1972 Mercury Cougar XR-7, Mike Churchill

This exceptional 1973 Mercury Cougar XR-7 also might look a little familiar to some folks. Recognise it? Yes, it’s the very same Cougar that won Car of the Year back in 2005! Laboriously restored 17 years ago, it’s unusual in that cars of this era have a lot more plastic used in their construction, which in itself is a challenge, yet this Mercury looks mint, as if it’s just rolled out of the factory. Current owner Mike Churchill is no stranger to Car of the Year, having taken part in the 2017 competition with his 1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV.