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The Mercury Cougar burst onto the scene in 1967, ready to purr into the pony car competition. With its wood-dash and fake leather flair, the XR-7 model was the cat’s meow. Under the hood, the Cougar roared with options from a modest 289 V8 to the fierce 428 Cobra Jet. While its design took cues from the Mustang, the Cougar added a European twist with hidden headlights that played peek-a-boo. By 1970, the Cougar was strutting into luxury territory, flaunting fashion-forward houndstooth vinyl.
Rev up your engines for a ride through the iconic Pontiac GTO era, 1965-1967! This muscle car’s journey starts with a sleek redesign in ’65, adding a functional hood scoop for that extra “vroom” and an optional tachometer for those who like to live on the edge. In ’66, the GTO strutted its stuff as a standalone model, offering pillared and pillarless options, plus a convertible for those who like wind in their hair. By ’67, it boasted a 400 CID engine and new safety features, making it both a beast and a beauty on the road!
Pontiac’s first-gen Firebird (1967-1969) was born because GM feared a two-seater would steal Corvette’s thunder. This muscle car flexed with a variety of engines, from a humble six to a roaring 400-cubic-inch V8. Firebird’s design evolved to meet safety laws, like hiding the vent windows in ’68 and adding 5 mph bumpers in ’69. The ’69 Firebird even lingered into 1970 due to Pontiac’s second-gen hiccups. It also saw the debut of the Trans Am package, adding flair with a rear spoiler and more power under the hood.
The Pontiac GTO of 1968 and 1969 brought muscle and style with a touch of humor. The ’68 model shed its vent windows for a curvier look, boasting dual hood scoops and hidden wipers. Fast-forward to ’69, the GTO lost those vents completely, added side marker lights, and moved the ignition key to the steering column. The highlight? “The Judge” model, inspired by Sammy Davis Jr.’s “Here Come da Judge” routine, became a cultural icon with its catchy slogans and bold colors.
Rev up your nostalgia engines as we cruise back to 1969, the third year of the Mercury Cougar’s production—where the muscle car magic gets an upgrade! Say goodbye to the horizontal bars and hello to the sleek, concave tail lights that make the rear look like it’s ready to pounce. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any cooler, this feline beauty offers a convertible option. Under the hood? A 350 Windsor standard, but why not go big with a 390 or 427? Buckle up, it’s a wild ride!
The 1966 Pontiac GTO, affectionately dubbed “The Goat,” didn’t just break sales records; it kicked them to the curb with a whopping 98,946 units sold. Despite Pontiac’s attempts to market it as “The GTO Tiger,” the quirky nickname stuck like gum on a shoe. With two beastly V8 engines and four transmission options, this car was a gearhead’s dream. The tri-power option met its demise midway, replaced by the XS engine, but it didn’t quite roar with consumers. Only about 35 XS beasts were unleashed by the factory!