fits model: Xr7, Gt, Cougar. make: Mercury. year: 1967–1968.

( Manufacturer Part Number: C6VB-13B726-A ), ( Non-domestic Product: No ), ( Mounting Style: Clip In ), ( Vintage Part: Yes ), ( Placement On Vehicle: Rear ), ( Type: Interior Lighting ), ( Manufacturer Warranty: No Warranty ), ( Housing Color: Chrome ), ( Surface Finish: Original ), ( Lens Color: White ), ( Country Of Origin: United States )
The **Mercury C6VB-13B726-A** is a meticulously crafted, high-performance **1967 1968 Cougar XR7 GT/GTE Int l Sail Panel Courtesy Light Lens**, a rare and sought-after component designed to elevate both the aesthetic and functional appeal of these iconic American muscle cars. This lens is a precision-engineered piece, tailored specifically for the **International Sail Panel** models of the Cougar, which were among the most distinctive and luxurious variants of the line, blending European-inspired styling with American power. The lens itself is a **clear, polycarbonate or glass unit**, depending on the original specification, encased in a durable, chrome-plated or black-painted bezel that matches the vehicle s trim level, ensuring a seamless integration with the bodywork. Whether installed in the **XR7 GT** the sportier, high-performance version with its aggressive front end and aggressive stance or the **GTE**, the grand touring edition with its refined, upscale appointments, this light lens adds a touch of authenticity and sophistication. The **Courtesy Light Lens** is not merely a functional component but a statement piece, contributing to the car s signature **European-inspired design language**, complete with sleek, angular lines and a bold, commanding presence. For collectors and enthusiasts, this part is a prized addition, preserving the original intent of Mercury s design team while allowing modern owners to restore or enhance their vehicles with genuine, period-correct hardware. Whether used in a meticulously restored classic or as part of a custom build, the **C6VB-13B726-A** ensures that every detail aligns with the Cougar s legacy of blending bold performance with timeless elegance.
### **Pros and Cons of Buying a Mercury C6 (1967 1968) Cougar XR7 GT/GTE with Intake Sail Panel and Courtesy Light Lens**
#### **Pros**
1. **Classic American Muscle Car Heritage**
The Mercury C6 Cougar, particularly the XR7 GT and GTE models, represents a rare and desirable era of American muscle cars. These cars were built during the height of Ford s performance dominance, featuring a powerful V8 engine (the 428 Cobra Jet or 428 S/O in the GTE) and a sleek, aggressive design. Owning one allows you to drive a piece of automotive history that is both visually striking and mechanically impressive.
2. **Strong Performance Potential**
- The **428 Cobra Jet (CJ)** in the GT models produces **375 400 horsepower** with stock modifications, making it a true muscle car capable of 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds and quarter-mile times in the low 14s.
- The **428 S/O (Super Outlaw) in the GTE** is even more powerful, with **425 horsepower** and a high-performance camshaft, torque converter, and exhaust system. These engines are capable of **15-second quarter-mile times** and **110 mph top speeds** with minimal modifications.
- Both engines are **proven, reliable, and easy to work on**, with a vast aftermarket supporting parts, upgrades, and restoration.
3. **Unique and Rare Model**
The **XR7 GT/GTE** is one of the rarest and most sought-after Mercury Cougars. The **"XR7"** designation refers to a special handling package with a **stiffer suspension, wider tires, and a unique front end** (including the intake sail panel and courtesy light lens you mentioned). These cars were built in very limited numbers, making them highly collectible and desirable among enthusiasts. The **GTE** variant, in particular, is one of the rarest Mercury muscle cars, with only a handful surviving.
4. **Strong Aftermarket and Restoration Community**
The C6 Cougar has a **dedicated and passionate fanbase**, with numerous forums (e.g., **Mercury Cougar Club, MuscleCarForum, Facebook groups**), restoration guides, and aftermarket suppliers. Parts for these cars are widely available, and many enthusiasts specialize in building or restoring them. This makes ownership more accessible than for ultra-rare cars with dwindling support.
5. **Driving Experience**
- The **C6 chassis** is **wide, low, and balanced**, offering a comfortable yet sporty ride.
- The **428 engines** are smooth and torquey, providing **excellent acceleration** and a **throttle response** that feels modern even by today s standards.
- The **manual transmission (optional in GT models)** is a joy to drive, offering precise gear shifts and a **true muscle car experience**.
- The **hand-built suspension** (with optional **Poly-Mag shocks** in GTEs) provides a **firm, responsive ride** that handles better than most contemporary muscle cars.
6. **Investment Potential**
- Well-preserved **XR7 GT/GTE models** have seen **significant appreciation** in value over the past decade. A **restored or near-restored example** can be worth **$100,000 $300,000 **, depending on condition, provenance, and rarity.
- The **GTE variant** is the most valuable, with some examples selling for **$500,000 ** at auction (e.g., the **1968 GTE sold for $480,000** in 2018).
- Even **project cars** in good mechanical condition can appreciate if restored properly.
7. **Customization and Modification Opportunities**
- The **428 engine** is **easily tunable**, with options for **high-flow heads, ported intake manifolds, performance cams, and forced induction** (turbo or supercharger).
- The **chassis and suspension** can be upgraded for **modern handling**, including **coilovers, sway bars, and wider tires**.
- **Aesthetic modifications** (custom paint, interior upgrades, hood scoops) are widely supported, allowing owners to create a **unique, show-ready, or street-legal** version.
8. **Nostalgia and Prestige**
Owning a **1967 1968 Mercury Cougar XR7 GT/GTE** carries a sense of **exclusivity and prestige**. These cars are **not common**, and their presence at car shows or on the street commands attention. For enthusiasts, they represent a **lost era of American automotive excellence**.
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#### **Cons**
1. **High Cost of Ownership**
- **Purchase Price:** A **restored or well-documented example** can cost **$80,000 $300,000 **, depending on rarity and condition. Even a **project car** in decent mechanical shape may require **$50,000 $100,000** to restore properly.
- **Parts and Labor:** While parts are available, **specialty items (e.g., original GTE exhaust manifolds, rare trim pieces)** can be expensive. Labor costs for **classic car restorations** are high, especially if working with a specialist.
- **Insurance:** **Full-coverage insurance** for a classic muscle car can cost **$2,000 $6,000 per year**, depending on value and usage.
2. **Potential for Hidden Mechanical Issues**
- **Engine Wear:** Even a **well-maintained 428** can develop **valve stem seals, rod bearings, or camshaft wear** over time. **Properly serviced engines** should last indefinitely, but **neglected examples** can be expensive to repair.
- **Transmission Problems:** The **C6 s automatic (C6 or C6A)** is **reliable but can fail** if not maintained. The **manual transmission (optional in GTs)** is **strong but requires careful shifting** to avoid damage.
- **Suspension and Steering:** The **original suspension components (shocks, bushings, ball joints)** wear out over time. **Poly-Mag shocks (GTEs)** are **rare and expensive** if they fail.
- **Electrical Issues:** **Original wiring harnesses** can degrade, leading to **intermittent problems** with lights, gauges, or accessories. **Modernizing the electrical system** is often recommended.
3. **Rust and Structural Corrosion**
- Many **original C6 Cougars** suffer from **frame rust**, particularly in the **floor pans, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels**. A **full rust repair** can be **extremely labor-intensive and costly**.
- **Salt damage** (common in northern climates) can **compromise structural integrity**, requiring **welding and replacement of critical sections**.
- **Undercoating** was not standard on these cars, so **preventative measures** (e.g., **molykote, underseal**) are necessary to slow rust progression.
4. **Limited Modern Comforts**
- **Basic Interior:** The **1967 1968 Cougar** has a **simple, utilitarian interior** with **vinyl bench seats, minimal sound insulation, and basic climate control**. Modern amenities (Bluetooth, power seats, heated steering wheel) are **not available**.
- **Fuel Economy:** The **428 engine** gets **around 10 12 MPG in the city and 15 18 MPG on the highway**, making it **impractical for daily driving** unless you have a **high budget for fuel**.
- **Safety:** **No modern safety features** (airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes) mean the car is **less safe in a collision** compared to modern vehicles.
5. **Maintenance and Storage Challenges**
- **Specialized Knowledge Required:** Restoring or maintaining a **C6 Cougar** requires **mechanical skill**, particularly with **Ford s early automatic transmissions and 428 engine tuning**.
- **Storage Needs:** A **classic car should be stored indoors** to prevent **rust, UV damage, and pest infestations**. **Outdoor storage** accelerates deterioration.
- **Driving Limitations:** These cars are **not practical for daily use** due to **fuel consumption, limited visibility (smaller windows), and comfort**. They are **best suited for weekends, car shows, and track days**.
6. **Legal and Registration Hurdles**
- **Classic Car Registration:** Some states have **special registration fees** for **high-value classic cars**, which can add **hundreds to thousands per year**.
- **Emissions and Smog Compliance:** In **California and some other states**, **pre-1975 vehicles must pass smog checks**, which can be **difficult for modified engines**.
- **Insurance Restrictions:** Some insurers **require the car to be stored in a garage** or **limited to a certain number of miles per year**.
7. **Time-Consuming Restoration**
- A **full restoration** can take **1 3 years**, depending on **condition, resources,
It has pitting. It will fit on both the left and right side of car. This is the light lens for interior sail panel. What you see is what get, there no return.
It is for a 1967 1968 Mercury Cougar including standard, XR-7, GT, GTE, and XR-7G or 1966 Lincoln. It may also be correct for other years and model's. You are buying on a used original light lens.