...this never happened to the other fellow…
Tracy’s 1969 Cougar XR-7 On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)
The Mercury Cougar XR-7 is first seen as La Comtsse Teresa di Vicenzo—better known as Tracy—brazenly passes 007’s Aston Martin DBS Vantage on her way to attempt to end her life at a Portugal beach. James Bond, having rescued her and defeated the henchmen who believe he may have wanted to harm her, sees Tracy drive the Cougar away, leaving only her slippers behind.
The Cougar XR7’s most important contribution to the movie is later as a getaway car. Driven by Tracy and then Bond, the pair, now lovers, escape from the clutches of Irma Blunt and her henchmen via a stock car race held on an ice track and, ultimately, a romantic night in a barn.
The production ordered a total of three Cougars, now known as the Hero, the Stunt and the Barn cars.
After shooting concluded, all three cars returned to the UK. The Stunt Car made its way to the Canary Islands where, as of 2024, it still resides. The Barn Cougar, which remained ended in England was, sold at auction in 2020 for £356,500.
The history of the Ian Fleming Foundation’s Cougar (the Hero car) is less certain. We can trace its history from 1981, when it was exported to Sweden. By that time the 428 Cobra Jet engine had been switched out (not uncommon for Cougar XR-7s), for a block and transmission from a Ford Torino.
Throughout its early years in Sweden, its 007 heritage was reduced to little more than rumor. The penultimate owner, Roger Eriksson, confirmed with “Mrs. Thunderbird,” ex-Ford employee Lois Eminger, that it was indeed one of the three screen used Cougars. While handling customer enquiries and finding the shocking truth that Ford did not keep any sales records after ten years, Eminger obtained permission to keep the records herself personally. Upon retiring, she set about helping owners discover the life stories of their cars. She has been instrumental in helping several research projects pertaining to Bond association (see The Diamonds Are Forever Mustang).
The Ian Fleming Foundation purchased the Hero Cougar in 2008. We immediately began renovating its OHMSS look by removing a rear spoiler, repainting the hood and adding a ski rack. Over time and with funding, the Foundation hopes to undertake a more through restoration. Donations to the Foundation’s archival work can be made HERE.
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