Big Cat plus Fox chassis equals a stunning 1982 Mercury Cougar XR-7 that's ready-to-roll
10/27/2021
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Classics
Is it fair to call the dramatically downsized Mercury Cougars - such as this 1982 XR-7 we spotted for sale on Hemmings.com - a "big cat" after engineers had shave more than 700 pounds from its profile? By the nomenclature's definition, yes; but in terms of street presence, probably not. At least that was the general consensus when the Cougar - like the Thunderbird - was affixed to a modified unit-body Fox chassis for 1980, albeit with all the hallmarks of the outgoing design; the formal grille, Continental-style trunk lid, and opera windows included. Unfortunately, the proportions of those styling elements didn't carry over to the smaller body cleanly, according to critics, and coupled with a silhouette that was virtually identical to the Thunderbird, model year output turned out to be - in a word - disappointing. This 1982 XR-7 represents that last iteration of the fifth-gen Cougar, which some will say was three years overdue for an aerodynamic restyling. Others, to the collective tune of 222,773 buyers over the same three year span, felt differently. What's hard to argue for or against is the downsized "cat's" rarity today, making this well-cared-for, like-new example all the more amazing; one supported by production documents to boot. From the seller's description:
Triple French Vanilla. Loaded. Rare. Collector-owned car... 16,867 1982 Cougar XR-7s were produced. According to Marti, this is 1 of 1. 4.2L/255 V8. 4-speed AOD. Halogen headlamps, Power brakes-front disc/rear drum, Power variable ratio rack-and-pinion steering, Mini-spare tire, Hybrid MacPherson front suspension; coil rear suspension, Dual note horn, Viscous drive fan, Interior: Analog quartz clock, Twin Comfort Lounge Seats with dual recliners, 18-ounce cut-pile carpeting, Wood tone appliques, Trip odometer, Glove box, ashtray and luggage compartment lights, Soft rear seat armrest, Decklid, upper bodyside and hood accent stripes, Rear pillar ornament, LS luxury door and quarter trim panels, Power windows, Electronic warning chimes, Luxury luggage compartment trim, Mirrors-Dual remote control, Autolamp, Rear defroster, Illuminated entry, Auto parking brake release, Speed control. Leather. NOS floor mats. NOS door switch wood tone bezels. Radio plays weakly out of the right side speakers. I've replaced the amplifier with an NOS unit, but that didn't make a difference. Mileage: 88,348. I am still driving the car so mileage will go up a pinch.
1982 Mercury Cougar XR7
See more Mercurys for sale on Hemmings.com.
Recent
Powertrain Combos
Several generations of Dodge Power Wagons exist with various engine combos. Initially, the PW T202 was powered by a 79 horsepower 201 cubic-inch straight six. The T202 was replaced by the T207 with a more military-spec hood, grille and fenders. These models got a 218 cubic-inch engine making 85-hp. Later upgraded T211 and T215 models were powered by a 230 cubic-inch flathead straight six-cylinder engine making 94 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Various cabs were available as well, making the Power Wagon suitable for everything from a pickup truck to a ranch vehicle, tow truck, school bus or fire truck. Thankfully, parts are still relatively easy to acquire.
Here is a sampling of some of the latest Dodge Power Wagon listings on Hemmings.com:
1942 Dodge Power Wagon WC-53 Carryall: This 1942 Power Wagon WC-53 Carryall was a capable ¾-ton truck outfitted for battlefield duty and built to carry anything, hence the Carryall name. This particular model is said to run and drive great! It features a sustained 40 lbs of oil pressure, a rebuilt carburetor with original air cleaner, a cleaned fuel system, an electric fuel pump and original wood flooring in good condition. A permanent steel roof and new olive drab paint help to “make it more presentable.”
1950 Dodge Power Wagon WDX Firetruck: This brush-fire firetruck is said to be in great condition with no rust, new tires, Warren front axle hubs, a siren, multiple hoses, a spare tire, multiple hoses and more. It includes excellent upholstery and offers great driving, braking and running. The water tank has been relined. It’s perfect for parade use and might even be good for extinguishing a fire!
1947 Dodge Power Wagon WDX WM300: This 1947 Power Wagon 4x4 is perfect for your next project car. It is sold without engine and radiator although it offers a complete drivetrain including flywheel, bellhousing, transmission, transfer case, axles, brakes and drive shafts. It also includes a service body that would look great in front of a tow truck or stake truck bed. The body, cab-front fenders, hood and grille are all said to be in great shape. It also includes power take-off (PTO) but is missing a winch.
1952 Dodge Power Wagon M37: This 1952 Dodge Power Wagon M37 been a piece of fire apparatus for the Orkney Springs, Virginia, Volunteer Fire Department for nearly all its life. Configured for brush fire service, it has around 17,600 miles and absolutely no rust. It includes a new canvas top, new tires, new clutch, axle seals and is complete with its fire pump. It’s a specialized vehicle for a specialized buyer. At this moment, it is still in service at Orkney Springs.
1947 Dodge Power Wagon 4-Speed Manual: Powered by a 230 cubic inch 6-cylinder engine and four-speed manual transmission, this 1947 specimen is the rest-o-mod of the Power Wagon set. It features four-wheel drive with hi-lo transfer case, a power take-off (PTO), Braden MU2 winch, locking front hubs, an aluminum fuel tank, Monroe Magnum shock absorbers, dual cowl lamps, a side-mount spare tire, and an oak bed floor.
1953 Dodge Power Wagon M37 The Dodge M37 Power Wagon featured many similar components to the WWII WC series trucks and improved on many of the WC’s faults. These trucks saw action in the Korean and Vietnam War and also saw action in Nicaraguan Revolution and Salvadoran Civil War. This model features an original T245 engine displacing 230 cubic inches and making 78 horsepower. It has less than 20,000 miles since restoration, new upholstery and a host of upfits. The windshield even folds forward, like a Jeep.
1942 Dodge Power Wagon WC-53 Carryall: Built as a Carryall, this 1942 Power Wagon WC-53 was converted to a pickup truck. The seller suggests it might be possible to convert back to the standard Carryall. This example includes the original engine, combat rims, a 12-volt radio and a body said to be in excellent condition. For the most part, it's cancer-free with windows in ok condition, two front seats and bed canvas top bows to support a canvas roof over the bed. The sale will include a working tailgate and bed floor.
Photo: Ramona Schmidt
We turned to Anthony’s mother for an answer. “He’s been so busy,” said Ramona Schmidt. This past summer General Motors president Mark Reuss flew him to Michigan as his guest to tour the design center with Michael Simcoe who is GM’s Vice President of Global Design. He commented to Reuss during the visit, “I think they did make a Corvette after 1986, but who cares?” Drawing a laugh from Reuss, his mother said, “I think only Anthony could get away with that joke.”
Next, he was on his way to the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana, where he spoke and discussed his forced perspective photography.
Prepping For The Shoot
Photo: Ramona Schmidt
Tools Of The Trade
"The Good Shepard" by Anthony Schmidt
Photo: Anthony Schmidt
As for cameras, his tool of choice is the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max, for its wide-angle capability. He recently upgraded to the iPhone 14 but was disappointed with its new lens, so he switched back. Anthony realized he couldn’t get as close to the models to achieve the same look. It’s very tricky to achieve the forced perspective effect and a fraction of an inch farther away can make a big difference visually.
Anthony sometimes wears hearing protection while shooting. But it’s not for the reason that most people think. He has a condition known as Misophonia, which is a severe sensitivity to specific sounds and visual images, like paper crinkling or people chewing and smacking their lips. A person with Misophonia has a strong emotional reaction to the triggering sounds, causing a fight or flight response from the autonomic nervous system. The hearing protection acts as a welcome relief, helping to isolate his environment while he is working.
What are some of your favorite cars, we asked. According to his mother, he has no favorites, although he does keep an extensive list of “worst cars.”
- 2004 Scion XA
- Pontiac Aztek
- Any Chevrolet Corvette after 1986
- Nissan Cube
- Chrysler PT Cruiser
- 2001 Fiat Multipla
- 2004 SsangYong Rodius
He is clearly into the beauty of older cars that were popular before 1989.
Behind The Big Wheel
Photo: Anthony Schmidt
Anthony is now 16 years old and driving to many of his “assignments.” He snatched his learner’s permit the day he turned 15 and has been behind the wheel ever since. People question if his autism would be a hindrance to getting his license, but it really seems to be an advantage. “People on the spectrum tend to be rule-followers and like structure,” said Ramona. “With cars being his special interest, he’s hyper-focused on it and it brings him so much joy.”
His newfound mobility has enabled him to score a few paying gigs as well. One of his most recent commissions is for “Dick’s Drive-In Restaurants,” a nine-location chain in the Seattle area. He is planning photo shoots at all their locations for a 2025 calendar to benefit an autism charity.
Speaking of calendars, Anthony has produced one every year. The 2024 edition was so successful that he purchased a 1959 Buick LeSabre with the proceeds. Calendars are still available at anthonyryanschmidt.com
Photo: Ramona Schmidt
It's Just A Diagnosis
About his Autism, Anthony says, “It’s just a diagnosis. It doesn’t mean you can’t do great things.” He often encourages people like him to pursue their dreams because “you never know what it might lead to.”
Gallery: Anthony Schmidt
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