Faults:

Radiator replaced.

Brakes had to be rebuilt twice.

Rebuilt carburetor.

Replaced shocks.

Motor & trans were tired.

Rust in rear quarters.

Leather driver's seat rotted.

The car was well worn when I got it.

General Comments:

I bought this car as a project when I really didn't have the time, money, or even a place to work on it. I bought it for $500US from a guy who claimed it had a rebuilt motor and transmission. The motor was a 351C 2 barrel with an FMX transmission. The AC didn't work and it had three mismatched mag wheels. The interior was a wreck, but I envisioned something similar to Mad Max's interceptor...

Right off there bat, I had to rebuild the front suspension, the brakes (four wheel manual drums), as well as a number of other things. I pumped over $2K in repairs overall. I found a set of Ford steel rims off a Fairlane, Torino BY at a junk yard, painted them black, and installed some wide tires. I also installed a dual exhaust and an open element air cleaner. I intended to replace the motor/trans with a 4V/C4, but that 2V/FMX ran pretty strong for close to 25k. It would scratch 2nd gear and bury the speedometer needle. I also added aftermarket anti-sway bars, making it a very good handling street car for its day.

Eventually it started to wear down, and I was fixing stuff twice. It needed a new motor and tranny, along with a bunch of other things; and the AC still didn't work. I had graduated college by then, and broke down and bought a new pickup. Sold her for $400.

I bought this beast as a project, and ended up driving it because it was a lot of fun. I wouldn't mind finding another 71, but with a 4V motor and 4 speed; and in much better shape to start with.

Faults:

No problems have occurred with this car apart from faults found during routine maintenance.

My particular Cougar is undergoing a ground up rebuild currently and parts are easy to find and not especially expensive with relevance to the era of manufacture.

General Comments:

Before the current rebuild, I had an engine rebuild, (to obtain more than standard performance).

I rebuilt the transmission due to oil leaks.

This car has a real go fast feel when in the drivers seat.

The rear seats are a bit of a waste of time due to their size. (Hey, who needs rear seats)

Even stock, the power from this engine could fry the 265 rear tires.