Brian Van Winckel’s 1968 Mercury Cougar
When it comes to tales about 1968 Ford Mustangs, you’ll need a computer-based algorithm to count them all. If you yearn for stories about a resto modded ’68 Mercury Cougar, counting on one hand will probably suffice. This is the story of how Merc’s early cat sunk its claws into our owner when he was just a teen and how it holds tight, 30-years later.
Long Island-native Brian Van Winckel has been a blue oval man since before, well, before he was even a man. His family has always leaned towards Henry Ford’s finest. After wrenching-on aircraft in the Navy, Brian’s dad Robert built a 40-year career as a mechanic for Baron Lincoln/Mercury in Queens. Brian recalls his dad bringing him and his older brother Tom to car shows, where Fords were always the main attraction.
When Brian was only 15, Tom spotted what would become Brian’s first car. It was a ’68 Mercury Cougar. Brian recalled the vehicle was running, but not driving. Even though it was rough, Tom urged Brian to snatch it up before it got away. The 21-year-old Mercury pony car was close-by, and the asking price was $500, as-is.
