30th Anniversary Cougar

Since 1997 was once again a Cougar anniversary year, and since Ford had great success with the previous two anniversary models, the 30th Anniversary model became available midway through the model year. This time, Ford put a great deal of thought into the car well before production, so as to not get swamped with orders as they did before. In fact, the 30th Anniversary Cougar was ready so far in advance that its photo and specs were printed in the dealership sales literature for the fall of 1996. Still, demand greatly outpaced supply and an additional run of cars was eventually needed. Total output of 30th Anniversary Cougars is confirmed via Marti report to be 7,813 cars.

Mercury designers went back to a rich burgundy color for this anniversary edition, breaking from the 25th Anniversary Cougar‘s dark green and mimicking the 20th Anniversary‘s color very closely. Officially known as Dark Toreador Red Clearcoat Metallic (JL), it was unique to this Cougar model and was presented only on the first-run 30th Anniversary Cougar cars.

The special interior treatment again surfaced. Standard 30th seats were leather and cloth (E7); all leather seats (W7) were optional.

Because the 30th Anniversary was a package like the Sport and Luxury Appearance editions, some interesting possibilities could be had when ordering. For example, it was possible to have a Cougar Sport option with the 30th Anniversary Cougar Package, although all one got was the spoiler and rear package tray brake light delete, since the Sport suspension was already standard on all 30th models. The 7-spoke Sport wheels were also not available.

Tap images below to reveal more information:

The unique 30th C-pillar emblems were simply the standard Cougar emblem placed on top of a special 30th cloisonné surround. The gold colored surround was only found on the initial run of Dark Toreador Red cars.

The 30th logo embroidered on the front seats.

The 30th logo embroidered on the floor mats.

The 30th Anniversary Cougar 16″ wheel. This was simply a Lincoln Mark VIII wheel with black painted insets. Note the lack of a Cougar emblem on the center cap.

A view of the 4.6L V8 engine bay. The radiator core build tag has the letters ANNV stamped at the top to denote this anniversary edition.

Premium Items

The 30th Anniversary Cougar also came with a special commemorative package sent to original owners after purchase and included the following items, all featuring the 30th Anniversary logo:

Two ignition keys featuring the 30th Anniversary logo (note: examples shown here are blank/uncut).

Mini Maglite car flashlight in its own case. The 30th logo was etched into the special gold-colored body.

30th Anniversary commemorative dash plate.

30th Anniversary Cross pen in case. The 30th logo was affixed to the clip.

30th Anniversary keychain with logo. (Note: example shown is well used; these are notoriously difficult to find in good shape).

30th Anniversary umbrella. Note the gold foil embossed logo on the box. The umbrella featured a repeating pattern of the 30th logo around the perimeter.

A special 30th Anniversary portfolio, which included a letter from the Cougar brand manager.

Color Options

The first run of 30th Cougars was painted a unique color called Dark Toreador Red Clearcoat Metallic. Due to high demand and pressure from Mercury dealers, especially as it was feared that this would be the last model year for the rear-drive Cougar model, a second run of 30th Anniversary Cougars was produced. These cars were not Dark Toreador Red but one of three different colors: Light Prairie Tan, Crystal White Tri-Coat, and Performance White. The second run cars are considered very rare.

Despite what you information you may find elsewhere on the Internet about the 30th colors, no other colors were offered on the 30th Anniversary Cougar.

30th Anniversary Cougar in Performance White (WT).

30th Anniversary Cougar in Light Prairie Tan (BA).

30th Anniversary Cougar in Crystal White Tri-Coat Metallic (WZ).

A new modified 30th Anniversary C-pillar emblem, now in burgundy, adorned only the second-run tan and white 30th models and were never found on the earlier red 30th models.

TECH SPECS

ENGINES

3.8L (232 cid) V6; 145 hp @ 4000 rpm; 215 lb-ft torque @ 2750 rpm
OR 4.6L (281 cid) SOHC V8; 205 hp @ 4250 rpm; 280 lb-ft torque @ 3000 rpm

TRANSMISSION

4R70W full electronic 4-speed automatic with overdrive

BRAKES

Front 10.8″ disc, rear 10.1″ disc

SPECIFICATIONS

Wheelbase – 113″
Overall Length – 199.9″
Overall Width – 72.7″
Overall Height – 52.7″
Cargo Capacity – 15.1 cubic feet
Fuel Capacity – 18.0 gallons

CURB WEIGHT

V6 – 3528 lb.
V8 – 3666 lb.

PRODUCTION

TOTAL (confirmed): 7,813

Note: We hope to have further color breakdowns in the future.

Toreador Red (5,328)

5,328 68.1%

Crystal White Tri-Coat, Performance White, Light Prairie Tan (2,485)

2,485 31.9%