The 1971 Mercury Cougar remains a subject of much debate among automotive enthusiasts. Its dramatic departure from the sleek lines of its predecessors, particularly the controversially large front end, has sparked endless discussion. One name often thrown into the mix is Semon “Bunkie” Knudsen, the former General Motors executive who briefly headed Ford Motor Company. This article delves into the design history of the 1971 Cougar, exploring the potential influence of Knudsen and the styling conflicts that might have arisen during its development.
Early Cougar Mockups Hinted at a Different Design Direction
Intriguingly, early clay models of the 1971 Cougar, as revealed in Collectible Automobile magazine, showcased a more refined and less bulky design than the final production model. These early iterations possessed a front fascia strikingly similar to the 1972 Mercury Montego, with a smaller, squared-off grille and a more seamlessly integrated bumper.
Early 1971 Mercury Cougar clay mockup. Photo courtesy of Collectible Automobile.
Furthermore, the side profile of these early mockups bore a stronger resemblance to preceding Cougar generations. The wheel cutouts featured more pronounced blisters, and the lower body character line swept upwards, similar to the 1967-68 models, lending the car a more athletic and agile appearance.
However, as development progressed, the design seemingly took a sharp turn. The final mockup, as depicted in Collectible Automobile, appeared virtually production-ready, save for some experimental striping and paint schemes. This implies that the Cougar’s design was solidified before Knudsen’s departure from Ford in September 1969.
The 1971 Cougar’s Polarizing Front End Design
The 1971 Cougar’s most striking – and divisive – feature was undoubtedly its front-end treatment. While Collectible Automobile writer Paul G. McLaughlin subtly criticized the “heavier looking” bumper and “upright protruding grille,” others didn’t mince words.
Some automotive publications, such as Brake For It, went as far as labeling the 1971 Cougar among the most aesthetically challenged cars of the 1960s and 1970s, calling it an “absolute disaster in terms of design.” Edmunds, renowned for its car reviews, even included the 1971 Cougar on its list of the 100 ugliest cars of all time, describing it as a bloated, overstyled departure from the once-agile Cougar.
1971 Mercury Cougar production model. Note the significant difference in front-end styling compared to the early clay mockup.
The question that lingers is, why did Mercury abandon the sleek Montego-esque fascia of the early mockups in favor of the more polarizing waterfall grille and prominent bumper?
Did Bunkie Knudsen’s Design Preferences Play a Role?
The timeline of Knudsen’s tenure at Ford (February 1968 to September 1969) coincides with the crucial design development phase of the 1971 Cougar. Knudsen, known for his penchant for bold, Pontiac-like front ends, is said to have championed similar design cues on other Ford vehicles, notably the 1970 Thunderbird.
Given Knudsen’s reported clashes with Ford Vice President Lee Iacocca over styling decisions, it’s plausible that the 1971 Cougar’s design became a point of contention. According to automotive historians Jim and Cheryl Farrell, Ford design chief Eugene Bordinat Jr. often found himself navigating these conflicts by creating separate clay models to appease both Knudsen and Iacocca.
1971 Mercury Cougar advertisement. Image courtesy of Old Car Advertisements.
Adding to the intrigue, Knudsen reportedly overstepped his authority by single-handedly approving an entire year’s worth of Ford production. While the exact model year remains unclear, it could very well have been the 1971 lineup, including the Cougar.
Unraveling the Mystery of the 1971 Cougar’s Design
While concrete evidence directly linking Knudsen’s influence to the 1971 Cougar’s controversial front-end styling remains elusive, the circumstantial evidence and historical context certainly suggest it’s a possibility.
The significant shift in design direction from the early, more restrained mockups to the final production model, coupled with Knudsen’s well-documented design preferences and his tumultuous relationship with Iacocca, makes for a compelling narrative.
Ultimately, the 1971 Mercury Cougar stands as a fascinating case study in automotive design history—a story of conflicting visions, potential power struggles, and a final product that continues to evoke strong reactions, both positive and negative, to this day.
FAQs: 1971 Mercury Cougar
What engines were available in the 1971 Mercury Cougar?
The 1971 Cougar offered a range of V8 engines, starting with a 302 cubic inch (5.0L) as the base option. Buyers could also opt for larger and more powerful engines, including a 351 cubic inch (5.8L) available in two- and four-barrel carburetor versions, and a 429 cubic inch (7.0L) for those seeking the ultimate in performance.
How did the 1971 Cougar’s sales compare to previous years?
Despite its controversial styling, the 1971 Cougar sold relatively well, with over 111,000 units produced. However, this marked a decline compared to the peak years of the late 1960s, when the Cougar consistently sold well over 150,000 units annually.
What other changes were made to the Cougar for the 1971 model year?
Apart from the dramatic exterior redesign, the 1971 Cougar received several other updates. These included a revised suspension system for improved handling, new interior trim options, and a redesigned dashboard with a more driver-focused layout. Safety features, such as side impact beams and headrests, were also added.
This article has explored the design evolution of the 1971 Mercury Cougar and examined the possible influence of Semon Knudsen. What are your thoughts on the 1971 Cougar’s styling? Share your perspectives and continue the conversation in the comments below. And be sure to check back for more in-depth articles and insights into the world of classic cars!
