Users Story - Mikolaj's Mercury Cougar

We spoke to Mikolaj about his stunning 1968 Mercury Cougar.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR VEHICLE.

It's a 1968 Mercury Cougar. It's got a 351ci Windsor V8 under the bonnet, mated to a 5-speed Tremec T5 transmission, making around 400BHP. Cougars are based on the Mustang chassis and suspension and are a product of Ford. They're the more 'luxurious' version of the Mustang but aren't anywhere near as popular. Personally, I think Cougars are much cooler!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU OWNED IT?

I've had it since August 2022 so just over a year.

DID YOU RESTORE IT?

I haven't done anything to the exterior of the car apart from keeping it clean & waxed at all times, but I have restored the interior a bit, including having new floors welded in & sealed with epoxy paint.

I then installed Dynamat sound deadening and put down new carpet & floor mats. I've done all this last winter.

I'm afraid it does not! It's just the 'Cougar' or 'Cougs'.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS LOVED CARS? HOW DID THAT BEGIN?

I have indeed, from a very young age. My dad was always very passionate about cars and motorcycles and personally owned over 60 different cars in his life, including many classics. As kids, my brother and I collected playing cards with various cars on them and we used to know every single model that was on sale from each manufacturer. I am personally more into the American cars whereas my older brother is a big fan of the European retro cars.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR?

I refused to buy a 'normal' car for my very first vehicle so I stayed away from Vauxhall Corsas and the like. My first car was a 2000 Ford Mustang GT with a 4.6L V8 engine. Insurance was.... expensive.... but I have no regrets and I loved that car.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE ROAD TRIP?

Just over a month ago, my dad and I took my 1994 Reliant Rialto (3-wheeler!) from Edinburgh, all the way up to John O'Groats. The original plan was to do the whole NC500 but our holidays were running out so we had to cut the trip short. Still, we did over 600 miles in that little car and slept in a tent at caravan parks. It was quite the experience but the car handled it well and we haven't had a single breakdown. Going uphill was a bit of challenge though and we were holding up traffic... great fun though!

Yes, you can. I have been to several shows in 2023 with the Cougar and I am planning to attend more shows in 2024. I am based in Scotland though so I don't travel too far down south. I have done a few 200-mile round trips though and the car hasn't missed a beat.

...AND THE FINAL QUESTION - WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DREAM VEHICLE AND WHY?

I've always dreamed of owning a 1970 Dodge Charger or a Plymouth Roadrunner. I would settle for a Satellite though! I have the Fast & Furious franchise to thank for this haha.