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The Eliminator was a low-production performance and appearance option on the 1969 and 1970 Mercury Cougar. While it could be equipped with the new Bos 302 V8 (approved for SCCA Trans-Am racing), you could dial it up to the Super Cobra Jet 428 that produced 335 hp (conservatively). This seller’s car appears to be one of just 2,268 built in 1970 and is either a sharp survivor or a well-done restoration (the seller doesn’t say either way).
Launched in 1967, the Cougar was Mercury’s counterpart to the Ford Mustang. As was customary of Mercury, the Cougar was better equipped than comparable Fords. Buyer response was positive and in its first year, the Cougar comprised 40% of all Mercury production. Soon, dealers would add signage to their buildings that said “Sign of the Cat” to promote the bold nature of the Cougar. When it was rolled out, the Eliminator replaced the Cougar GT and was only available as a hardtop (sorry, no drop-tops). When you specified an Eliminator on the order sheet, you checked boxes for the Eliminator Equipment Package, Eliminator Décor Group, and the Performance Tire & Handling Group, making the machine a heckuva muscle car.
You don’t see an Eliminator very often today because only a little more than 4,500 were assembled in 1969 and 1970. This one is finished in Competition Yellow paint with a black vinyl interior. The indicated mileage is 31,000, so is that original or 131,000 after a restoration? The seller does not say, nor are any photos provided of a key area of this automobile, the engine compartment. Does the SCJ engine look as nice as the rest of the vehicle? And is it even original as the VIN decodes as a 351 V8?
What we are told is that the car has an automatic transmission, Traction-Lok rear end, and the Drag-Pak option, so not much was left off the list when this Mercury rolled off the assembly line. As was the norm for Cougars of the day, the headlights are of the hideaway variety, and we assume everything works as it should (except the clock which is frozen in time). The ad sounds like it was placed by a dealer and there is a Buy It Now price, but you have to ask for it and other photos. Located in Irving, Texas, the current bid for this beauty here on eBay is $35,100.
