This product is an NOS Part.
NOS items are OEM parts from Ford that have been sitting on shelves or in warehouses for years. These are often great examples of the orignal parts, but they may have scratches or other shelf wear.
However be aware that some NOS parts are "service replacement" parts. "Service replacement" parts are not exact replacements of the parts that were installed at the factory, but are what Ford considered as "good enough" and were used at Ford dealerships after the original supply of parts was exhausted.
We often leave NOS product listings on our website after they sell for reference purposes.
This is one of my all time favorite Mercury Dealer promotional guides. Great detail shots and beautiful photography. This is what the salesman would have handed you in 1967-68 when you inquired about a new Cougar. Rare find, mint condition, very limited quantity. Notice that only the later version had the green insert announcing the mid year changes. Most of our copies do not come with the green supplement. The dealer showroom album lists a January 1, 1968 effective date for the changes listed. There are references elsewhere which list a February 15, 1968 date.