Mercury entered the 1969 model year with a redesigned Cougar, a new convertible and a new 351 “Windsor” small-block. Though a two-barrel version was standard, a 290-horsepower four-barrel was the first step up and was the basis for the 351 Performance Group (though some literature calls it the “GT Performance Group”). Included in the package was a handling package with higher rate front and rear springs, heavy-duty shock absorbers, larger diameter stabilizer bar and hood stripe. Only 251 standar

A History of the Mercury Cougar | The Nine Lives of Mike Brown