Incredible Nissan GT-R Replica Based on a Ford Cougar
This unique car combines two completely different worlds — the humble Ford Cougar and the legendary Nissan GT-R. Here are the main characteristics of this unusual replica:
An Unexpected Fusion of Two Worlds
Some car enthusiasts crave attention so much that they are willing to create cars whose exterior promises far more than their chassis and powertrains can deliver. A prime example is this astonishingly accurate Nissan GT-R replica, built on a Ford Cougar base — one of the least expected donors for such a project.
In their original forms, these two cars are separated by numerous technical and conceptual differences. However, someone decided to merge them, and now this unexpected hybrid is looking for a new owner.
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Technical Features and Specifications
The seller does not specify the exact production year of the Ford Cougar, but since this model was produced from 1998 to 2002, the car belongs to that period. Under the hood is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated Duratec V6 engine with 24 valves, which produced 170 horsepower when new.
This coupe appeared at a time when an experienced driver with a manual transmission was usually faster than an automatic. Fortunately, this model has a five-speed manual gearbox that sends power to the front wheels.
Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 8.5 seconds, and the top speed is 140 mph. For a car potentially built in 1999, these are not the worst figures.
Disappointment and Expectations
Of course, when you pull up in this car and your friends think you’ve bought a Nissan GT-R — one of the fastest cars available for reasonable money even today — they are in for a disappointment.
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The first version of the R35, which this car imitates, had 478 horsepower and one of the most sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems created at the time.
Craftsmanship of Execution
In other words, this replica looks fast but is the complete opposite. However, the craftsmanship that transformed a very dull Ford into such an exotic car is worth noting.
The Nissan has a wheelbase approximately three inches longer than the Cougar’s. Judging by the profile photo, the builder did an excellent job of concealing this difference. From the rear three-quarter angle, the difference is a bit more noticeable, but even this angle is astonishingly accurate. Even the interior is remarkably similar to a real GT-R, despite the quality of execution.
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Sale Offer
The entire project is for sale in Croatia for 7,500 euros, which is approximately $8,698. That’s a lot of money for a 25-year-old Ford, but it is certainly the most beautiful Cougar of that generation.
Projects like this demonstrate how the creativity of car enthusiasts can surpass the original ideas of manufacturers. Although the technical specifications of this replica are significantly inferior to a real GT-R, its cost is only a small fraction of the original’s price. For many enthusiasts, it is the appearance and uniqueness that are the deciding factors, making such projects interesting for collectors and fans of car culture. Such transformations also show how automotive design standards change and what is considered “prestigious” among different generations of car enthusiasts.