COOL CATS

1986 Cougar

1986 Cougar XR-7

The 1986 model year was a virtual carryover from the previous year.

Now in its fourth and final year of the first-generation aero Cougar, not much had been slated as far as updates, so the 1986 model year was a virtual carryover from the previous year. There were color changes inside and out, and the addition of a U.S. federally-mandated center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL) in the rear window helped differentiate the 1986 models from the 1985s. The V6 and V8 models gained a larger 22.1 gallon fuel tank. Otherwise the car received very few other changes.

1986 Mercury Cougar XR-7
1986 Mercury Cougar XR-7

Cougar XR-7

Relatively few but significant changes were made to the XR-7 model in 1986. In a switch, the 5-speed manual transmission was now standard; the 3-speed automatic was optional. Exterior mirrors were now black instead of body color. Some new exterior colors added a little spice to the XR-7’s lineup, and no longer was grey the only interior color choice.

1986 Mercury Cougar XR-7 2.3L Turbo-4

▲ The 2.3L turbo-4 engine was again virtually untouched from the previous model year. Automatic-equipped cars were rated at 145hp while 5-speed cars had 155hp.

1986 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Back

▲ A slight visual change to 1986 XR-7 models is the addition of the large “TURBO” badge on the trunklid, with the “XR-7” now moved up from the taillight reflector next to the new “TURBO” badge. This seems to be a mid-to-late-model year running change.

1986 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Stripes

▲ A closer look at the lower stripes on the XR-7 model. There were a few more exterior color choices for the XR-7 for 1986, some of which have proven to be exceedingly difficult to find these days.

1986 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Leather Interior

▲ The previously-offered Oxford and Charcoal interior was no longer available for 1986. Instead, the base grey interior was a combination of a new medium warm grey called Smoke trimmed in a deep charcoal grey named Raven. The optional two-toned leather seats now blended in much better with the rest of the interior colors. And that wasn’t the only big news: the XR-7 could also be outfitted with Canyon Red or Desert Tan interiors. Those are considered rare cars today.

1986 Mercury Cougar LS
1986 Mercury Cougar LS

Cougar LS

The Cougar LS received no major updates in 1986.

1986 Mercury Cougar LS Interior

▲ The Cougar LS interior in Desert Tan cloth.

1986 Mercury Cougar LS Interior

▲ The Cougar LS interior in Desert Tan cloth.

1986 Mercury Cougar 3.8L V6

▲ The 3.8L V6 rated at 120 hp was still unchanged from its debut in 1984. A new option for the V6 was the AOD 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission.

1986 Mercury Cougar 5.0L V8

▲ Perhaps the biggest change in the drivetrain for 1986 was the upgrade of the 5.0L V8 to sequential electronic fuel injection (SEFI) adopted from the Mustang. The roller lifters were a running addition, making this the debut year for the Cougar roller block. The new parts and fuel injection resulted in an additional 20 hp, now up to 150, and greatly improved torque output. The Cougar/Thunderbird cam was ground for torque output at lower rpms—perfect for towing. Unfortunately, the Cougar/Thunderbird did not receive the same High Output (200 hp) treatment as the 1986 Mustang, nor did it get the performance dual exhaust. But at least the 5.0 became more modern. This was the only year for the SEFI 5.0L in this body style.

The LS interior in Smoke Grey vinyl.
Optional electronic cluster had a configurable left module with digital tachometer.
The electronic cluster’s right module had a built-in fuel computer with instantaneous economy.
1986 Cougar GS
1986 Cougar GS

Cougar GS

Like the LS model, the GS had no major alterations for 1986.

1986 Mercury Cougar GS Interior

▲ The GS interior, shown here in Regatta Blue cloth, remained the same as the previous year.

1986 Mercury Cougar GS Interior

▲ The GS interior in Sand Beige, shown with optional vent windows. Note the optional full console, which was a package with the individual bucket seats.

The US federally-mandated third brake lamp (CHMSL) was often the only visual difference between an ’85 and ’86 model.
The factory vinyl half-top roof was still a semi-popular option through 1986.
The base wheel for 1986 was a steel wheel with chrome ring and minimal center cap, similar to SSP Mustangs.

Power Moonroof Option

An exceedingly rare, late-year running addition was the factory power moonroof. Scheduled production was for March 3, 1986. While all indications are that moonroof-equipped cars were produced, it’s been extremely difficult to find a real specimen out in the world, since the cutoff date for ordering cars was usually around late May or early June of a particular model year. That left a window of mere weeks to order the power moonroof. It’s only been recently that we’ve corroborated the existence of such cars.

The Thunderbird shown below has all the correct gear for a power moonroof, so we will accept it as fact. This car in particular was produced in January 1986 as a test mule, then donated to a vocational school for mechanics to learn their trade. Unfortunately the car is not in good shape anymore but it does have the unique distinction of being the first documented 1986 moonroof car we’ve ever run across.

1986 Mercury Cougar in Motor Trend

▲ A 1985 issue of Motor Trend magazine speculated on the Cougar’s refresh for 1986. Although reality was quite different, the spirit of the article was true for its time: Ford really was planning to refresh the Cougar and Thunderbird for the 1986 model year. But delays in the next-generation platform, code-named MN12, pushed back the big Cat’s refresh to 1987. Therefore the 1986 cars were sort of filling in the gap. Ironically, it turned out to be one of the most successful sales years in all of the Cougar’s history.

Conclusion

Sales jumped up again for 1986, thanks to the additional V8 power, and things were definitely in full swing for the aero Cougar and Ford in general. Because of cars like the first generation aero-look Cougar, Ford now had a solid foundation for its new rounded styling and the American buying public flocked to the new shapes in droves. As pleasing as the results were, Ford wasn’t exactly sitting still. For the next two model years the Fox-based Cougar would receive a mild freshening, further pushing the envelope of its aerodynamically-formed shape, and modernizing the car even more. But for 1986, the raw lines of the Cougar remained the style leader.

FEATURES UNIQUE TO 1985 COUGARS:
  • TURBO badge on XR-7 trunklids
  • Steel wheels (only year for this option)
  • Smoke interior color (only year in this body style)
  • Taupe interior color (only year in this body style)
  • Midnight Wine exterior color (one year only)
  • Regatta Blue Metallic exterior color (light blues were unique to each model year)

Tech Specs

CATEGORY
DETAILS
ENGINES
GS: 120 hp CFI 3.8L (232 cid) V6; optional 150 hp SEFI 5.0L (302 cid) V8
LS: 120 hp CFI 3.8L (232 cid) V6; optional 150 hp SEFI 5.0L (302 cid) V8
XR-7: MPI OHC turbocharged 2.3L (140 cid) I-4; 145 hp (automatic) / 155 hp (manual)
TRANSMISSIONS
3-speed automatic (C3) – XR-7 only, optional
5-speed manual (T-5) – XR-7 only, standard
3-speed automatic (C5) – V6 models, standard
4-speed overdrive automatic (AOD) – all V8 models, optional on V6 models
BRAKES
Front: 10.0″ vented disc
Rear: 9.0″ drum
SPECIFICATIONS
Wheelbase: 104.0″
Overall Length: 197.6″
Overall Width: 71.1″
Overall Height: 53.4″
Cargo Capacity: 14.6 cubic feet w/mini spare; 13.2 cubic feet with full spare
Fuel Capacity: 22.1 gallons (GS & LS); 19.0 gallons (XR-7)
Passenger Rating: 5 (4 with full console option)
BASE CURB WEIGHT
GS: 3,083 lbs.
XR-7: 3,169 lbs.
HOW TO SPOT ONE
1986 Cougars had flat taillights, new interior, new-style grille, and a third brake light in rear window.
RECALLS
Cougar XR-7 4-140 2.3L SOHC Turbo Safety Recalls
1. 87S36 SEP 87 Recall 87S36 Fuel Line Retainer Clips
Cougar XR-7 4-140 2.3L SOHC Turbo Emissions Recalls
1. 93E45 SEP 94 Recall 93E45 – Catalyst Replacement
V6-232 3.8L Emissions Recalls
1. 91E14 MAY 92 Recall 91E14 Catalyst Inspection/Replacement – 49 States
2. 91E03 JAN 92 Catalyst Inspection/Replacement Emissions Recall 91E03
3. 90E88 SEP 90 Recall 9OE88 Catalyst Replacement, 49 State
4. 89E83 DEC 89 Recall 89E83, Emissions Control Modifications
5. 89E77 AUG 89 Emissions Recall 89E77 Emission System Modifications
6. 88E73 APR 89 Recall 88E73 CAT Convertor and Y-Pipe Replacement
V6-232 3.8L General Recalls
1. M56 FEB 88 Heater and Engine Bypass Hose Replacement – Program M56
V8-302 5.0L Safety Recalls
1. 87S36 SEP 87 Recall 87S36 Fuel Line Retainer Clips
V8-302 5.0L Emissions Recalls
1. 89E79 DEC 89 Recall 89E79, Emission Control System Modifications
 

Production Breakdown

TOTAL: 135,904

Note 1: Any additional breakdown figures will be posted when we get them.

Note 2: 17.7% of 1986 Cougars had the V8/AOD drivetrain (24,120).

Production breakdown numbers © Kevin Marti

No Data Found

1986 Cougar XR-7
1986 Mercury Cougar Wheels

WHEELS

Left to right: Performance 15″ aluminum wheel; TRX 390mm aluminum wheel; 14″ locking wire wheel cover; 14″ polycast road wheel; 14″ luxury wheel cover; 14″ 5-spoke wheel cover, 14″ styled steel wheel.

OPTIONS

NOTE: S=standard, O=optional

 

FEATURE

GS

LS

XR7

3.8L V6 engine with electronic central fuel injection (CFI)SS
2.3L EFI 4-cylinder turbocharged engineS
Electronic fuel-injected 5.0 liter V8 SEFI engine with automatic overdrive transmissionOO
Five-speed manual transmission with floor mounted shifter in leather wrapS
Automatic three-speed transmission with locking torque converterSSO
Variable-ratio power rack-and-pinion steeringSS
Power rack-and-pinion steering with 15:1 non-variable ratio for increased power steering effort and road feelS
Power brakes (front disc, rear drum)SSS
Disc brake audible wear sensors (front only)SSS
P205/70R14 WSW all-season steel-belted radial tiresSS
P225/60VR15 BSW Goodyear Eagle VR60 tires on 15″x7″ cast aluminum wheelsS
Four-bar link coil spring rear suspension with Nitra-cushion front struts and rear shocksSSS
Hybrid MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer barSSS
Handling suspension with Quadra-shock rear suspensionOOS
18.2-gallon fuel tankS
22.1-gallon fuel tankSS
Dual braking system with brake failure warning lightSSS
Dual rectangular halogen headlampsSSS
Lower bodyside protectionSSS
High-mount rear stoplampSSS
STANDARD FEATURES – INTERIOR
60/40 cloth front twin comfort seats with consoletteSS
Full consoleOOS
Luxury cloth seatsOS
Functional sport seatsS
Luxury door trim and quarter panelSS
Three passenger rear seatingSS
Four-way front headrestOS
Rear seat with integral headrests and center fold-down armrestOSS
Side window demistersSSS
A-frame steering wheel with center hub horn controlSSS
AM/FM stereo radio with 4 speakers (could be deleted for credit)SSS
Steering column-mounted controls for wiper/washer, high/low headlamp beam, and turn signalSSS
Full, soft door trim panels with door pull straps, door map pockets and carpeted lower portionSSS
16-oz floor carpetingS
24-oz carpetingSS
Passenger side vanity mirrorS
Rear compartment courtesy lightsS
2-spoke sport steering wheelS
LCD digital speedometer / odometer readoutSS
Full analog instrumentation with tachometer and boost gaugeS
Warning chimesSSS
Woodgrain instrument panel appliquésSS
STANDARD FEATURES – EXTERIOR
Bodyside accent stripesSS
Lower body accent stripeS
Left-hand remote control mirror (bright)S
Dual power remote-control mirrorsOS
Dual power remote-control mirrors, body colorS
Front air dam with fog lightsS
Vertical bar grille with bright surround moldingSSS
Deluxe wheel coversSS
Bright accent moldingsSS
Power windowsOSS
Tinted glassOSS
Lower bodyside molding with black vinyl insertSS
Wide vinyl bodyside moldingS
Luggage compartment lightSSS
Bright rocker panel moldingOS
Bright wheel coversOS
Hood accent stripesOSO
Electroluminescent coach lampsOS
OPTIONAL FEATURES
Air conditioning, manual controlOOO
Air conditioning, automatic controlOOO
Traction-Lok axleOOS
Heavy duty batteryOOS
Front license plate bracketOOO
Electronic digital clockOOS
Front cornering lampsOOO
Electric rear window defrosterOOO
Illuminated entry systemOOO
Front carpeted floor matsOOO
Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrorsOOO
Dual power remote-control mirrorsOSS
Automatic dim day/night rearview mirrorOOO
Automatic parking brake releaseOO
Clearcoat metallic paintOOS
Two-tone paintOO
Half-vinyl roofOO
Flip up open air sunroofOOO
Fingertip speed controlOOO
Leather wrapped steering wheel (require speed control)OOO
Tilt steering wheelOOO
Hood accent stripesOS
Vent windows (require tinted glass and dual electric mirrors)OOO
Interval windshield wipersOOO
POWER
Power antennaOOO
6-way power driver’s seatOOO
6-way dual power seatsOOO
Power moonroof (Late availability)*
Production began approximately March 3, 1986. Very few examples have been found.
OOO
RADIAL WHEELS / TIRES
BSW = BLACK SIDEWALL; WSW = WHITE SIDEWALL
P215/70R14 WSWSS
P215/70R14 BSWOO
P215/70HR14 BSWOO
220/55HR390 BSWOO
P225/60VR15 BSWS
Performance 15″ aluminum wheelsS
TRX-type aluminum wheelsOO
Polycast 14″ road wheelsOO
Wire locking wheel coversOO
Luxury wheel coversS
Styled steel wheelsOS
RADIOS
Electronic AM/FM stereo search with cassetteOOO
Premium sound systemOOO
Graphic equalizer with Premium sound systemOOO
OPTIONAL PACKAGES
DIAGNOSTIC WARNING LIGHT SYSTEM
Warning lights for the following: check oil, low fuel, low washer fluid, low beam out, taillamps out, door ajar, brake lamp out
OOO
ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Includes digital speedometer, graphic display tachometer, oil pressure and temperature gauges, voltmeter, and Tripminder computer
OO
HEADLAMP CONVENIENCE GROUP
Includes auto-lamp on/off delay system and autmatic headlamp dimmer
OOO
LIGHT GROUP
Includes engine compartment light, dual-beam dome/map light and instrument panel courtesy lights
OOO
POWER LOCK GROUP
Includes power door locks and power decklid release
OOO
KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM
Includes illuminated entry system. Requires power lock group
OOO
1986 Cougar XR-7

Exterior Colors

All information about your interior and exterior colors can be found on the vehicle certification label, located inside the driver’s door jamb. For the exterior colors listed below, the paint code is also listed next to each color.

NOTE: Colors are an approximate representation. Due to differences in screen types and settings, true accurate color representation is not possible.

Standard Exterior Colors

PAINT CODE / NAME
SAMPLE
1C / Black
9L / Oxford White
3U / Midnight Regatta Blue
2E / Light Canyon Red
8L / Sand Beige
81 / Dark Clove Brown

* There have been verified instances of code 1R, which is Black Clearcoat normally reserved for Lincolns. There is currently no published evidence that 1R was officially offered for the Cougar during this model year, even though real-world examples do exist.

Clearcoat Exterior Colors

PAINT CODE / NAME
SAMPLE
1F / Smoke Metallic
1Q / Silver Metallic
2M / Medium Canyon Red Metallic
2Y / Midnight Wine
7C / Deep Shadow Blue Metallic
8M / Sand Beige Metallic
3W / Regatta Blue Metallic
5E / Light Taupe Metallic

Tu-Tone Exterior Colors

PAINT CODE / NAME
SAMPLE
1C Black / 1F Smoke Metallic
1Q Silver Metallic / 1F Smoke Metallic
2Y Midnight Wine / 5E Light Taupe Metallic

XR-7 Two-Tone Exterior Colors

PAINT CODE / NAME
SAMPLE
1C Black / 7Z Dark Charcoal
9L Oxford White / 7Y Argent
1Q Silver Metallic / 7Z Dark Charcoal
1F Smoke Metallic / 7Y Argent
2M Medium Canyon Red Metallic / 7Z Dark Charcoal
3W Regatta Blue Metallic / 7Z Dark Charcoal
8M Sand Beige Metallic / 7Z Dark Charcoal
7C Deep Shadow Blue Metallic / 7Z Dark Charcoal

Interior Seating and Door Panels

Cougar GS

Standard Twin Comfort Lounge Seats in Smoke Cloth
Larger View

Cougar GS

Optional Individual Seats in Canyon Red Cloth
Larger View

Cougar GS

Optional Twin Comfort Lounge Seats in Taupe Vinyl
Larger View

Cougar LS

Standard Twin Comfort Lounge Seats in Regatta Blue Cloth
Larger View

Cougar XR-7

Standard Functional Sport Seats in Smoke Cloth
Larger View

Interior Color and Trim Availability

This is a two-character code on the vehicle certification label. The first character is the material and seat type; the second character is the color.

1986 Mercury Cougar Trim
1986 Mercury Cougar Interior Components