For any trivia fans, “Top Cat” was a TV cartoon in the early 60's, but Top Cat could also be a high-end Cougar. Cougars were the luxury “pony cars,” made for those who wanted those sporty cars with class. Karen and Landon’s ‘68 Cougar XR7 GT fills that bill. It came with leather upholstery, full gauges, power steering and brakes, air conditioning and an 8-track tape player to fill the luxury side. For the sporty side, it came with performance suspension, front disc brakes, positraction rear end and a big-block 390 CID engine. It also had the beefy C-6 auto trans. The reason they bought this cat has nothing to do with any fond memories of a cartoon character, but with Karen’s fond memory of a car she owned back in the early 70's, a ‘67 Cougar. After about four years of searching, she found this Cougar in 2004. As is often the case, she had to kiss a lot of frogs (look at many rust-buckets being sold as in “great condition”) before finding this prince. It had everything she had loved about the ‘67, including a ground-thumping engine. It was exactly what she remembered and Landon liked it too. So the deal was made and they drove it home. It is completely stock. With only 110,00 miles and having been garage-stored, it needed little work. The engine has probably been gone through, with a hotter cam and Edelbrock carb added. The only things they have done are trim out the engine with new valve covers and air cleaner and give it a fresh paint job in the original Polo Green. Since buying it, they have driven it all over NorCa and even taken it on a trip with fellow Roamin Angels that went to Coeur d’Alene, ID. On the way back, they went with a group to Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole, WY. Their cat prowled without a problem.

Cougar’s “top cat” status was enhanced by features like sequential taillights and hidden headlights. This one even has original rally wheels.

Bucket seats keep the sporty image, while wood-grain paneling give the luxury feel. The 8-track player is still there and works. If you could find tapes. A modern sound system is hidden in the glove box.

Originally rated at 335 HP, this 390 has a little more power. The Cobra valve covers and air cleaner are add-ons.

Ron Cherry © 2009