MUNCLE MIKES · CASTING GUIDE
1968 Custom CougarLook closely at the center of the grille
Custom Cougar’s small grille tooth is easy to miss in a three-quarter photograph. On some early examples it carries body-color paint. That detail and the black-roof treatment are separate features, so each needs its own close look.
The grille and cabin help identify the country version
The 1968 Custom Cougar is based on the 1967 Mercury coupe. US examples have clear glazing, black grille trim and an integral dashboard and steering wheel. Hong Kong cars have blue glazing and a separate wheel without that dashboard.
The Hong Kong underside has suspension openings and more mechanical detail. Photograph the full base as well as the grille; a dark front view can make painted and unpainted areas look alike.
Painted tooth and black roof are different comparisons
Early US and Hong Kong cars are documented with the grille’s center tooth painted to match the body. The simulated black vinyl roof is documented on Hong Kong examples.
Use a sharply focused front view for the tooth and an overhead view for the roof edges. Wear or touch-ups can change either feature. Describe the paint you can see before attaching a special-variation label.
Keep the original coupe distinct
Early US bases also have a smaller fuel-tank detail. Record that alongside the cabin, glazing and finish rather than treating one underside feature as a complete identification.
Check the hood corners and hinge area for damage, and note any replacement wheels or refinishing. A restored Cougar can still display well; its repairs should stay with its history.
The later Nitty Gritty Kitty is the Spoilers relative. This guide covers the original Custom Cougar, rather than the separate casting introduced under that name in 2002.
