After 32 year of ownership, I have decided to consign the "R Code" to the Russo & Steele auction this January in Scottsdale. While lot numbers/auction times have not yet been assigned (R&S assigns them somewhat last minute based on the mix of cars, etc.), I expect the car will cross the block AT NO RESERVE sometime on Fri 1/18 or Sat 1/19, and will provide an update as the dates draw closer.
It feels like selling a family member, but I also know it's time to concentrate on other projects, and pass this amazing car on to a new owner in hopes they cherish like we have. Thanks to all my Cougar, SAAC & MCA pals for the help, knowledge, and support that have made the car better, and made owning it so freaking EPIC. We will party with this thing one last time, and send it across the block with good vibes for the next caretaker.
Rest assured, I'm not going anywhere. I still have the '67 Cougar, '89 Merkur, crew on my father-in-law's '66 Mustang coupe and will keep tinkering with old cars until they take my keys away, LOL
Some particulars on the upcoming auction:
What: Russo and Steele Scottsdale
When: Thursday, January 17th – Sunday, January 20th - I expect the car to cross the block Fri or Sat evening.
Where: SALT RIVER FIELDS AT TALKING STICK - 7555 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
For those not familiar with the car, here are a few talking points:
1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 "R Code" convertible: factory equipped with a Ram Air 428CJ engine, automatic transmission (C-6 with a cast iron tail shaft & correct R servo), black leather interior, W code yellow paint, air conditioning, tilt away wheel, console, AM/FM stereo, power steering, brakes and top with glass backlight. Originally equipped with a 3.00 open rear, it now sports a 3.25 traction lock in an N case (original gears/N case and the original, re-cored radiator are available).
Production statistics: Per Kevin Marti's research, there were 4,024 XR-7 convertibles produced in 1969, and just 127 of them had the R Code 428CJ engine, 96 of those with an automatic transmission. Of those, 4 were produced in W code yellow, and only this one had black leather interior.
Survival rate: Per the Cougar Club of America's 428CJ Registrar, Scott Taylor, as of November 2018 only 45 1969 XR-7 "R Code" convertibles are known to the registry (10 4 speeds/35 automatics).
Notable Awards: Cougar Club of America Concours Gold National award winner 2x (judging sheets available), AACA Grand National Senior award (2016).
Other: featured in Speed Channel's American Muscle Car T.V. Show: The Sign of the Cat originally aired June 2nd 2005 (searchable on YouTube). Also featured on Year One's website, CCOA's ATSOC publication (3x), the 2013 AACA Calendar.
Documentation: Original factory to dealer invoice (Eminger Report), Deluxe & Elite Marti Reports.
Engine is non-original but date coded within reason. Rebuilt to factory specifications, it has been bored .030 over and align honed, fully balanced rotating assembly, forged pistons (10.5:1), moly rings, Motorsport cam. Correct 735 CFM Holley carb, "X" fuel pump, and distributor. Factory exhaust manifolds have been Jet Hot coated in cast iron gray.
I've owned the car for 32 years since purchasing it from a longtime family friend, and the rotisserie restoration to concours specs was completed in 2005 by noted FoMoCo guru Ed Gaczek (now retired).
A few pics
800|600|2018|4115.jpg (ftp://800|600|2018|4115.jpg)
a few pics
As a fellow XR7 CJ-R convert owner, beautiful car. I am sure it is hard to part with it. Best of success with the sale.
I still remember when you and Phil found that car, and the early fun you had before it was restored. It will be quite change for you, but hopefully it's sale can open other doors for you.
Rare car that looks well done plus the top drops ;D . Best of luck with the auction and finding that beautiful car a new home.
I appreciate the kind words, guys. When I bought it back in the 80's, I could never have dreamed of all the cool people I'd meet, experiences, etc. that I'd have in connection with this car. It has certainly been a trip worth taking. 8)
Nice looking car, hope it brings enough money for you to enjoy life and hope it has enough memories to last a lifetime.
When I saw that car the 1st time my parts managers wife was driving it back and forth to school she was a teacher . I knew it was rare then ... I kept 00212 and passed this one over to R code . it was tough to give it up but he has provided a great home for the cougar!
Quote from: gt350shelb on November 09, 2018, 03:47:07 PM
When I saw that car the 1st time my parts managers wife was driving it back and forth to school she was a teacher . I knew it was rare then ... I kept 00212 and passed this one over to R code . it was tough to give it up but he has provided a great home for the cougar!
You & I turned a lot of wrenches on a lot of cars together, old buddy. Good times I wouldn't trade for all the tea in China.
Adding a link to the R&S site (below). See you in AZ!
https://russoandsteele.com/vehicle-details/?show_vehicle=173138¤t_index=1&total_results=371&tsauction_id=200&=&caryear=&caryearto=&search_text=&page=featured&showpage=2 (https://russoandsteele.com/vehicle-details/?show_vehicle=173138¤t_index=1&total_results=371&tsauction_id=200&=&caryear=&caryearto=&search_text=&page=featured&showpage=2)
UPDATE: The car is slated to cross the block on Sat evening, run # S719.
I'm very glad they gave it a prime time spot, up there with the big dogs!
If you are at the auctions, stop by & say "hi" to Dave W. (Wed, Thurs), me (Thurs, Fri, Sat) & a revolving cast of characters.
Link to full catalog (downloadable as a PDF)
http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/15df33a3#/15df33a3/1 (http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/15df33a3#/15df33a3/1)
Good luck Chris!
Wish you could bring it out to Carlisle one last time - this summer we are celebrating the 50th of the class of '69 ;D
- Phillip
Quote from: propayne on January 09, 2019, 03:11:58 PM
Good luck Chris!
Wish you could bring it out to Carlisle one last time - this summer we are celebrating the 50th of the class of '69 ;D
- Phillip
You said it Phillip. I'm really trying to attend the AFN this year, either with the '67, the Merkur, or both (no shortage of drivers around here, lol)
Times are now listed on the R&S site. Looks like we go across between 6:30-7 pm on Saturday. 8)
Lot #770 - This 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible is one of 37 built with a 428ci Cobra Jet engine with Ram-Air induction and an automatic transmission. A copy of the Ford Shipping Invoice and the Marti Report confirm that this car was sold new at Star Lincoln-Mercury Sales in Glendale, CA. With a rust-free body, this Cougar is equipped with a long list of options and accessories, including power steering, power disc brakes, power windows, power top, tilt steering column, leather bucket seats with sports console, AM/FM radio, tinted glass, tachometer and gauges, styled steel wheels
just sold Thursday at BJ for $51,700, don't know how it compares to yours........good luck with the sale......
If anyone here is at Russo & Steele be sure to stop by R code and bring him a beer ...... ask for a story in return about the car history / adventures..... you might need more than one beer but it will be fun conversations.
Hope your car does good just watched on the screen the 67 gt 500 shows 60.000 surely not anybody there know what happened with the 67 sale? thanks
Wrong rearend, wrong trans, color change white to Brittany Blue, missing original SHELBY tag. Saw I believe Jeff S hovering around it ;D Guy couldn't answer the most basic questions about it got a little nervous and left. :-[
2992 67 gt500 shows in registry brittany blue auto from tn.
For the 67 the reserve was dropped.
Looked like possibly one bidder
Saw pictures from the late 60s was painted white then, paperwork from Tennessee, Georgia, but man it was an oddity. I don't know how owner ended up with it because he didn't know much about these cars and he didn't want to fix anything, just seemed nervous and fidgety when I asked him the most simple questions. Didn't register or insure it or change the title into his name until he had to, to sell at auction oh well that one was not for me... a few other real nice ones up the freeway at BJ. :D
Jeff- Was that you hovering around the Brittany Blue 67 around 1.30 today? ;)
Any update on how this Cougar fared at Russo?
Pretty sure it went for $73K + buyers fee.
Quote from: 427heaven on January 18, 2019, 11:03:11 PM
Jeff- Was that you hovering around the Brittany Blue 67 around 1.30 today? ;)
Didn't have a watch on ::)
I did... ;D Were you there?
I had a lot going on time wise and had to leave R-S and head up the highway to BJ and others. Would have liked to say hello but was sprinting out of there, hope all is well and all had a good time. I sure did... Take care. :)