We’re no strangers to low-mile classics at Barn Finds. However, one occasionally surfaces that pushes well beyond the ordinary. Take this 1991 Ford Mustang LX as a prime example. Its presentation is seemingly flawless, which is understandable when you discover that it has a genuine and documented 493 miles showing on its odometer. It might now be thirty-four years old, but this is about as close as you are likely to come to owning a brand-new Fox-Body Mustang. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this astounding classic listed here at Low Miles No Miles in Salem, Missouri. Unsurprisingly, a Mustang of this caliber comes at a price, with the seller asking $85,000 for this classic.

Ford Executives would undoubtedly acknowledge that 1991 wasn’t a banner year for the Mustang. There were no inherent issues with the product, but it marked the first time since the company released the Fox-Body that sales dipped below 100,000 vehicles. The tally would fall further in 1992 before rebounding for that generation’s final year on showroom floors. The history of this 1991 Mustang LX is unclear, meaning that we are left in the dark regarding why it has spent most of its life in climate-controlled storage. Whatever the reason, the result is that this survivor presents in as-new condition. Its Vibrant Red paint shines beautifully, and there is no evidence of cosmetic imperfections. The underside is said to be equally impressive, with the chalk marks and tags applied at the factory intact. The glass is perfect, and the original alloy wheels are in as-new condition.

Mustang buyers in 1991 could order their new purchase with a much-improved version of the 2.3-liter four under the hood, although the 5.0-liter “HO” V8 found in this car’s engine bay proved enormously popular. Fuel injection and ongoing development allowed the motor to generate 225hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque. Although those figures look pretty tame by modern standards, they served as a sign that Detroit had banished the dark days of The Malaise Era. The first owner teamed that sweet V8 with a four-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. That package would have provided a relaxed driving experience with the potential to spring a surprise when the “loud” pedal is pressed in anger. As stated, this LX has a genuine 493 miles on the clock, meaning that its mechanical components aren’t even broken in. It is unclear what sort of maintenance schedule it has received, or whether the car is genuinely roadworthy. What is beyond doubt is the paper trail, with the trunk housing the Window Sticker, Order Form, Owner’s Manual, Dealer Brochure, and a range of other documentation that appears to confirm that this Mustang is the real deal.

Considering the state of the rest of this Mustang, I find the seller’s claim that its interior still has that distinctive “new car smell” readily believable. The carpet is protected by factory plastic, but the rest of the interior is as it would have looked when it left the dealership. The Red theme set by the exterior continues inside this LX in the form of cloth and vinyl trim. There is no wear, no marks, and no signs of deteriorating plastic. It features air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power lumbar support on both front seats, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. The seller states that everything works as it should, with no identified functional shortcomings.

Cars like this 1991 Ford Mustang LX invariably leave me torn. I acknowledge that preserving classics as museum pieces is almost essential, allowing future generations of enthusiasts to appreciate pristine examples in all of their glory. However, the workers on Ford’s production line built this Mustang to be driven and enjoyed, and that is what most owners have done. That raises the question of not only which is the more appropriate approach, but also what our readers feel the future will hold for this Fox-Body. So, it’s over to you for comments.