Designer and Inspiration:

The Custom Cougar was designed by Harry Bentley Bradley. Based on the 1967 Mercury Cougar, it is another of the "Original 16" Hot Wheels.

Historical Context and Production Years:

It was released in 1968 and produced with Redline (RL) wheels until 1969.

Unique Aspects:

The Custom Cougar features an opening hood and the distinctive "electric shaver" grille of the real car, which had hidden headlights. It was the first Hot Wheels car to be designed, as Harry Bradley started with the Cougar.

Similar Castings:

As part of the "Original 16," it is a contemporary of the Custom Mustang, its corporate cousin. It is the only classic Cougar casting from the Redline era.

Variations and Special Editions:

It was produced in all of the original Spectraflame colors, with blue being extremely common. A very rare version in creamy pink exists. U.S. and Hong Kong versions have slight casting differences.