Jay Finally Drives a 428 Cobra Jet Cougar! The Muscle Car Nobody Talks About | Jay Leno's Garage

Jay Leno checks out a muscle car you rarely see: a 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator powered by the legendary 428 Cobra Jet V8. This car was Mercury’s answer to the high-performance Mustang, targeting a buyer looking for a more refined, upscale "banker's hot rod." Owner Emmett Abner brings his gorgeous Eliminator to the garage for a drive. Emmett, a lifelong Ford enthusiast and Cougar Club member, explains why he specifically hunted for this rare combination of the Cougar body and the big 428 engine. Only 2,250 Eliminators were built in 1969, making this a true collector's piece. Highlights and Upgrades: The Engine: The 428 Cobra Jet engine delivers massive power and torque through a C6 automatic transmission. The Look: The Eliminator package features a working hood scoop for the ram air intake, a front spoiler, and a rear wing. Jay notes his preference for period-correct wheels over modern oversized alloys, which is exactly how Emmett has kept the car. Resto-Mod: Emmett discusses the tasteful, functional upgrades he made, including modern electric fans to solve the classic overheating problem , and new interior pieces from specialists like Just Dashes. Jay takes the Cougar for a spin, appreciating the long-legged power, smooth ride, and the unique cockpit feel, which reminds him of the golden age of American muscle. Shop car care and detailing supplies from Jay Leno’s Garage: https://www.lenosgarage.com/shine » Subscribe: http://bit.ly/JLGSubscribe THE BEST OF JAY LENO'S GARAGE » Exclusive First Looks: http://bit.ly/JLGExclusives » Ultra Rare Supercars: http://bit.ly/JLGSupercars » Jay's Book Club: http://bit.ly/JLGBookClub JAY LENO'S GARAGE ON SOCIAL Facebook: http://facebook.com/JayLenosGarage Twitter: http://twitter.com/LenosGarage Instagram: http://instagram.com/jaylenosgarage/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jaylenosgarageofficial ABOUT JAY LENO'S GARAGE A new video every Monday! Visit Jay Leno's Garage, the Emmy-winning series where Jay Leno gives car reviews, motorcycle reviews, compares cars, and shares his passion and expertise on anything that rolls, explodes, and makes noise. Classic cars, restomods, super cars like the McLaren P1, sports cars like Porsche 918 Spyder and Camaro Z28, cafe racers, vintage cars, and much, much more. #JayLenosGarage #MercuryCougar #CougarEliminator #MuscleCar #428CobraJet #FordMuscle #ClassicCars #MustangKiller #CobraJet #MuscleCarEra

Added 13 May 2026