1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator

Description

A true legend in the muscle car world, this 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator, nicknamed "Lethal Cat," is an exceptionally rare example of American performance. An early member of the Cliff Ernst collection, this Competition Yellow beauty earned its moniker in a 1991 issue of Musclecar Classics. The current owner acquired the car in 2000 from the party who purchased it from Ernst, later commissioning a meticulous restoration to return it to its fully correct specifications.

Built by KTL Restorations, award-winning specialists in Cougar restoration, "Lethal Cat" was transformed into a concours-level show car. The project demanded 4,000 hours of labor, with every detail painstakingly perfected. The car's body was stripped to bare metal, ensuring all panels were smoothed and straightened before receiving a flawless Glasurit Competition Yellow finish. Factory-correct Eliminator stripes, a blacked-out grille, spoiler, and sport mirrors complete the aggressive styling. It rides on Goodyear Polyglas Bias Ply tires mounted on 14” Magnum 500 wheels, maintaining its period-correct stance. This Eliminator was also factory-optioned with the desirable Ram Air induction system, further enhancing its performance capabilities.

Under the hood, the original 428 Cobra Jet V8 was rebuilt and balanced to perfection. Featuring forged pistons, a hydraulic Comp camshaft, and stainless steel valves with hardened seats, the powerhouse breathes through its original 4-barrel carburetor and receives spark through its original distributor. The original Toploader 4-speed manual transmission sends power back to a Ford 9” rear end with 3.25 gears and Positraction. Factory power steering and power brakes with discs up front and drums in the rear allow for a confident driving experience.

What truly sets "Lethal Cat" apart is its extreme rarity. It is one of only 182 Cougar Eliminators produced in 1970 with the 428 Cobra Jet and 4-speed manual transmission combination. Of those, only 39 were finished in Competition Yellow, and only 13 of those vivid cars were optioned with the Black Houndstooth Decor interior. Further solidifying its exclusivity, it is the only known example of those 13 cars, equipped with an AM/FM radio, making it a true one-of-one car.

With a history as rich as its performance, "Lethal Cat" has made its mark in the show circuit, earning numerous prestigious awards. In 2019, it was named Goodguys Muscle Car of the Year and won the American Performance Class at the Keeneland Concours D'Elegance. That same year at the Starbird Rod and Custom Show, it received an honorary Fine Nine Award, Best Restored, and 1st Place Muscle Car honors. It has also been a featured highlight at the Carlisle All Ford Nationals and the 2018 SEMA show.

Not only is "Lethal Cat" an ultra-rare, one-of-one example, but it also embodies raw muscle and show-stopping presence. With a rare build sheet, factory-correct restoration, and a trophy-winning track record, this 1970 Cougar Eliminator is more than a collector's piece—it's an icon of American muscle car history.

Key Highlights

• "Lethal Cat" 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator
• Ground-up restoration by award-winning KTL Restorations
• Featured at 2018 SEMA show
• Goodguy's 2019 "Muscle Car of the Year"
• 2019 Keeneland Concours D'Elegance “American Performance” class winner
• 2019 Starbird Rods and Customs Show Honorary "Fine Nine" Award
• 2019 Starbird Rods and Customs Show 1st Place "Best Original Restoration"
• 2019 Starbird Rods and Customs Show 1st Place "Muscle Car"
• 1-of-1 car based on options
• Eliminator Package
• Original 428 Cobra Jet V8
• Original Toploader 4 speed manual transmission
• Ford 9" with 3.25 gears and Positraction
• Competition Yellow exterior
• Black Houndstooth Decor bucket seat interior
• Power brakes (discs front, drums rear)
• Power steering