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1-of-24: 1992 Ford Mustang LX Coupe

Classic cars with a rare combination of options are always a good find, and the desirability of these options usually determines their value. This 1992 Ford Mustang LX Coupe does feature a rare color and trim combination, and they combine to produce a car with a distinctive appearance. This is a classic that would benefit from some light cosmetic refreshing, but it is still ready for a new owner to drive and enjoy. It is located in Jensen Beach, Florida, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $10,300, and the reserve has been met.

I have to admit that I don’t like the appearance of the Coupe version of the Fox-Body Mustang as much as the equivalent Hatchback, but I’m willing to make an exception in this case. The Mustang is finished in Medium Titanium Metallic, which imparts a classy look to the car. The paint is beginning to show its age in places, particularly on some of the horizontal panel surfaces and the plastic. Manufacturers were only just beginning to come to grips with painted plastic at this time, and there were still cars that suffered from issues when it came to the paint aging consistently between plastic and steel. The Mustang was one of these cars, but modern paint shops can address these issues with no difficulty. The hood, deck lid, roof, and bumpers are all showing problems. I think that a complete repaint would be the best solution in this case. The panels themselves appear to be straight, while the gaps are tight and consistent. Beyond that, the glass looks good, and the 16″ alloy wheels appear to be free from damage or stains.

While many people gravitate towards the Fox-body Mustang’s Hatchback versions, some enthusiasts see the Coupe version as a better proposition. One reason is that it offers greater structural rigidity than the Hatchback, which means that it can better put its power to the ground. This is an important consideration if the car is being considered for track work or if it is to be pointed at a drag strip at some point. This Mustang comes equipped with the fuel-injected 5.0-liter “HO” V8, which pumps out 225hp. This is hooked to a 4-speed automatic transmission, which sends the power to a 2.73 Traction-Lok rear end. This combination brings to the surface some interesting figures when compared to the 5.0-liter GT Hatchback. Even though the Coupe is more than 100lbs heavier than the GT, it eclipses it on the run through the ¼ mile. Where that journey will take 15.2 seconds in the GT, the Coupe will knock it over in 15.1 seconds. The Coupe does lose out in top speed because while the GT will potentially reach 138mph, the Coupe will run out of legs at 131. The engine bay of this car presents well, and it doesn’t deceive potential buyers. The owner says that the car run and drives very well and has just been fitted with new tires. This classic is ready to hit the road for a bit of fun.

This is the other part of the equation when we are talking about the relative rarity of this Mustang. With the Titanium exterior, the Scarlet cloth interior trim offers a striking contrast. It is also in excellent condition for a car from this era. It has managed to avoid most of the wear and deterioration that can plague cloth and plastic and is an interior that would not cause shame to potential buyers. There is some wear visible on the driver’s door trim and armrest, and I believe that this is due to an arm rubbing when the car is on the road. The remaining upholstery and trim are in excellent order, with even the outer edges of the seats avoiding the usual wear issues. The stereo has been upgraded to an Alpine CD player, but the original unit is included in the sale. As far as luxury equipment is concerned, this Mustang stacks up nicely. There is ice-cold air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, power mirrors, and cruise control.

The Fox-Body Mustang Hatchback seems to command all of the market’s attention, but there are some excellent reasons to choose the Coupe as an alternative. Apart from the structural rigidity that I’ve discussed, cars with trunks have a couple of crucial advantages over hatchbacks. The first of these is that they offer improved security and privacy levels when it comes to the question of luggage and personal possessions. Secondly, they can provide greater safety levels if things happen to go horribly wrong on the road. With a Coupe, there is no chance that your luggage will get loose and start belting you around the head in an accident. Finally, the reduced interior space tends to mean that the Coupe will be quieter and more refined than the equivalent Hatchback. Combine those characteristics with the unusual color and trim combination of this Mustang, and this is a classic that looks to be a real winner.

Comments

  1. HoA Howard A Member

    GAK,,,leave it to BF’s to bring up a visual,,,of the worst car I ever owned. And of the hundreds of vehicles, that’s a hefty claim, I realize. This was my gray ’88 coupe almost, well, not the red interior. It was a miserable car, went fast in a straight line, but failed in every other respect, as far as I was concerned. I’ve listed the shortcomings several times, the heater core replacement was my crowning touch for that POS, I hated this car. Now, my ’95, V6, 5 speed, was ironically, my favorite car. It was everything this car wasn’t. When I advertised the ’88, a guy called, his only question was, “is it a coupe”? I said yes, he was there in 15 minutes. He planned on stripping it out and drag racing it. Even he said, that’s about all they were good for. From experience, awful cars.

    Like 6
    • Avatar Tracy

      I had an 86 and an 89 convertible automatic and both were great cars. I never had a minutes problem with either of them. Everything worked. All I did was change the oil. I wanted something quiet after that so I bought a Lexus.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Jerry

        Uh Oh, Uh Oh! OFF TOPIC, OFF TOPIC, this post is about a 92 Mustang not ANY OTHER YEAR!!!!!
        😄😄😄

        Like 0
  2. Avatar Bob_in_TN Member

    These have certainly come into their own over the past several years. Widespread appeal, good performance, excellent parts availability, easy to modify, lots of them still around. I actually like the coupe body style. This one looks like a paint job would be in order, but if that is out of your price range, just drive it and have fun. Unfortunately Howard had a bad experience with one.

    Like 8
  3. Avatar GTOG

    Lot of people don’t understand ….These were the GTO of their time. Plenty available. Easy to modify. Lightweight and fairly simple , no nonsense fast.

    With the Camaro and Trans Am being bloated dogs then. They were the go to car to race at the time. Tons of body flex – you bought sub frame connectors. Different intakes etc.

    By the mid 90’s could buy them cheap and modify to your content.

    Cheap interiors. Cramped seats. Not the best finish. But …Just a no nonsense car you could drive hard and fast for not a lot of cash.

    So many were modified – finding an I modified one today – puts them in collector car status.

    Like 11
  4. Avatar Steve R

    These cars were and are popular for a reason. It’s nice to see them get the recognition they deserve. The 5.0 Mustangs, especially the LX’s were the go to brand new performance car of the late-80’s and early-90’s. They were inexpensive and easy to modify. That’s the formula for future collector status. This pattern repeats itself every generation, anyone paying attention to trends would have seen it coming years ago.

    Too bad this isn’t a stick shift car, that would dramatically increase its desirability along with its price.

    Steve R

    Like 7
  5. Avatar Arthell64

    I bought a 1988 5.0 LX hatchback 5 speed new and it was probably the best car I ever owned. I installed 355 gears and a h pipe and out ran lots of surprised people. I drove that car for 200k miles and the heater core was the only repair.

    Like 6
    • HoA Howard A Member

      Heater core, you say? The whole dash has to come out, but me and Mr. Sawzall took care of that problem.

      Like 0
  6. Avatar jwzg

    An LX 5.0 coupe was 200 or so pounds lighter than the GT.

    Like 7
  7. Avatar Jack

    These cars were also easier on the insurance bill. You could get V-8 performance, but not get the sports car ins. premiums

    Like 1
    • Avatar Jerry

      Yeah…never say “GT” to any insurance company.
      I had a 75 Ranchero GT and now a 73 Ranchero 500.Both V8s
      The GT cost $25 more a month to insure with HAGGERTY.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Jost

        Is’nt your GT insured for a higher agreed value then the 500?

        Like 0
      • Avatar Jerry

        JOST……No….I actually insured the 73 for $2,000 more and its still cheaper!

        Like 0
  8. Avatar Jost

    Jerry, that does not sound right. Since you are with Hagerty that should be checked. Their premiums are based on valuation. Maybe your multi vehicle discount is being applied on the 500? Just saying… I am an insurance agent so not talking without any knowledge, so I suggest calling Hagerty. But, after 35 years in this business, I am still not surprised by something stupid or unknown to me , so ..just my 2cent on insurance/

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jerry

      I dont have the 75 Ranchero GT anymore so im glad the 73 500 is less, appreciate the input.

      Like 1

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