Rediscover Ford’s Forgotten SVT Contour Sports Sedan
Ford SVT Contour at Life in Classic
A Compact Ford Built to Chase BMW
In the late 1990s, Ford decided to take a bold swing at the European sports sedan establishment. The result was the 1998 SVT Contour, a compact four-door tuned by the brand’s Special Vehicle Team. It packed real performance, clean styling, and a driver-first attitude. For enthusiasts who missed it when new, a remarkably preserved 12,000-mile example now offers a rare second chance. Back then, Ford aimed at buyers who loved precision and involvement, not just straight-line speed. As a result, the SVT Contour became a standout in a crowded segment. Today, its mission feels even more distinctive. In a world of crossovers, this compact sedan remains a focused and rewarding outlier.
SVT’s Engine Work Turned a Good Sedan into a Quick One
SVT engineers began with Ford’s 2.5-liter Duratec V6, rated at 170 horsepower in stock form. Then they went to work, and the changes were extensive. Polished intake ports, specially ground camshafts, and a larger throttle body improved breathing. Hypereutectic pistons and a lighter flywheel sharpened response. An added oil cooler supported durability under hard use. The dual-exit exhaust brought a more assertive voice without becoming crude. Most importantly, output climbed to a lively 195 horsepower, delivered through a five-speed manual only. Therefore, the Contour SVT felt eager, smooth, and engaging from the first shift to the last.
Chassis, Brakes, and Subtle Bodywork Set the Tone
The SVT team matched the power with meaningful chassis tuning. Springs and shock valving shifted toward agility without ruining ride comfort. Meanwhile, the car wore Goodyear Eagle GS-C tires in 205/55ZR16 size on 16 x 6.5-inch aluminum wheels. Bigger 10.9-inch front rotors, sourced from the European Mondeo, brought strong and repeatable braking.
