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1 Of 49: 1985 Ford Mustang SVO

The seller of this rare “Dark Sage Green” Ford Mustang SVO claims it is one of just 49 cars painted this color, and that it was known by SVO enthusiasts as the “horse trailer” SVO. That kind of nickname just invites more questions, but you’ll have to ask the seller to tell you the story as I can’t find anything on the Google machine. The SVO is in good shape overall with no major body damage and supposedly has a rebuilt engine under the hood with under 1,000 miles of use. Find it here on eBay with bids to $12,500 and no reserve.

The SVO is an excellent choice for an appreciating 1980s classic that’s flown under the radar for years. The turbocharged powerplant may not be the epitome of a muscle car, but it was still a very respectable performer in its day that also responds well to turbo-friendly modifications. Suspension tuning was even more of a treat, with stiff Koni shocks delivering excellent road-holding abilities. The seller has replaced the original Konis with new replacements.

The nicely-bolstered bucket seats are still in good order and the seller lists out several recent improvements in the cabin that the next owner will get to enjoy. These include new carpeting, front seat belts, dash pad, and sun visors, and he reports that the door panels are in good shape. The interior panels have also all been sprayed the correct color and the dash panels “…have been flocked and look new.” The A/C was removed when the seller acquired the car and it remains a non-A/C vehicle.

The “horse trailer” references makes me wonder if this rare SVO was found inside of one, stashed away so as to protect the rare factory paint job. I can’t recall the last time I saw an SVO for sale in a color other than red, white, gray, or black, so the seller isn’t likely exaggerating when he claims that this is one of under 50 examples ever made, and that there’s likely even fewer still on the road today. The SVO remains an attainable collector car and buying one in a rare color is a smart bet in my book.

Comments

  1. Avatar JCA Member

    Bid, not bids. One bidder who started it at $12,500

    Like 3
  2. Avatar Angus Mustang

    Had a White 85, fun quick car, with excellent handling. Traded for 86 GT in 89. Both great cars, but in different ways

    Like 2
    • Avatar Stan

      The quickness was aided by the lively std. ring&pinion ⚙️ from the factory 3.73.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Bob_in_TN Member

    The “SVO Community” comment caught my eye. I know some folks I would consider to be in this community, and I have found it to be a fairly close-knit group. I guess that is not surprising, given the relatively few of these built. So I’m sure the “horse trailer” reference means something to these folks.

    The other rare color for the SVO is Shadow Blue.

    Like 6
    • Avatar Mustang Sally

      My brother bought a new 86 SVO 5 speed. Well balanced, handled great, stopped on a dime and was only 5 horsepower less than a new 5.0 V8 mustang. What a machine!!!

      Like 4
  4. Avatar Christopher Gentry

    I remember these new at the ford dealer ship I used to deliver newspaper to as a teenager. Thought these and the Thunderbird turbo coupe bout the coolest new car available at the time. Still really like these. Love the wing

    Like 4
  5. Avatar Mustang Sally

    My brother bought a new 86 SVO 5 speed. Well balanced, handled great, stopped on a dime and was only 5 horsepower less than a new 5.0 V8 mustang. What a machine!!!

    Like 2
  6. Avatar Bick Banter

    I think the 85.5 is significantly more powerful. It can be distinguished by its flush headlights.

    Like 2
  7. Avatar CHRIS GEORGE LAWRENCE

    whenever i see a car restored or not and the A/C has been removed i immediately walk away. Idc what reason you give, the true answer is one of being cheap. Being cheap isnt a good attribute when it comes to trying to sell a car as well taken care of. If it were, the A/C would still be on the car and working.

    Like 1

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