A few days ago, I put up my first listings on eBay in some time, running two auctions for a pair of motorcycles I’m trying to sell. The bids came in slowly and got no where near where I hoped they would end up, but one of the two did result in the high bidder reaching out to make a deal. The seller of this 1990 Ford Mustang LX with the preferred configuration of a notchback coupe body with the 5.0L V8 and a 5-speed manual is well aware of the fact that bids are currently well short of what this car is worth, but given how strikingly clean this Fox body coupe listed here on eBay is, I doubt he’ll have much issue finding a taker at his $26,500 Buy-It-Now.
While some people may feel that you should reserve top dollar for a clean Cobra in Fox body land, I feel differently. To me, the almost-stock notchback with a stick is the way to go, and this particular car has a few other details working in its favor. First of all, it’s ridiculously clean; mileage is at just 64,000; it’s supposedly stock besides the later 5-spoke wheels; it has all manual controls inside, including crank windows and manual mirrors; and it’s an A/C delete car. All of this means to me that the original owner clearly wanted to buy the lightest, most stripped-down version of the slightly-sleepy LX trim coupe he could find.
Now, the Cobra didn’t exist yet in 1990, so this Mustang was somewhat ordered out of necessity. However, even today, if you don’t want the added attention or cost of a Cobra, or if you simply don’t like the hatch-style body design, this was the car to build – and since Ford wouldn’t likely put it on the lot in this exact specification, it seems obvious to me that it was custom-ordered this way, which makes it even more tantalizing. The stock 5.0L made 225 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque in 1990, which is a healthy number made better with three pedals.
The interior is a spartan affair, not much different from an SSP car. The LX trim was fairly basic inside, so it’s of little surprise to see the flat-bottom seats without any significant bolstering. I might deviate from the playbook a bit here and “approve” the use of aftermarket seats or at least the sportier buckets that came in the ASC McLarens and Saleen models, if you can find a pair up for grabs. The seller is right to ask for top dollar for this gem of a Mustang, but like I found out with my motorcycles, everyone’s perception of value is different – which has an outsized impact on the final hammer price.
Talk about a stripper model. Probably the fastest you could get from the factory. Only option appears the 3.08s. Look at that backseat.
Even with its minimal options, it’s still a sharp and desirable car.
Says manual mirrors in the ad Bob. Isn’t that a pwr mirror controller on the console behind the ashtray..
Sure is Stan. Nice Stang.
Wow!!! SUPER clean!!! Love the rim design on these. I always leaned more towards the LX over the GT. The LX always reminds me of that saying. ” Everything here that you need. Nothing here that you dont”. And its a stick too!!! They really preserved that interior. Like Stan said look at that back seat. Its brand new under there. Very nice Mustang here.
I think you are right, the notchback 5.0 5spd LX will be the most desirable Fox body besides the Cobra. This is a prime example with a light touch on the options, whoever ordered it was smart enough to order it in white to coincide with the lack of AC. What’s surprising is this car wasn’t modified, it seems like nearly all notchback LX’s were.
For some reason bidding isn’t particularly strong, with a current high bid of $16,200 with less than 2 days left. This is an auction worth watching.
Steve R
Very clean unmolested Fox body Mustang here. It does have power mirrors and odd to see no A/C on this car and that back seat still has protective plastic on it? This one will not last long at this price !
I had an ’88 LX HB and after my first blowout, I changed to a full-size spare.
Nice, but not $26,000 nice.
Gotta love a stripper!
Super nice. I had an ’89 like it in white way back. One of the best cars that I’ve owned. Although I do like the manual windows, the no A/C is a deal breaker especially here in Missouri with our nice hot humid summers.
Auction ended 8/26/2025 with a high bid of $19,200, with 28 bids and 6 bidders, did not meet reserve. The seller is wise to hold out for a higher price than this auctions high bid.
Steve R
I have owned 2 brand new 86 GT’s and then a used T-Top 85 GT in 1992. I think the notchbacks were hideous. I would never buy for for the looks or the cheap interior seats, etc.
Chris, was your ’85 GT a carb car? Wondering if you had an opinion between the carb and F.I.