The Cougar that tamed Bond
This immaculate 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 had a starring role in the classic Bond film, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, in which it was owned by 'Bond Girl' Contessa Teresa (Tracy) di Vicenzo played by the late Dame Diana Rigg. It was famously driven on ice in a high-speed car chase scene in the movie.
Filmmakers Eon Productions procured three identical Cougars from Ford's luxury division Mercury, for the film in 1969. The example featured here was used in the 'barn scene' when James Bond, played by George Lazenby in his only outing as 007, proposed to Tracy as they sheltered in the car from a blizzard.
The Cougar was built in February 1969 as a special order and was registered in the UK just a week later. One of only 127 XR7 convertibles powered by the desirable Jet Ram V8 engine built in 1969, this example was finished with red paintwork, matching leather interior and steel wheels.
For its film role, it was fitted with a rack for Kneissl skis – the must have skis of the time – and red French temporary 'visitor' registration plates.
It features as part of Bonhams Bond Street Sale on the 16th December 2020. For more details on this and other vehicles at the sale, click on the link below. Photos © Courtesy of Bonhams and 007magazine.co.uk