Thinking back over the long life of the third-generation Mustang, Ford really hit the mark in the styling department, giving the pony car a sleek and sporty appearance outside from the get-go, no matter what trim level a customer chose. Things got more fun in 1982, the year Ford decided to reintroduce the GT model, and additional excitement came in ’86 when the carburetor on the 302 got replaced with a sequential electronic fuel injection system, or SEFI for short. Based on the limited amount of photos the seller provides, this 1986 Ford Mustang GT here on Craigslist sure looks like a beauty. It’s located in Hawthorne, California, and was spotted by reader Tony Primo, who we’d like to thank for the tip! The owner has set his asking price at $10,500, which sounds reasonable if everything checks out.
The horsepower rating actually dropped slightly in 1986, going from 210 down to 200. However, it wasn’t due to the fuel injection, but rather because the heads had a more restrictive design than before. Some better news was regarding the compression ratio, which was raised from the previous 1985 level of 8.4:1 to 9.2:1, resulting in an increase of 15 more lb-ft of torque. The owner doesn’t provide much specific information about the engine here, but everything in the bay appears tidy and orderly. An odometer reading of 88,000 miles is given, which is relatively low considering that this one’s not all that far from being four decades old.
It’s a bit confusing the way the seller worded it, but I believe he’s trying to say he purchased the Mustang from his uncle in 2018, who was the original owner. Other than a previous history in Texas, nothing much is mentioned regarding the cosmetics, or if that’s still the factory finish outside. Whether the paint is original or if the body has gotten a respray, things outside appear to be in great shape, and I feel as though the two exterior photos from the listing show a nicely preserved and well-cared-for example here.
We only get this sole photo from the interior, but the visible part of the dash still looks good as does the front carpeting. It’s excellent to see this one’s also equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, and the seller also says the Traction-Lok differential has 3.55:1 gearing inside. A total of five pictures aren’t a whole lot to go on, but from what can be seen, I’m sure not finding much to find fault with here and feel like this 1986 Ford Mustang GT is going to find a new home rather quickly. What are your thoughts on this one?
Nice example of what I think is the best year for the Fox Body Mustang GT. Clean non-aero look, 1st year of fuel injection, true dual exhaust and the beefier 8.8 rear with optional 3.08 ratio. 0-60 of 6 seconds blew away any ’86 Trans-Am, IROC, Porsche 944, 300ZX, Starion, etc
The 3.55 rear, cat back exhaust are great mods. The paint may be original as the side moldings and trim look unpainted. Factory trim was a charcoal gray with a lighter gray accent on the GT in spots. You can tell most repaints they paint all the trim black thinking the gray was just faded black.
The only thing I would change is a switch to the standard non-cruise control steering wheel that looks a lot better.
JCA covers it. This one will deliver smiles.
Nice. Is it just the light or does that interior look faded? If it’s supposed to be red it’s a shade light, but the Texas sun could have done that. Seems fairly priced.
That red always faded if left in the sun for more than an hour. Awesome car, throw the louvers away. Seems very fairly priced, won’t last long.
I always loved the ’86s as well – they came out when I was a junior in high school. Finally owned one for about a year 15 years ago. Wanted to make more mods and keep it but it was my DD so I couldn’t take it down for long.
Good write-up Mike, and good comments. The later aero-nose Fox Mustangs are probably more popular, but for fans of the four-eyes this one looks like a nice example at a reasonable price.
My first new Mustang. Mine had teething problems with the FI. Took it back to the dealer 5-6 times. Finally pushed the keys across the table and said, “it’s yours.” Then started talking about lemon laws. Amazingly, they were able to fix it that afternoon. After that? Great car, definitely the cream of the performance car crop in ’86. Add a sunroof, and this was my exact car. And at a decent price, too.
I have always thought very highly of these cars and with a little work heads, cam exhaust and a little more induction these could be made into a very formidable performance vehicle!
Pretty sure this is a scam. WAY LOW price and it sold on BaT in 2023 for $15,750…all the same copy as the BaT listing in the Craigslist Listing.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1986-ford-mustang-21/
Too good to be true me thinks. Maybe I’m wrong and someone will get a ripping car for CHEAP.
No Marc, I think you’re sniffing down the right path. I too thought the car and pics looked familiar. You saved me time from having to peruse the “usual suspect” site of choice for scammers. Whenever a car is priced lower than market, or an eBay ad with no reserve (not always a scam, but if using old BAT ad pics, high probability of a scam), I advise folks to search thru BAT. I cannot count how many times I’ve found the list vehicle being advertised for sale previously sold on BAT with the “new” ad using pics stolen from the BAT ad. This is a nice 5.0, but I definitely think this is a scam.
Could be. These cars look cheap anyway compared to their predecessors of the 60s to 70s. At least the modern mustangs have some semblance of a mustang look, not the k-car look this thing has.
The Fox body Mustangs debut was 1979. The K car came out 2 years later. And you are the only person I’ve ever heard, that said they look like a K car. Sounds like GM fan to me.
I can always forgive the plasticky and cheap look of these Mustangs as long as they have the 5.0 drive train. Now if only I could drive with my eyes closed…
Terry that might just be how all those drivers leaving car meets in Mustangs seem to crash them on you tube, with their eyes closed
Nice car. Also I think the last year for the squared off dashboard which I like better than the latter ones.