Mercury Cougar Eliminator
The gentleman's muscle car with a high-revving Trans-Am heart.
- Power
- 290 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 6.7 s
- Top speed
- 120 mph
- Est. value
- $85k–$165k
About the Mercury Cougar Eliminator
The 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator Boss 302 represents the peak of Mercury's pony car performance, blending luxury with the high-revving engine developed for SCCA Trans-Am racing. While the Cougar was typically marketed as a more sophisticated alternative to the Ford Mustang, the Eliminator package added aggressive aero, including a front chin spoiler and a rear wing. The Boss 302 variant is particularly prized by collectors for its mechanical lifters and canted-valve heads, which allowed it to breathe better at high RPMs than the larger big-block options. Only 469 units were produced for the 1970 model year, making it significantly rarer than its Mustang Boss 302 cousin.
Mercury Cougar Eliminator specs
The Mercury Cougar Eliminator produces 290 bhp (216 kW) and 393 Nm (290 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and has a top speed of 120 mph (193 km/h).
| Make | Mercury |
|---|---|
| Model | Cougar Eliminator |
| Trim | Boss 302 |
| Years | 1969–1970 |
| Type | Muscle |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United States |
| Production | About 469 built |
| Original price | About $3,700 when new |
| Engine | 302-cubic inch (4.9-litre) Boss V8 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,942 cc (4.9 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 290 bhp (216 kW) at 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 393 Nm (290 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,250 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 6.7 s |
| Top speed | 120 mph (193 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,579 kg (3,481 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 184 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Mercury Cougar Eliminator worth?
A typical Mercury Cougar Eliminator is estimated to be worth $85,000 – $165,000 (about £63,000 – £123,000).
Its original price when new was about $3,700.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Mercury Cougar Eliminator rarity in CarSpot
The Mercury Cougar Eliminator is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Mercury Cougar Eliminator fun facts
- The 'Boss' name was coined by designer Larry Shinoda, who used it as a code name to keep the project secret, claiming he was working on 'the Boss's car'.
- Unlike the Mustang Boss 302, the Cougar version was only available with a 4-speed manual transmission and could not be ordered with an automatic.
- The 1970 Eliminator featured a unique 'cat-paw' logo in the centre of its divided front grille, distinguishing it from the 1969 model.
