Rare 1968 Mercury Cougar GTE For Sale: Wellington Blue 427 V8
An exceptionally rare 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 7.0-Litre GT-E is currently drawing attention among classic car collectors. This specific Mercury Cougar Gte For Sale represents one of only 256 examples built for the model year equipped with the formidable 427ci V8 engine, paired with a C6 three-speed automatic transmission. Adding to its exclusivity, documentation suggests this is the only XR-7 GT-E originally finished in Wellington Blue over a Dark Blue interior.
Front three-quarter view of a rare 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 GT-E in Wellington Blue with silver lower trim parked outdoors.
A Unique Find: The Wellington Blue GT-E
Delivered new to Bassett Lincoln-Mercury in Michigan City, Indiana, in March 1968, this Cougar GT-E remained with its reported first owner until late 2000. The current owner, who acquired it then, commissioned a refurbishment that included repainting the car in its factory Wellington Blue (3061-A). Bodywork was reportedly performed on the hood, fenders, and trunk lid. The GT-E package features distinctive silver-colored lower body trim, blacked-out accents on the grille and taillights, iconic hidden headlights, a non-functional hood scoop, chrome bumpers, and quad exhaust outlets, all contributing to its aggressive stance.
Close-up of the distinctive blacked-out front grille and hidden headlights on the 1968 Mercury Cougar GT-E.
Performance Pedigree: The 427 Side-Oiler V8
Under the hood lies the legendary 7.0-liter W-code 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, cross-bolted main bearing caps for enhanced block strength, a hydraulic camshaft, high-strength pistons and connecting rods, and heavy-duty valve springs. An engine block stamping appears to match the car’s chassis number, indicating potential originality. Recent servicing included an oil change.
Engine bay showcasing the powerful 427 side-oiler V8 engine in the 1968 Mercury Cougar GT-E.
Close-up photo showing the engine block stamping with sequence number matching the chassis on the 1968 Mercury Cougar 427 V8.
Power is managed by the Select-Shift Merc-O-Matic C6 three-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels.
Undercarriage view highlighting the exhaust system and rear axle of the 1968 Mercury Cougar GT-E.
Handling, Interior, and Documentation
Complementing the powerful engine is the standard Super Competition Handling Package. This included stiffer springs, a larger-diameter front sway bar, heavy-duty shock absorbers, and a 3.50:1 Traction-Lok limited-slip rear axle. The car rides on silver and chrome-plated styled steel wheels shod with period-correct red-stripe BFGoodrich tires. A full-size spare is located in the trunk.
Side profile detail showing the silver styled steel wheel with red-stripe BFGoodrich tire on the 1968 Mercury Cougar GT-E.
Inside, the XR-7 trim features dark blue vinyl seats with matching carpets and trim panels. Equipment includes a center console, the original Philco AM radio, and a clock. The wood-rimmed tilting steering wheel fronts a comprehensive instrument panel with 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 on the glovebox door. The odometer displays approximately 42,000 miles.
Interior view of the 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 GT-E featuring dark blue vinyl seats and center console.
Dashboard view of the 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 showing the wood-rimmed steering wheel, speedometer, and tachometer.
Authenticity is supported by an Elite Marti report, which decodes the vehicle’s trim tag and confirms its features, build dates, and production statistics. It verifies this car as one of 357 GT-Es built for 1968, and one of the 256 XR-7 models equipped with the 427 engine. A replica window sticker shows the original equipment and a total suggested retail price of $4,757, with the 7.0 Litre GT-E package adding $1,311.
Image of the Elite Marti Report confirming details and rarity of the 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 GT-E 427.
Image of the Elite Marti Report confirming details and rarity of the 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 GT-E 427.
A Collector’s Opportunity
This 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 GT-E represents a significant piece of muscle car history. Its combination of the potent 427 V8, the rare GT-E package, unique documented color combination, and long-term ownership history makes it a highly desirable classic. The availability of this specific Mercury Cougar Gte For Sale offers a unique chance for discerning collectors to acquire a verified and historically significant vehicle.
