We see plenty of claimed low-mileage survivors at Barn Finds, though some don’t stand up to scrutiny. However, this 1984 Ford Mustang GT is an exception, because its odometer reading is documented. It presents extremely well as a genuine survivor, and the first owner added some factory options that increase its inherent desirability. The only thing it appears to need is a new home with an enthusiast who appreciates all that it offers. The seller has listed the GT here on eBay in Cheswick, Pennsylvania. Although bidding sits below the reserve at $5,100, there is a BIN option of $38,500 for those who find this GT irresistible.
Ford returned to its pony car roots with the Fox-Body Mustang, introduced in 1979 to replace the oft-criticized Mustang II. The latest offering rode on a larger platform, offering buyers a bewildering array of options and engines. This 1984 Mustang is the GT variant, ordered by its first owner in Oxford White. It presents beautifully, with no apparent panel or paint shortcomings. The seller’s excellent image gallery confirms that the car’s underside is rock-solid, allowing the buyer to focus on the ownership experience, rather than rust repairs. This car scores extra points for its factory T-Top, with the seller confirming that the storage bags for the glass panels are present and in good condition. They also state that the fog light covers are present, a minor victory considering many of these typically disappear with age. The plastic and glass are in good condition, as are the alloy wheels.
When assessing the life a classic has led, it is always worth closely examining the interior. Some sellers will perform paint-and-panel repairs to lift the exterior, but few can justify an interior refresh unless everything is shredded. Trimmed in Gray cloth, there’s not much inside this GT that warrants criticism. The upholstered surfaces are free from wear, there is no evidence of abuse, and the plastic looks exceptional for its age. Refreshingly, there are none of the aftermarket additions that often plague classics from this era. The Mustang retains its factory AM/FM radio/cassette player, while the buyer also receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a tilt wheel, and cruise control.
Let’s be honest, the late 1970s was a pretty miserable time for enthusiasts with gasoline coursing through their veins. The mighty V8 that powered iconic muscle cars converted gasoline into noise, and the only way to extract a sub-15-second ¼-mile ET from most vehicles during that era was to push them off a cliff. When it comes to terminal velocity, it doesn’t get much more terminal than that. However, by the time this Mustang GT rolled off the line in 1984, Detroit was beginning to make inroads that dramatically improved the situation. This car’s 5.0-liter “HO” V8 generated a factory-quoted 175hp and 245 ft/lbs of torque. I admit that both figures sound modest, but the GT’s aerodynamic efficiency and relatively low curb weight improved the situation, and there was more to come as the decade evolved. The first owner teamed the V8 with a five-speed manual transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The seller claims that this Mustang has a genuine 26,000 miles on the clock, and the figure is documented as correct. They supply no information surrounding the car’s mechanical condition, but I see nothing suggesting it is anything but a turnkey proposition.
There’s a lot to like about this 1984 Ford Mustang GT, and little warranting criticism. However, that is essential if the seller’s BIN figure is to be justified. The price is well above the market average, although the listing statistics suggest it has generated reasonable interest. I would typically question whether anyone will hit the BIN button, suggesting that potential buyers may elect to navigate the auction process. Of course, the classic scene can be unpredictable, and one thing that we can expect is the unexpected. There could be an enthusiast who craved one of these classics when new, but discovered that a GT was beyond their financial reach. The situation may be different today, allowing them to secure this classic, regardless of the price. Do you think that will happen, or will this auction wind to its inevitable conclusion in a few days?
The Four-Eye Fox Mustangs don’t have quite the collector interest as the later models, but they do have their share of enthusiasts. This one looks great. Well-equipped. Not many of them left in stock, unmolested condition.
They have kind of a raw, unrefined feel (after all, at their core they were basic, inexpensive cars), but that is part of the charm.
Thanks Adam.
It’s nice, but $38,500 is an eye wateringly high price. Even the more desirable 87-93 5.0 5spd LX notchback in pristine condition would have a hard time pulling in that kind of money. There is a lot of competition, there are a lot of other cars available with stronger followings.
Too many people think dealer prices are representative of the market as a whole, it’s not.
Steve R