1999 Ford Contour SVT: A Rare Gem Up for Auction on Cars and Bids

The 1999 Ford Contour SVT, a car you've probably never heard of, is the high-performance version of the Ford Contour, another car you've probably never heard of. But let me tell you, this under-the-radar sedan deserves some attention. It's currently up for auction on Cars and Bids, and let me tell you, it's a steal. This car comes with extra power, improved suspension, a manual transmission, and a whole bunch of other upgrades. And the best part? No reserve! So if you're interested, click the link in the description and get bidding.

Now, let's talk about the Contour. It was Ford's attempt at creating a world car, based on the Ford Mondeo. They wanted to make a car that would be popular in both Europe and America. But unfortunately, it didn't quite work out that way. The Contour was a sedan with a traditional trunk, unlike the hatchback models popular in Europe. This put it in a weird in-between space, not quite compact, not quite midsize. And as a result, it didn't really catch on.

But the SVT version of the Contour is something special. SVT, which stands for Special Vehicle Teams, was responsible for creating high-performance Fords. And they did a damn good job with the SVT Contour. It came with a high-output 2.5L V6 engine, pumping out 200 horsepower. And let me tell you, that was a healthy figure for a car of this size. It also had a mandatory 5-speed manual transmission, because let's face it, automatics are for wimps.

But it's not just about the power. The SVT Contour also had a whole bunch of other upgrades to make it sportier. It had a body kit, flared rocker panels, and side skirts that gave it a lower, more aggressive look. Up front, there was a more aggressive bumper with integrated fog lights, and in the back, a lower bumper with a dual exhaust. The suspension was also upgraded to make it stiffer and handle better. And let's not forget about those distinctive wheels with SVT-specific center caps. This car meant business.

Inside, the SVT Contour had some changes, but not as many as you might expect. The seats were extra bolstered, though they didn't have any SVT embroidery. The gauges were white-faced, a hallmark of SVT models. And there was a leather-wrapped steering wheel, because who doesn't love a bit of luxury? But overall, the interior was still pretty cheap, with lots of '90s Ford plastic. It may not have been the most luxurious, but it had its quirks. Like the climate control vents with a coin slot, and the small and stubby turn signal and wiper stalks.

In the back, the SVT Contour had smaller, sportier bucket seats, sacrificing some comfort for performance. But the trade-off was worth it. And the trunk, oh boy, the trunk was surprisingly large for a car of this size. It's like they took the Contour's hatchback heritage and turned it into a sedan without sacrificing cargo space. And if you need even more space, the seats could be folded down separately. Practicality at its finest.

Now, let's talk about how this baby drives. It's in incredible condition, with a well-preserved suspension that makes it feel like it has a third of the mileage it actually has. The power is there, the handling is sharp, and it's an absolute joy to drive. This car may not have been appreciated back in the day, but let me tell you, it's a hidden gem. So if you're in the market for a unique, under-the-radar performance sedan, this SVT Contour is the one for you. Don't miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.

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Viewer Reactions for The Ford Contour SVT Is a Sporty Sedan You Don’t Know About

• Some users reminisce about owning or test driving the Contour SVT and praise its performance and handling.
• One user mentions that the "coin hole" and "Contour" plate on the dashboard were actually poverty blanks and served different functions in European versions of the car.
• Several users express their enjoyment of Doug's reviews of older cars and appreciate him covering lesser-known models.
• Users discuss the popularity of the Mondeo (the European version of the Contour) and mention other models and generations of the Mondeo.
• Some users mention their personal experiences with the Contour SVT, including driving it or owning it.
• Users comment on the similarities between the Contour SVT and the Jaguar X-Type.
• One user mentions the desire for the ZX2 to receive the SVT treatment and recalls the ZX2 S/R model.
• Users share their memories of the Contour SVT and its performance, handling, and interior features.
• Some users comment on the exterior design of the Contour SVT and its European counterpart, the Mondeo.
• Users express their nostalgia for the Contour SVT and other cars from the same era.