How many Ford Contour SVT were made?
Answer: Roughly 4,000–5,000 Ford Contour SVTs were produced for the U.S. market across the 1999 and 2000 model years.
The Ford Contour SVT—a limited-run, performance-oriented variant developed by Ford's Special Vehicle Team—was designed to offer sportier handling and styling while sharing a platform with the standard Contour. Ford has not published a precise, publicly accessible production total, and enthusiasts widely debate the exact figure, resulting in a range of estimates as of 2024.
The Contour SVT at a glance
The Contour SVT is remembered as Ford’s early-2000s attempt to blend daily usability with track-tuned performance. It debuted in the late 1990s as a sport-oriented trim for the Contour, with distinctive suspension tuning, brakes, and bodywork that set it apart from the sedan’s standard version.
What makes the SVT variant distinctive
The SVT version included factory-tuned suspension, enhanced brakes, and unique interior and exterior styling cues, differentiating it from the standard Contour. It was built in limited quantities during the 1999 and 2000 model years for the U.S. market.
Estimated production totals
Figures cited about the Contour SVT come from car clubs, registries, and period reporting. While Ford has not released a single definitive public number, the consensus among credible sources places the total output in the low thousands. Below are the ranges most commonly referenced by enthusiasts.
- Total production across both model years: roughly 4,000–5,000 units.
- Enthusiast registries and club tallies: commonly estimate a 3,500–4,500 unit range, varying by source and what counts are included (e.g., U.S. vs. Canada).
Variance in these figures reflects differing methodologies, such as counting only U.S.-spec cars, including Canadian deliveries, or counting pre-production numbers.
Why the exact figure remains debated
Ford has never published a precise official total for Contour SVT production in widely accessible public documents. As of 2024, several registries have attempted to reconcile dealer records, VIN data, and owner submissions, leading to a spectrum of estimates rather than a single, definitive figure. This is a common issue with niche SVT and performance variants from that era.
Summary
Bottom line: The Ford Contour SVT was produced in limited quantities, with credible estimates pointing to roughly 4,000–5,000 units overall. The absence of an official public tally means the exact number may never be known with absolute certainty, but the model remains a relatively rare find for collectors today.
