Short answer
The 1968 XR-7 Dan Gurney Special is the scarcest listed version, with one documented car. The XR7-G with the 428 Cobra Jet follows at 14, and the 428 GT-E at 37.
- Production era
- 1968 model year
- Smallest run
- XR-7 Dan Gurney Special, one car
- Evidence
- Ford production records and specialist registries
5 of the Rarest Mercury Cougar Models of All Time at a Glance
| No. | Factory version | Original production | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Mercury Cougar XR-7 Dan Gurney Special1968 | 1 car | — |
| 02 | Mercury Cougar XR7-G 428 Cobra Jet1968 | 14 cars | 428 Cobra Jet |
| 03 | Mercury Cougar GT-E 428 Cobra Jet1968 | 37 cars | 428 Cobra Jet |
| 04 | Mercury Cougar Hertz XR7-G1968 | 188 cars | 390 GT four-barrel |
| 05 | Mercury Cougar GT-E 4271968 | 357 cars | 427 V8 |
No entries match your search.
The scale of the difference
Original production · cars
First 5 entries shown. Bar lengths compare the magnitude of the reported values.
- Mercury Cougar XR-7 Dan Gurney Special1 car
- Mercury Cougar XR7-G 428 Cobra Jet14 cars
- Mercury Cougar GT-E 428 Cobra Jet37 cars
- Mercury Cougar Hertz XR7-G188 cars
- Mercury Cougar GT-E 427357 cars
5 of the Rarest Mercury Cougar Models of All Time: Entry Details
Mercury Cougar XR-7 Dan Gurney Special
1968The Dan Gurney appearance package is familiar on ordinary Cougars, but the club’s Ford-derived records identify a single XR-7 hardtop with it.
- Body
- XR-7 hardtop
- Documented production
- 1
Mercury Cougar XR7-G 428 Cobra Jet
1968The Cobra Jet gives the Gurney-inspired luxury package its rarest listed big-block engine choice.
- Engine
- 428 Cobra Jet
- Transmission split
- 11 automatic, 3 four-speed manual
Mercury Cougar GT-E 428 Cobra Jet
1968The late Cobra Jet GT-E differs from the earlier 427 cars. The register includes both standard and XR-7 hardtops.
- Engine
- 428 Cobra Jet
- Body split
- 14 standard, 23 XR-7
Mercury Cougar Hertz XR7-G
1968Hertz ordered these sunroof-equipped XR7-Gs with the 390 GT engine and automatic transmission for its rental fleet.
- Engine
- 390 GT four-barrel
- Configuration
- Automatic transmission and sunroof
Mercury Cougar GT-E 427
1968The earlier GT-E uses the 427 V8 with the C6 automatic. Its discreet body treatment separates it from the later, brighter Eliminator.
- Engine
- 427 V8
- Body split
- 101 standard, 256 XR-7
5 of the Rarest Mercury Cougar Models of All Time: Analysis
Why an ordinary package can become rare
The Dan Gurney Special was an appearance package rather than a separate high-performance engine programme. Its scarcity on the XR-7 comes from an unusual factory ordering combination, so the build record matters more than a badge or an owner-added decal.
Cobra Jet and Hertz cars tell different stories
The Cobra Jet versions combine scarce engines with specialised Cougar packages. Hertz XR7-Gs instead connect the Cougar to the rental-car performance era, with an identifiable fleet specification and district-order information that can support authentication.
Our verdict
What matters when buying a rare Cougar?
A Ford-derived build report and consistent engine, transmission and package details are the strongest starting point. A convincing restoration still needs evidence of the original factory specification.
Strengths
- Distinctive GT-E and XR7-G histories
- Factory records identify rare combinations
Things to consider
- Original production is not a surviving-car count
- Replacement engines and added trim can obscure identity
FAQ: 5 of the Rarest Mercury Cougar Models of All Time
What is the rarest Cougar listed here?
The 1968 XR-7 Dan Gurney Special, with one car in the Cougar Club’s Ford-derived records.
How many 428 GT-E Cougars were built?
The GT-E register records 37, including 14 standard cars and 23 XR-7s.
Were Hertz XR7-Gs Cobra Jet cars?
The Hertz fleet specification used the 390 GT engine and automatic transmission.
How can a rare Cougar be authenticated?
Compare a Marti build report with the VIN, door data plate and the relevant package registry.
Sources & methodology
Five selected scarce, mutually distinct 1968 factory engine/package versions, ordered by recorded original production. This is not an exhaustive ranking of every colour, axle and transmission permutation. The Hertz 390 cars do not overlap the 428 XR7-G row. The Cougar Club publishes Ford production records supplied through Marti Auto Works. Statistics copyrighted and courtesy of Marti Auto Works. For the XR7-G engine subset, use the registry’s 14-car total, not a disputed all-engine package total. The GT-E drivetrain register supplies the 427 and 428 splits. No estimate of survivors or auction value is inferred.
Maintained by Artsiom Dusau, a software engineer and BMW 4 Series owner. Editorial policy
