This unbelievably clean 1987 Ford Mustang GT has just 20,000 miles from new on the clock and presents like a brand-new Fox body that’s never been unwrapped. While I love clean Fox bodies, I also dig ones that wear less-typical colors such as this one, sporting a handsome blue paint job over teal pinstriping and gray lower body cladding. The turbine wheels are factory correct, and there are no alterations here – even the tool kit remains untouched, and the spare tire has never been on the ground. It’s rare to find a time capsule Mustang like this not already at a major auto auction, as it’s listed here on craigslist for $23,990.
The interior of this car is truly a time warp, as the carpets, seating surfaces, and dash are all in mint condition. The steering wheel shows no signs of wear, and its greatest offense is just looking cheap. The door panels don’t appear to have the typically finicky map pockets that are always strung out by this point; perhaps the earlier Mustangs didn’t have them? Regardless, no loss there. The shifter boot is in mint condition, along with the headliner, and the gauges are crystal clear. The shame of it is that this is a car you really can’t use like you’d want to at this point, for fear of dinging the bodywork or having an errant button or zipper rip a hole in the upholstery – it’s just too perfect.
The engine bay presents as new, and this is one of the few times on a low mileage Fox body that I can honestly say the intake runners look exactly as you’d find in a car sitting in a showroom in 1987. I don’t say that lightly, as plenty of low mileage Mustangs come and go, but the top of the engine just seems to attract dirt no matter how sparingly the car is used. Not here – this little detail, plus the gleam of the fenders, tells you everything you need to know about the lack of use this car has seen. What’s interesting to me is most owners wanted to drive the doors off of their GT, but like almost any car you can imagine, there’s always someone willing to drive it only on perfect weather days and never use it for errands.
That’s what we’re seeing here with a Mustang in this sort of factory-correct condition, with zero signs of weather-related damage that sometimes even time capsule cars can suffer from if left outdoors. The asking price is certainly up there for a non-Saleen liftback model, as those limited edition cars and notchback coupes tend to command the highest prices of all. That said, if you’ve been hunting for an early GT with the two-tone bodywork that isn’t red or white, you might be willing to pay a premium for this Bright Regatta Blue Fox body that has obviously never been abused or modified – a rarity in and of itself. Are these low-mileage Mustangs going to continue to rise in value?
Very, very nice. The dark blue looks great. Show-car condition, but mileage isn’t so low that you would be reluctant to add miles…. go ahead and take it to shows and on cruises. Asking price is up there, but probably not far off for such a clean, low mileage example. To answer Jeff’s question, I see them continuing to appreciate in value.
One of my favorite colors for a GT. very nice example. The very first one I saw in person in 1987/88 was identical to this and I’ve never fallen out of love with it.
Considering the low mileage and pristine condition, the price seems reasonable. This Mustang presents as-new and compared to the cost of new cars today, it’s probably a bargain. Also, if taken care of, this car will continue to increase in value, unlike a new car that drops in value the minute you drive it off the lot. I’d enjoy this car as much as possible though only taking it out in good weather. I wouldn’t park it and save it for the next guy; I’m gonna drive it.
Exactly! People pay twice this for a new one and daily drive it. Why not do the same with something that’s going to hold its value much better? If you enjoy these cars, buy and drive!
If this was an LX rather than a GT it probably would have sold by now.
Steve R
Maybe if it was a LX coupe it would be gone but probably not a LX hatchback. In 87 the LX had the real plain 4 cylinder seats.
Ignoring the price, as I don’t know the market for these, I do think this one is right in the sweet spot for long term ownership. Perfect condition. Probably top 1%. But the Odo isn’t some weight on the owner’s shoulders. Enjoy it once a month, it won’t matter.
Really nice car.
Is an LX preferable?
If so, why?
The LX’s were the Mustang the enthusiast magazines wrote articles about and used as project cars. They out numbered GT’s by a large margin at the track and local cruise nights. To many they had a cleaner look without the bolt on ground effects and two tone paint, which by and large didn’t age well. The LX’s were generally what the more dedicated “car guy” bought and drove. That person is the one who is more likely to still into cars and willing to spend money to acquire the memories of their youth.
Steve R
LX is not preferable, its all about personal feelings as to LX or GT.
The LX 2 door coupe was the lightweight version so it was faster.