Described as a one-of-a-kind example, this 1989 Ford Mustang LX 5.0 is a desirable manual transmission notchback model that has just 26,900 miles since new. While the GT trim models were occasionally put away as future collector’s items, the LX-trim notchbacks experienced this type of preservation far less often, making this one a stand-out. Bidders seem to agree, and you’ll find it here on eBay with bids approaching $19K and the reserve unmet.
Great colors and the sharp notchback body make this Mustang a stand-out in a few different ways. I’ve also always enjoyed the slightly sleepy qualities of the LX trim V8 cars, as it doesn’t wear the body kit or spoilers of the GT hatches, with the dual exhausts the only obvious giveaway as to what’s hiding under the hood. While I don’t love the window tint, the Mustang is in California where the sun can beat down on interiors and cause it to disintegrate with age, so it’s likely helped preserve the cabin.
The interior does appear to be in mint condition, with a very blue dash and seats, and featuring the extremely simple HVAC controls of an early 90s car. The Mustang actually looks so spartan that it reminds me of a pursuit-spec model, which was sold to California police departments. However, that sort of documentation would likely push the bids even higher, so perhaps we should be glad this one isn’t! The seller notes the A/C still works and that the Mustang has a clean title.
The venerable 5.0L V8 will likely be trouble-free for years with such low mileage, but some mention of maintenance records would still be helpful to include if the seller has them. This Mustang is a sure-fire collectible, with Fox Bodies on the rise for some time now, and LX 5.0 notchback cars among the most desirable of them all. I suspect the reserve is right around $20K, which is a reasonable baseline (in my opinion) for a low-mileage time capsules like this one.
Hmm, here’s my 5.0 Mustang, almost. Mine was an ’88 with an automatic. One of the few cars I did not like. Had plenty of power, almost too much for the car. Front heavy, so-so brakes, back seat was useless except for toddlers, trunk too small, the hatchback was much better, and heaven help you if this baby needs a heater core. Whole dash has to come out. Well, not on my watch, and me and Mr. Sawzall, made short work of that job. Several State Patrol depts. used these as SSP’s, with mixed results. While they had the oomph ( I believe an Alabama trooper was clocked at 144 mph in one) they had twitchy handling at speed, and several troopers lost it in chases. Plus there was no room to transport perp’s and another full size squad had to be called. These are however, the Mustang of choice for drag racing, being lighter than the GT. When I sold mine, the guy calling asked 1 question, is it a notchback. I said yes, he was there in 15 minutes. He planned on racing it. Easiest sell ever!
This would be at the top of the list for many a Fox Body collector: LX notchback, low miles, original condition, 5-speed. I particularly like it due to the less prevalent dark blue/blue combination. I agree, $20K or maybe a bit more is probably about right. And in 5-10 years, I wonder what it will be selling for.
It has been noted before, not too many examples where the base trim model is the more collectible model.
Not sure about that. In ten years electric cars will be more common and the public will learn to like the oomph that this one can not compete with. When it eventually comes that most people drive electrics, how much is gas going to cost? That will limit the number of people interested in them as well. Not to mention, younger generations can’t even afford to buy a house, do you think everymans collector cars will even have a market?Just my two cents worth.
$19k holy smokes. That’s approaching 93 Cobra money. I really missed the boat on these.
The last time it was listed, the seller had a BIN price of $29,000.
The manual transmission LX notchback is the most desirable Fox body outside of the Cobra, it won’t be long until low mileage cars like this command prices like that on a regular basis.
Steve R
Howard A I loved your saw all comment. Frickin’ Taurus was the same way. There is no excuse for that in my opinion. I too prefer the hatchback, the notchback just looks ungainly. I did enjoy a rental 5.0 convertible for a few days. They are a blast to drive!
Is this Jeff Lavery ? I saw add on the 3 wheeler and you said you know of one in a salvage yard could I get some info on it thank you Jeff (970)619-9924 merry christmas
Hey HowardA, it isn’t just Fords with that heater core issue where the whole dash has to come out. I had a 1982 Eldorado (yup, dreaded 4.1) that the heater core went out. All digital gauges. Wiring looked like a mass of spaghetti!
I did the same as you, cut the fire wall, replaced the core, duct tape the fire wall back together, sprayed the fire wall with undercoating to hide my “creativity” lol. Milwaukee creativity at its best!
Hi Stevie, ( please check R5 comments) the only people that could possibly beat Badger ingenuity, would be Yoopers and Minnesotians. Ever been to a place at the drag races called “The Zoo” in Brainerd, Mn? Great stuff.
Nope, never been to The Zoo. Only times I ever been to Minnesota I drove through. I always think of the car dealer driving the Cutlass Ciera putting people through a wood chipper whenever I think of Minnesota lol.
Stevig,
That was “Fargo”, as in NDakota. Great cult movie…..
Used car dealers are known for all kinds of shenanigans, but that was a bit extreme. Heh.
I couldn’t remember the name of that movie this morning, was still half asleep lol. Great movie though, I liked it a lot.
He was a new car dealer, they tend to be worse than used car dealers. I owned 2 different used car lots back in the early 2000’s. I am glad I am out of that industry!
99 XJ Cherokee 4.0 bullet proof motor. Great vehicle, but the dash had to come apart for the heater core. Did the AC condensor while I was in there. Seems like a common problem across the board.
The Foxbody notchback reminds me of the two-door XJ in that they make me wonder why they weren’t dropped years before the end of production, given much more popular the Fox hatch and four-door XJ were when new. At least the Mustang was the basis for the convertible.
All dodge rams too 1994-2002, brutal job, complete dash has to come out.
These were the undercover nightmares prowling the streets back in ‘90-‘94.
They were not just sold to California. They were in many other states.
Hard as hell to beat these cars back then. Had to work hard to beat the police then. Before cell phones, cameras, and electronics. Lot of respect for the notch.
Did a comparo of the GT, LX, and Saleen for a magazine half a lifetime ago. At an autocross venue, the LX was the clear leader. Hmmm…..
Where you say “desirable manual transmission”, not for me.
In all of the manuals I drove the clutch was so hard I got tired quickly.
I will not buy another one.
You could put a hydraulic slave cylinder in a 5 speed. I did it to my ’91LX. The experience is way better and the clutch feels like butter.
I love this car! It is exactly the colors/model of my first Mustang that I bought back in 1990! Mine was an 88 and it had manual windows. Damn I would love to buy this just for sentimental reasons!
Seller is seeking alot of cash for this one. For it to be worth what the seller is seeking, it should have really nice original paint, very detailed engine compartment and undercarriage, more description regarding originality and lots of documentation. This coupe has none of these mentioned. Nice Mustang but at full market value right now with current bidding. GLWS
I had a 81 Mercury Zephyr Z7. I too had to replace the heater core. I got most of the screws and bolts off the dash, and managed to get the core box out without totally taking the dash off. My second time around on a 81 Ford Durango, I just took the screws and bolts off on the right dash because this time I knew I just had to push the dash forward and drop the core box out. Of course it was a very snug drop. I also did a heater core on a 78 Mercury Bobcat, and that didn’t require missing with the dash assembly only the glove box removal. I have a 84 Mercury Cougar LS that needs a heater core change, but I don’t want to miss with it b/c the ac works on it, and I don’t want to let the freon out since it probably has the old type of freon I’m thinking. Anyway, my 90 Mustang LX hatchback with turbo swap is sweet with lots of space in the engine bay. I still can’t see paying 20K for a foxbody Mustang…way too much in my opinion for a small unmeaty car. And I like hatchbacks for more cargo space than the notchbacks.
I considered ordering a black one of these new, a stripper for both affordability and light weight. I think the price was around $10K. Before placing the order I checked with my insurance agent, and I’m glad I did, as it was going to be $3,000/year! Needless to say, no LX 5.0 5-speed notch for me. :-(
I’m glad to see your comment about tinted windows is at least a little open minded Jeff Lavery. I’m 59 so I’m not a kid trying to be ‘cool’ by having tinted windows. In so many areas here in the general west part of the country, Arizona, New Mexico, parts of Texas, parts of California, window tinting makes a huge difference in the comfort factor. People of all ages have it done. It’s just as much about it being cooler inside and helping with glare as much as anything. Simple principle as people in snow country using snow tires or really good all season tires. They too have their purpose and place just like normal tinted windows.
My first new car was a 1987 5.0 LX Hatchback. It was the best thing since sliced bread as I never liked the notch cars and the GT seemed gaudy. Then the SN95 (1998) came along and I saw one on the interstate, needless to say it dusted my GT that I purchased in 1992. I don’t know why the fascination with the Fox bodies, I owned two and I would not trade any of my 94-96 Cobras for one of them. BTW, the stock 1996 would dust any stock fox body. Problems with the fox body is poor brakes, 4 lugs, worst car to drive in rain/snow, interior not as nice as the SN 95s, and floats at high speeds on the road course. Pass…. and no way would I drop 30K for a 14K car when it was new.