Rare 1968 Mercury Cougar GTE For Sale: 1 of 256 427 V8s

This exceptional 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 7.0-Litre GT-E represents a rare piece of muscle car history, being one of only 256 examples produced for the model year equipped with the formidable 427ci V8 engine mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. Adding to its exclusivity, this specific 1968 Mercury Cougar Gte For Sale is reportedly the only XR-7 GT-E finished in the distinctive combination of Wellington Blue over Dark Blue upholstery from the factory. A true W-code powerhouse, it offers a unique opportunity for discerning collectors.

Front three-quarter view of a rare Wellington Blue 1968 Mercury Cougar GTE for sale, showcasing its hidden headlights and hood scoop.

Unique Pedigree: The Wellington Blue GT-E

Originally delivered to Bassett Lincoln-Mercury in Michigan City, Indiana, in March 1968, this Cougar GT-E remained with its first owner until late 2000, when acquired by the current seller. Under current ownership, the vehicle is said to have undergone refurbishment. The factory Wellington Blue (3061-A) paint was reapplied, complemented by the GT-E specific silver-colored trim on the lower body sections. Bodywork was reportedly performed on the hood, fenders, and trunk lid. Distinctive GT-E features include the blacked-out grille and taillamp trim, signature hidden headlights, a non-functional hood scoop, chrome bumpers, and quad exhaust outlets, signifying its performance intentions.

Side profile of the refurbished 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 GT-E, highlighting the silver lower trim and Wellington Blue paint.

Performance and Handling

The heart of this GT-E is the legendary 7.0-liter V8, also known as the 427 side-oiler. Factory rated at 390 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, this engine features a Holley four-barrel carburetor, a cross-bolted main-bearing cap design for strength, a hydraulic camshaft, high-strength pistons and connecting rods, and heavy-duty valve springs. Power is managed by the robust Select-Shift Merc-O-Matic C6 three-speed automatic transmission.

The powerful 7.0L 427 side-oiler V8 engine bay of the 1968 Mercury Cougar GTE for sale.

A stamping on the engine block appears to include the sequence 550450, corresponding to the vehicle’s chassis number, indicating its original powerplant. Handling is enhanced by the standard Super Competition Handling Package, which included stiffer springs, a larger-diameter front sway bar, heavy-duty shock absorbers, and a 3.50:1 Traction-Lok rear axle ratio. The car rides on silver and chrome-plated styled steel wheels fitted with period-correct red-stripe BFGoodrich tires. Power steering and power brakes were also equipped. A full-size spare resides in the trunk.

Matching engine block stamping detail confirming the originality of the 1968 Mercury Cougar GTE 427 engine.

Close-up of the styled steel wheel with red-stripe BFGoodrich tire on the 1968 Mercury Cougar GTE 427.

Undercarriage view showing the exhaust system and rear axle of the classic 1968 Mercury Cougar GTE.

Interior and Original Features

The cabin retains its Dark Blue theme with vinyl bucket seats, matching carpets, and trim panels. Factory equipment includes a center console housing the shifter, an original Philco AM radio, and an analog clock integrated into the passenger-side dashboard.

Interior view of the 1968 Mercury Cougar GTE featuring dark blue vinyl seats and center console.

The driver faces a wood-rimmed tilting steering wheel. Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer, a 6,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for amperage, fuel level, and coolant temperature. An auxiliary oil-pressure gauge is mounted conveniently on the glovebox door. The five-digit odometer displays approximately 42,000 miles.

Dashboard and wood-rimmed steering wheel of the 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 GT-E, showing instrumentation.

Documentation and Provenance

Authenticity and rarity are corroborated by an included Elite Marti report. This document decodes the vehicle’s trim tag, confirms selected features, build dates, and verifies the production numbers for the XR-7 GT-E models equipped with the potent 427ci engine. Only 357 GT-E Cougars were produced in total for 1968, with just 256 being XR-7 variants like this example.

Elite Marti Report confirming production details for the rare 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 GT-E 427.

Also accompanying the vehicle is a replica window sticker from the original selling dealer, Bassett Lincoln-Mercury. It details the car’s options and shows a total suggested retail price of $4,757, with the desirable 7.0 Litre GT-E package accounting for $1,311 of that cost. The oil was reportedly changed in preparation for the sale.

Matching engine block stamping detail confirming the originality of the 1968 Mercury Cougar GTE 427 engine.

Conclusion

This documented 1968 Mercury Cougar Gte For Sale presents a rare chance to acquire one of the most sought-after variants of Mercury’s pony car. Combining the powerful 427 V8 engine, the desirable GT-E package, reported single-example color combination, long-term ownership history, and supporting documentation like the Elite Marti report, this Cougar stands out as a significant offering for enthusiasts of classic American muscle cars. Its refurbishment under current ownership ensures it presents compellingly.