Kevin Marti
However, many don't know that Kevin authored a how-to article on doing a Cougar convertible conversion that was printed in the CCOA newsletter in 1982. The article was based on the conversion Kevin did on this gorgeous 1967 convertible and was another source of invaluable information for CatVert.
The pictures you see here were taken from the January 1992 issue of Mustang & Fords magazine feature article titled "Original Intent."
Copyright 2001, Overton Photographic.
Image from Cougars and Kittens 2004 Calendar
Virgil Brown
This is perhaps one of the best-known Cougar convertible conversions. Originally created by Virgil Brown of St. Louis, MO, it is now owned by his son. Virgil passed away this year (2006), having contributed much to the Cougar community. Among his contributions was an unstinting willingness to provide consultation and adv ice to those who did similar conversions. His advice gave me the confidence to undertake my own CatVert project.
Although the light color of the car in the background makes it difficult to see, one can make out the rise of the upper body line into the roof from the rear. That line creates an appearance of a roof that is more sloped than it appears here. Note also that the filler panel between the roof and trunk is enlarged to make up the difference.
One of the neat features of Virgils car is the power antenna, seen here on the driver side rear quarter panel.
Don Rush
Owner unknown
This 1967 Cougar convertible is in Oregon and was a very rusty project when the owner decided to make it a convertible. People familiar with the car consider it to have been correctly converted, meaning that all required structural reinforcement was done and it has a fully operational folding top.
Owner Unknown
This is a Cougar that resides in Canada and that does not appear to have a functional roof. It is unknown whether the structural reinforcements were done on this car.
Rex Bickwell
This Cougar is a roadster conversion that resides in Texas. Similar in concept to the Ronster Mustang, Rex had not yet completed the fiberglass tonneau cover for the rear seat area at the time this photo was taken. Nonetheless, his creation won its class at the 2005 Cougar Club of America Nationals West.
Owner Unknown
Spotted at the 1987 Cougar Club of America Nationals, this car is purportedly one of two cars built for executives. Here is how Phil Parcells, CCOA National Database Administrator, described the encounter that produced this photo, which was used as a reference to get the desired rake on CatVerts rear window:
"They drove in, drove once around the show and tried to leave. I chased after them, and jumped out blocking their exit. The driver (Unidentified) told me that Dearborn built 2 such converts for execs, this car was one of those. I have no documentation of 2 such cars, nor does anyone else, and I have asked and left no stone unturned in the following years trying to find out anything about these cars."
So, if you know anything about this car or its twin, please contact Phil at registry@cougarclub.org.
Owner Unknown
Another Canadian convertible conversion, this one is reportedly for sale as of August 20, 2006. It is located just outside of London, Ontario.
Owner Unknown
This image came from Phil Parcells collection of Cougar memorabilia. If you know whose car this is, please contact us at registry@cougarclub.org .
Owner Unknown
This '68 Cougar GT custom convertible was last seen for sale on the used car lot near Athens, GA where this photo was taken. Careful examination of the other photos supplied show that the car did not undergo a correct conversion. The interior quarter panels were not changed, so the roof well cannot be correct.
The front kick panels have not been changed, so the convertible inner rocker panels could not be installed. Note also that the quarter panel body line still rises to meet the roof, leaving open the question of how that area was finished after removal of the roof.
Owner Unknown
This '67 Cougar convertible was last seen for sale on Craigs List in the Vajello, CA area. It is another example of a conversion in which the understructure work was not performed to a factory standard.
Barry Margolis
Barry purchased this '68 Cougar convertible on eBay about a year ago. It originally resided in the Marquette, MI area., but now resides in Florida. It was based on the above-referenced 1982 CCOA article by Kevin Marti.
Barry
has done some work to it recently, including a five-speed tranny,
rebuilt 289 with 2X4's, lowering, wheels, and a little more.
Although the previous owner said he followed Kevin's design, it
appears he did even more to the frame, including connectors from
frame rail to frame rail.
Updated 8/13/2009
Owner Unknown
This '68 Cougar convertible was last seen for sale on eBay and resided in the Castle Rock, CO area. It is a roadster conversion that does not have a folding top. The structural reinforcement performed during the conversion was to add subframe connectors to brace the undercarriage.
Added 9/7/2008
"TG7"
This '68 Cougar convertible was recently shown at the Autorama show in Detroit, where it trophied. This car is a factory-like structural conversion with a custom modern take on the classic Cougar interior,. I particularly like the console and seats in this custom.
Added 8/11/2009
Malcolm McMillan
This custom conversion was completed in 2009 and has already begun collecting trophies. Like several others on this page, the conversion was done mostly as it would have been done at the factory, with a few minor exceptions.
Added 8/11/2009
- Others as I learn about them and can obtain photos.