1970 Mercury 428 Super Cobra Jet Eliminator with a Drag Pack

The production figures listed in this Cougar Eliminator's Marti Report indicate that it is the only one built by Mercury in 1970 with its unique combination of speed equipment and optional accessories. Despite over 70,000 Cougars being built in the 1970 model year, only 2,268 of them were the high-performance Eliminator models. Setting the Eliminators apart were bold hood and fender stripes, a hood scoop, front and rear spoilers, and three high-performance engine options.

This Competition Blue Eliminator features the rarest of the three V-8s: the 428 Cobra Jet, boasting power ratings of 335 HP and 450 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with the Drag Pak option—comprising a reinforced bottom end, external oil cooler, and 3.91 gears in the Traction-Lok rear end—not only did it upgrade the Cobra Jet to Super Cobra Jet status but also rendered this Cougar even rarer, being one of just 127 built. Cougar Club Eliminator Registrar David Wyras noted that this car is one of only five combining the Drag Pak option and a C6 automatic transmission ("Select-Shift" in Mercury terminology). Collectors should take note: the Cougar's driveline, from the matching-numbers 428 SCJ to the nodular rear end, remains factory-original equipment.

All Cougar Eliminators with the 428 CJ came equipped with Mercury's Competition Handling Package, featuring firmer springs and shocks, as well as a larger front sway bar. Additionally, this car was ordered with optional power front disc/rear drum brakes and power steering. F70-14 tires were standard equipment, mounted on Mercury's optional styled-steel wheels in this Cougar. The interior boasts blue vinyl high-back bucket seats and a console surrounding the C6's floor shifter. An earlier restoration by Cougar Specialist KTL Restorations preserved the car's original sheet metal. More recently, the car underwent further enhancement by Marcus Anghel of Anghel Restorations in Scottsdale, Arizona, involving the addition of NOS components and a thorough refreshing to ensure the car is as factory-correct as possible.

Those familiar with the Eliminator world are well-acquainted with this car. With a restoration valued at over $200,000, if you're seeking the best, this is it.