.0-Liter V8 Four-Speed Automatic Transmission You will not be disappointed. Come down and test drive or send your inspector. This vehicle is located at Atomic Motors Classic in Henderson, NV just 20 mins from the fabulous Las Vegas Strip. Additional pictures and videos may be found on our site at www.atomicmotors.net Come down and see us or call our sales dept at 702-826-3811 ext 2. It is the responsibility of the buyer to either inspect the vehicle personally or via a 3rd party, to ensure satisfaction as to the condition and value, prior to purchase

  • Seating:

    • Standard Seating:5
    • Max Seating:5
    • Leg Room (front):41in.
    • Leg Room (rear):34in.

  • Measurements:

    • Length:197in.
    • Width:71in.
    • Height:53in.
    • Wheelbase:104in.

  • Weight:

    • Curb Weight:3,087lbs

1986 Mercury Cougar: A Detailed Overview

The 1986 Mercury Cougar represented a continuation of Ford's popular "Fox body" platform, offering a blend of sporty styling, comfortable cruising, and a touch of upscale flair. While sharing its underpinnings with the Ford Mustang, the Cougar carved out its own niche by emphasizing a more refined and sophisticated image.

Highlights

  • Engine Options: The 1986 Cougar offered two primary engine choices to suit different driving preferences:
    • 2.3L Inline-4: This engine provided a more fuel-efficient option for everyday driving. While not a performance powerhouse, it was adequate for general transportation.
    • 5.0L V8 "Cobra" Engine: This iconic engine, shared with the Mustang GT, was the heart of the performance-oriented Cougar. It delivered exhilarating acceleration and a throaty V8 rumble, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts.
  • Safety Features: In line with the era's advancements, the 1986 Cougar included several key safety features:
    • Halogen Headlights: Providing improved illumination over older sealed-beam units, enhancing visibility during nighttime driving.
    • Three-Point Seatbelts: Standard for front occupants, offering superior protection compared to lap belts in case of sudden stops or impacts.
    • Energy-Absorbing Steering Column: Designed to collapse in a controlled manner during a frontal collision, reducing the risk of driver injury.
    • Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): A pioneering feature for its time, ABS helped prevent wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing for better steering control and reducing stopping distances on slippery surfaces.
  • Trim Summary: The 1986 Cougar was available in distinct trims, each offering a different level of equipment and styling:
    • GS: The base model, offering a good balance of features and affordability. It still presented a stylish coupe with comfortable amenities for its price point.
    • LS: The luxury-oriented trim. The LS typically boasted upgraded interior materials, enhanced sound insulation for a quieter ride, and additional convenience features like power windows and door locks.
    • XR-7: The performance and sport-oriented trim. The XR-7 was the most potent offering, often featuring the 5.0L V8 engine as standard or a readily available option, along with sportier suspension tuning, unique exterior badging, and more aggressive styling cues.
  • Other Notable Aspects:
    • Distinctive Styling: The Cougar stood out from its Mustang sibling with its own unique front and rear fascia, including distinctive quad headlights and a sculpted rear end. This gave it a more mature and upscale appearance.
    • Comfortable Interior: Compared to the more utilitarian Mustang, the Cougar interiors were generally more comfortable and better appointed, with a focus on driver and passenger amenities.
    • Smooth Ride: The Cougar generally offered a smoother and more refined ride quality than the Mustang, making it a more pleasant choice for long-distance cruising.

What to Expect

Owning a 1986 Mercury Cougar typically involves experiencing a classic American rear-wheel-drive coupe from the 1980s. Here's a breakdown of the ownership experience:

  • Typical Ownership Experience: Cougars are generally known for their comfortable ride and straightforward mechanicals. The interior, especially in LS and XR-7 trims, can be quite well-equipped for its era, offering features that were considered premium at the time. Owners often appreciate the distinct styling and the availability of the potent 5.0L V8 engine for spirited drives. Weekend cruising and car shows are common activities for owners of these vehicles.
  • Maintenance: Maintenance on a 1986 Cougar is generally manageable, especially for those with basic mechanical knowledge. The Ford "Fox body" platform is well-understood, and parts are often readily available, though some specific Cougar trim pieces or unique components might require more searching. Routine maintenance like oil changes, filter replacements, and brake servicing are standard. The 5.0L V8 is known for its durability, but like any older engine, it can require attention to components like the ignition system, cooling system, and fuel delivery. Rust can be a concern, particularly in areas with harsh winters, so inspecting the body and frame for corrosion is crucial.
  • Insurance: Insurance for a 1986 Mercury Cougar will likely fall into the classic car or collector car insurance category if the vehicle is well-maintained and driven sparingly. Premiums can vary significantly based on your driving record, location, agreed-upon value of the vehicle, and the insurer. It's generally less expensive than insuring a brand-new sports car but more than a basic daily driver.

Potential Considerations

While the 1986 Cougar offers many desirable qualities, potential buyers should be aware of certain drawbacks:

  • Age and Wear: As a vehicle from the mid-1980s, all components are subject to wear and tear. Expect to address issues related to rubber components (hoses, seals, bushings), aging electrical systems, and potentially the interior upholstery and dashboard plastics succumbing to sun exposure.
  • Fuel Economy (5.0L V8): The powerful 5.0L V8 engine, while thrilling, is not fuel-efficient by modern standards. Owners of the V8 models should expect significantly lower miles per gallon compared to contemporary vehicles.
  • Technology and Safety: While equipped with the safety features of its time, the Cougar lacks many of the advanced safety and convenience technologies found in modern vehicles, such as airbags (beyond the steering wheel in some XR-7s), traction control, or advanced infotainment systems.
  • Rust: As mentioned earlier, rust is a common concern for vehicles of this age, particularly if they have lived in areas with salted roads. Thorough inspection of the unibody, wheel wells, rocker panels, and door bottoms is essential.
  • Interior Condition: The interiors, especially on higher-mileage examples, can show signs of wear. Seats may be worn, dashboards can crack, and headliners can sag. Finding a Cougar with a well-preserved interior can be a significant plus.

Overall Summary

The 1986 Mercury Cougar stands as a compelling option for those seeking a classic American coupe with a distinct identity. It successfully blended sporty performance, particularly with the optional 5.0L V8, with a more refined and comfortable cruising experience than its Mustang counterpart. While its age necessitates attention to maintenance and potential repairs, a well-cared-for Cougar offers a rewarding ownership experience, characterized by its stylish design, engaging driving dynamics, and a touch of eighties flair. It's a car that appeals to both casual enthusiasts and those looking for a comfortable yet capable cruiser with a classic appeal.

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Listed on December 23, 2025 (4 months ago)
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