The impact of color choice on enthusiast vehicles is a well-documented driver of value, especially on performance and high-end luxury vehicles. It matters less as the vehicle in question becomes more commonplace, but it’s still an easy way to drive up the price on a car that typically doesn’t break any records. The Ford Mustang SVO has been hovering on the cusp of collectability for some time, but the prevalence of beater-quality examples holds these turbocharged specimens back; however, this 1986 SVO listed here on Hemmings.com is an outlier due to its excellent condition and rare color known as Dark Shadow Blue. Thanks to Barn Finds reader kirby gudmundson for the tip.
With just 20,000 miles on the clock, this is likely one of the nicest SVOs on the market. That alone would make it a sought-after example, but the fact that it’s one of the very few we’ve seen that wasn’t ordered in black, red, or white makes it even more of a stand out. Its seems that with Fox body Mustangs and C4-chassis Corvettes, owners go for the same colors over and over again. This is a unique symptom of muscle car buyers in the current era, as Mopar shoppers in the 60s and 70s seemed to love ordering the most off-the-wall colors they could get. These days, it’s the European brands that have figured out you can (over)charge customers to order the rarest colors possible.
Even better, it’s actually a very handsome color. Some of the truly whacky finishes may be rare as all get-out, but they are also downright offensive. In recent years, Mercedes-Benz has made it possible to order its iconic G-Wagon SUV in all manners of zany shades and frankly, it’s hard to imagine being taken seriously when you’re rolling down the road in something that glows like a nuclear waste site. This SVO is rare without screaming that it’s a limited-production color, and it suits the sleeper-esque nature of the turbocharged Ford. The seller notes that even with the nominal miles he’s added, the car has still been properly maintained, most recently benefitting from a rebuilt turbo along with new plugs, wires, tires, and re-charged A/C.
The SVO got white-hot during the pandemic pricing surge but has stabilized in recent years; I truly wonder if they’ll ever be worth more than they are right now. As much as we can appreciate the virtues of the turbo’d 4-cylinder, the Mustang faithful are still adamant that a proper Fox body must have 8-cylinders. With 200 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque, the SVO always got out of its own way, and could easily be tuned for even more stirring performance. With a true driver’s cockpit featuring this tasty 3-spoke steering wheel, nicely bolstered sport seats, and a tried-and-true manual gearbox, pristine examples like this SVO still represent an excellent value in the performance car marketplace.
Beautiful car. 3.73s from factory.
Is that svo fender badge stock ? I don’t remember those.
Good write-up Jeff, I think you nailed this SVO.
The SVO was a well-done package. As it turned out, they came to be about the same time as the resurgence of the 5.0. And we know how that played out. Their higher cost as compared to a basic 5.0 coupe was a factor too.
Aside: it’s interesting that new Mustangs now come with both turbo fours and high horsepower V8’s. Goes around, comes around.
The Dark Shadow Blue examples are indeed sought after. I think they look really good in this color. I checked with a SVO friend/expert, he thought he had some familiarity with this one. It looks to be in great condition. And in the big picture, not all that expensive.
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen an SVO in this shade of blue……..
I love it!!!! No wonder why the value is up there on them in this color.
Very nice
The flush headlamp models look the best too. These give off somewhat of a European 🇪🇺 flair. 😌
Yes Stan, SVO did have that small emblem on the front fender. I’m not sure the headlamps were for European flair, in 1986 FORD was trying to be ‘aerodynamic’. I have had my share of big V8s but I do love the 4-banger turbo. I sold my 1985 Mustang GT and bought a more comfortable 1987 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe 5-speed. I guess I’m getting old. Those Turbo Coupe seats are the most comfortable seats I’ve ever put my hiney in. The FORD turbo 4-banger of the mid 1980s is just a fun car to drive. I wish I knew how much the asking price is for this SVO. Oh well, I don’t need another car anyway. Moving on…
Woofer the 87 5 sp Turbo Coupe was a dandy. 🏁👍
10-4 on those Turbo Coupe seats. Love my ’87 TC. Miss my ’86 SVO.
Agreed on the Turbo Coupe seats, I had a 1988, what a great car that would eat up the highway miles.
Beautiful SVO. Not to detract but car is fully loaded except for leather seats. Sunroof somewhat unique option. IMO 25K worth it especially with the factory markings on underside.
Is it an interference motor?
No it’s thank gawd as mine broke its cam belt and simply came to a stop no engine damage.
Last year for the SVO. I’m a Mopar guy but always loved the looks of these. Would be the only fox body from the 80’s I’d like to have. It’s in a really nice rare color too.
Having a hard time with this Mustang at $25K for a 4 cylinder.
Maybe if it was Perfect.
My first cousin had a 79 Pace car edition and performance comparison to this SVO was rather mundane but they’ve become somewhat collectable This is a beautiful SVO rare color. Definitely collectable.
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Greg G, the 1979 Indy Pace Car that had a turbo 4-banger would have had a carburator with about 140 HP. That was not a good running setup. I had a 1981 Mustang Cobra with a 4-banger turbo carburator and I hated it so I parted out the car. Not until 1984 could you get a Mustang GT Turbo, or the SVO with electronic fuel injection. Then they were getting close to 200 HP.
Nice car. I’m not a Ford guy but I’d love to own it. I think the older front style with the 4 headlights looked better. Less like an Escort. I’d put the 5 spoke Saleen type wheels on it.
Love these cars and this color. Very rare. These were under appreciated despite being a more European sports car and the harbinger of the future. And these cars are lite and their engines can be built to over 400bhp. Because they have very strong bottom ends.