part 2 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 7.0-Litre GT-E
Under the Hood: Race-Bred Power
What truly sets the GT-E apart is the legendary engine it housed. The car was initially equipped with the W-code 7.0-liter (427 cubic inch) Side Oiler V8, a powerplant famous for its use in Ford’s Le Mans-winning GT40 race cars. This engine was conservatively rated at 390 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, delivering immense power and durability.
Mid-year, the 427 was replaced by the also-legendary 428 Cobra Jet V8. Although officially rated at a modest 335 horsepower for insurance purposes, its actual output was closer to 400 horsepower, capable of running the quarter-mile in the low 13-second range. This made the GT-E one of the fastest factory-built muscle cars of its time.
A Rare Blend of Luxury and Muscle
Beyond its powerful engine, the GT-E was a car of unique style and substance. Its distinctive Exterior featured a sleek, aggressive design with signature hidden headlights (an “electric razor” grille), sequential rear turn signals, quad exhaust tips, and specific “7.0 Liter GT-E” badging that hinted at the beast within.
1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 7.0-Litre GT-E listed for sale on Hemmings Marketplace.
Meanwhile, its upscale interior set it apart from its spartan rivals. The XR-7 trim level (which most GT-Es received) added premium touches like woodgrain accents, high-back bucket seats, and full instrumentation, offering a refined driving experience.
Exclusivity is a key part of this muscle car’s legacy. Only 394 GT-E models were produced in 1968 (357 with the 427 and a mere 37 with the 428 Cobra Jet), making it an ultra-rare collectible today.