When searching for a turnkey classic to park in your garage, it can sometimes be challenging to determine whether a particular vehicle is the ideal candidate. There are so many factors to consider that it could make your head spin. However, if a low-mile unmolested pony car from the 1980s is high on your shopping list, this 1989 Mustang LX Convertible could be a contender. This gem is as original as they come, and its condition is exceptional. This is hardly surprising because its odometer shows 41,000 genuine miles. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder numskal for spotting a classic that doesn’t leave many boxes unticked.
Enthusiasts searching for a classic will often turn their attention to drier states to maximize the chances of taking home a rust-free vehicle. This Mustang ticks that box because it appears to have spent its life in sunny California. However, it is the color that caught my attention. Ford offered eleven shades on its standard Mustang color palette in 1989, and Code 1K Light (Smoke) Gray was one of the more unusual. Gray can often be an oppressive color, but Ford’s version is light and classy. It was the choice of this Convertible’s first owner, and when combined with a White power top, it can’t help but turn heads. The presentation is spotless, with no panel of paint problems. The top is as tight as a drum and has avoided the marks that often plague light soft-tops. The trim and glass are as clean as the rest of the exterior, and the Mustang sits on its original alloy wheels.
The “Gray” theme continues inside this Mustang, with the upholstered and plastic surfaces finished in various shades of that color. It is unmolested, which is surprising when so many of these cars have received aftermarket stereos. This Ford retains its factory radio/cassette player, while the new owner also receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, and a tilt wheel. Those are the bells and whistles, but it’s when we get down to the basics that it shines. There is no appreciable wear on the cloth or vinyl, although there might be a dirty mark on the inner driver’s seat bolster. The dash hasn’t suffered at the hands of the California sun, and the carpet looks remarkably good for its age. The new owner can hit the streets behind the wheel with their head held high because this car will cause them no shame.
Ford’s fuel-injected 5.0-liter “HO” V8 is a staple of the classic scene because it served admirably in so many models that made The Malaise Era seem like a bad dream. That is the motor powering this Mustang, with the first owner selecting a four-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The V8 generates 225hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque, making the LX a sparkling performer. However, there are more strings to its bow, because treating the engine with a light right foot on the open road could push fuel consumption well on the good side of 20mpg. That trait makes the 5.0-liter Mustang an excellent long-distance cruiser. The seller claims this gem has a genuine 41,000 miles on the clock without mentioning supporting evidence. They say that it runs and drives perfectly, allowing someone planning a warm-weather holiday to save on airfares as they fly in and drive this Convertible home.
The seller listed this 1989 Mustang LX Convertible here on Craigslist in La Habra, California. I won’t sugarcoat it, because their price of $19,999 is above the market average. However, it isn’t unprecedented, with several recent sales of similar vehicles within that price range. Its condition, odometer reading, originality, and unusual paint shade will combine to turn heads and command respect. If you crave that type of attention, contacting the seller could make it happen.
So what IS the market average? That info would be helpful.
https://www.classic.com/m/ford/mustang/3rd-gen/1987-1993/lx/
Hagerty Valuation shows $23,600 for #2 Excellent Condition -14% from a year ago.
This one looks fairly priced in my opinion.
Has it had it’s “engine out” service, like that Ferrari posted above it?
It’s just about impossible to find timing belts for those 5.0 engines!
Imagine my surprise when I opened Barn Finds today and I saw my Mustang! Well not quite. Mine is a 1991, same color but with a black top and scarlet red interior. According to a Body man giving me a paint estimate, he thought the mileage of 77800 was accurate, based on the condition. I always wondered what the top would look like in white and now I know. I’m not a fan, but I dig those red pinstripes. That said. This is a sweet ride. The price might not be too far off considering the mileage and condition.
Another over priced car but if I was wanting to sell I would post high and let them talk me down so I get what I want and the buyer thinks they got it for less.also something like this I would actually spend more than the $5 bucks for a Craigslist add and post it here or on other forums
It’s looks like it’s in really nice condition, low mileage (if verified), good color combination. It’s not inexpensive and doesn’t need to be. In a couple of years this will look like a bargain, it’s worth paying at the upper end of the market for cars quality cars. This is relatively inexpensive for a turn key car that could go to coffee and cars and turn heads on its own merit rather than once or twice because only because it was some oddity that happened to survive. Too bad it isn’t a 5spd.
Steve R
Spot on Steve. Very nice car, and 1989 is the high water mark for Fox Mustangs.
This is a great car for someone looking for a timeless classic to get into the hobby. He or she won’t be spending all their time laying on a garage creeper or under the hood. I would like to see this car in person as I enjoy seeing all makes of classics that are bone stock not all muscled up. I have a 2003 Mustang convertible yellow with black top has been mine from day 1 just turned 50,000. Clean and well kept people are always asking me questions about it and it’s not for sale and never will be.
Ahaha , its not for sale and never will be has got to be the funniest line !
When the hoarder says it , he is called a fool cause he let his car rot to the ground , times change , needs change, priorities change and we change …
I don’t think the 1989 year mustangs had a 140mph speedometers (I could be wrong though). Possible speedo change/not actual miles???
Ha, you made me look it up. The Web says the 140 mph speedometer was introduced mid-year 1989.
Even earlier than mid-year. Reportedly a running change beginning in Sept. or Oct. of ’88
Analog Stang experience for half the price of a new digital Stang.
I would have bought one of these when the lease on the ’96 Corolla was up, but my family insisted that the next gens were better looking. So I took their advice and bought a Pacific Green ’98 convertible.
Sometimes late at night I would sneak into the garage just to admire that car. It gave way to a black ’95 Corvette. I now have a LeMans Blue ’07 Corvette convertible. All 3 of those cars plus this lovely fox body put together didn’t cost as much as the Ferrari above and I doubt I’d be sneaking off any more often if I could afford the Italian car.
BTW – That particular Ferrari looks a bit generic and bland to me.
I have owned a 89 lx 5.0 5speed and a 91 gt 5 speed. If I remember correctly the 89 was rated at 210hp and 91 was at 225hp
The ’85 was rated at 210 hp, the ’86 was 200, the ’87-92s were 225 and the ’93 (non-Cobra) was 205 (rating procedure changed).
Unaware that a 5.0 has a timing belt.