For its 20th anniversary in 1987, Lincoln-Mercury Division gave the go-ahead for Lincoln-Mercury's first Cougar anniversary model. The brainchild of Ford Senior Designer Gary Senior, the car officially went on sale in February of 1987. Based upon the LS model, it featured a special Cabernet Red exterior with Midnight Smoke moldings. All badging on the exterior (front bumper, grille trim, trunklid nomenclature, and molding trim) were trimmed in actual 24K gold, and the special C-pillar emblems were gold cloisonné. A non-functional luggage rack was also standard.
Standard mechanical features included a SEFI 5.0 V8, Goodyear Eagle P225/60VR15 performance tires, and a sport handling suspension package (similar to the XR7), including the Quad-shocks for better rear axle control. It is believed that all 20ths had the 7.5" axle. The only available options were a power moonroof, power antenna, illuminated entry, keyless entry, automatic climate control, engine block heater, and the Traction-Lok axle with 3.08 gears.
Orders were very quickly filled by dealers for the hot 20th model. Production was approximately 5,002 total Anniversary models, with at least 800 destined for Canada.
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LEFT: The 20th Anniversary Edition Cougar logo. |
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LEFT: The wheels, adopted from the Mustang GT, were gold in color and featured Cougar-emblem center caps. |
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LEFT: The special 20th dash emblem, located just below the clock, that adorns all 20th models. A similar emblem is also found on the right side of the trunklid. |
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LEFT: The special 20th interior was Light Sand Beige, and was highlighted by its unique part leather, part suede Ultrasuede seats, which were also heated, had dual power recline, and had a three-user memory profile for the driver's seat. The seats had Cabernet Red piping to match the exterior color. Also included were a leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, power windows, speed control, AM/FM cassette player with graphic equalizer, and full digital dash. This was the only 1987-88 Cougar to utilize the "high series" door panel, which was previously used only on 1985-86 LS and XR7 model Cougars. |
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LEFT: A few weeks after the lucky original owners bought their cars, a special package was sent to them directly from Ford Motor Company. Included were special embroidered 20th Anniversary floor mats. |
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LEFT: Also included was a traveler's convenience (tool) kit with booklet. The kit contained the following:
- Batteries for flashlight
- 2 elastic tie down cords
- First aid kit
- Flash and 7-way emergency light
- Pair of utility gloves
- Kit manual
- Pair of pliers
- 4-way functional screwdriver
- Shop towel
- Tire pressure guage
- Bright orange vinyl poncho
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LEFT: The hardcover book, MERCURY COUGAR 1967-1987, which detailed the history of the Cougar to that point. |
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LEFT: There were approximately 5 special models that were made for the grand unveiling of the 20th Anniversary Cougar at the New York International Auto Show in February of 1987. These cars have NEW YORK SHOW stamped on the radiator support build tag (aka "buck" tag). All others had ANNIV stamped in that place, as shown here. Note that this car also had a power moonroof and keyless entry. |
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LEFT: As you can see, the 20th Anniversary Cougar package was not very cheap for 1987 prices!
Thanks to Tom for the scan. |
We have provided a digital copy of the toolkit booklet for owners of 20th Anniversary Cougars who may not have one (many thanks to Keith). You can download a high-resolution color (CMYK, 300 dpi) version, or a low-resolution, screen-only color (RGB, 72 dpi) version inside the media section on this site.
| ENGINES |
150 hp SEFI 5.0 (302 cid) V-8 |
| TRANSMISSIONS |
4-speed overdrive automatic (AOD) |
| BRAKES |
All - Front 10.0" disc, rear 9.0" drum
(Rear 10.0" drums with optional towing package) |
| SPECIFICATIONS |
Wheelbase: 104.2"
Overall Length - 200.8"
Overall Width: 70.1"
Overall Height: 53.8"
Cargo Capacity - 14.6 cubic feet
Fuel Capacity - 22.1 gallons |
| CURB WEIGHT |
3350 lbs. (estimated) |
| PRODUCTION |
5,002 TOTAL (estimated) |
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