6k Original Miles: 1986 Ford Mustang LX Convertible

Many enthusiasts focus on a known ownership history when searching for a classic to park in their garage. If you subscribe to that school of thinking, this 1986 Ford Mustang LX Convertible might be worth a close look. It has been part of the same family since Day One, and the seller includes a collection of original documentation tracing its history. However, its ace up the sleeve could be its odometer reading of 6,000 original miles. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting the Mustang here on Craigslist in Oak Grove, Missouri. The seller set their price at $12,000 for a classic that has never seen rain or snow.

I have long felt that the cosmetic refresh Ford performed on the Fox-Body Mustang in 1985 resulted in one of the most attractive versions of the breed. The “four-eyes” headlight setup was perfectly complemented by the single-slot grille, with both features carried over to 1986. It gave the Mustang a much more aggressive appearance, which is something the badge undoubtedly deserved. This ’86 Mustang LX Convertible is a genuine survivor that has been part of the same family since it left the showroom floor. Ordered in Medium Canyon Red with a contrasting White soft-top, it makes a positive first impression. I acknowledge the seller’s candour, providing images that reveal paint deterioration on the hood. The issue appears limited to the single panel, making that area a prime candidate for refinishing. The rest of the exterior looks clean, and the panels are straight. The car’s rust-free status is unsurprising. It has been garage-kept since Day One and has never seen rain or snow. The alloy wheels are in good condition, and the tinted glass is clear.

Some readers will be disappointed to learn that this Mustang doesn’t feature a V8 under the hood. The 3.8-liter V6 was the entry-level powerplant for buyers ordering an ’86 LX Convertible, as verified by the company’s Sales Brochure. There was no manual-transmission variant with this motor; buyers received a three-speed automatic, power steering, and power brakes. The V6 wasn’t the most potent engine on the planet, delivering an official 120hp and 205 ft/lbs of torque. However, power would be adequate under most conditions, allowing this Convertible to handle heavy city traffic and open-road cruising comfortably. The seller states that the car has a genuine 6,000 miles on its odometer. They don’t mention verifying evidence, but since the deal includes a significant collection of original paperwork, there may be documentary evidence that would remove doubts. It appears that this Mustang is a turnkey proposition, ready for some relaxed summer top-down motoring.

Examining the 1986 Mustang Sales Brochure indicates that the owner ordered this Mustang with its interior featuring Equipment Package 244A. This package included air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a premium AM/FM radio cassette player, and the tinted glass and alloy wheels previously mentioned. The overall condition is consistent with the mileage claim. The trim, in a combination of Red cloth and vinyl, looks excellent, with no wear or other issues. The carpet is spotless, as are the dash and pad. There is no evidence of UV deterioration, and no aftermarket additions. Driving the classic with the top dropped won’t embarrass the new owner.

This 1986 Ford Mustang LX Convertible is a wonderful survivor, and with the hood repainted, its presentation would be first-rate. Admittedly, it doesn’t feature a desirable V8 under the hood, but the asking price looks realistic for a Fox-Body with such a low odometer reading. It has only been on the market a few days, and I won’t be surprised if someone snaps it up pretty quickly. Do you agree?