Rarity and low-mileage claims can be a slippery slope if the seller doesn’t provide supporting evidence. Such is the case with this 1986 Ford Mustang LX Convertible. The seller indicates that the odometer reading of 6,500 miles is genuine without mentioning documentation. Therefore, the figure must be taken at face value. However, assessing the car’s overall condition makes the figure plausible. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting the Mustang listed here on Craigslist in Oak Grove, Missouri. The seller set their price for this classic at $8,000, making it an affordable drop-top.
I’ve often considered that Ford’s 1985 model update resulted in the most attractive version of the Fox-Body Mustang. The new front fascia, which retained the quad headlights but added a single slot air intake, looks bold and aggressive, in keeping with the look the badge deserved. Things remained unchanged in 1986, which is when this LX Convertible rolled off the line. Finished in Medium Canyon Red with a contrasting White soft-top, the Mustang makes a positive first impression. The paint holds a warm shine, the panels are free from dings and dents, and the top fits as tight as a drum. The car isn’t perfect, with a close-up shot of the hood revealing paint deterioration. That appears to be the only genuine cosmetic shortcoming, and is one a reputable shop should have no trouble addressing. The seller states that this garage-kept classic has never seen rain or snow, suggesting that the Convertible should be rust-free. There are no issues with the trim or glass, and the aluminum wheels are free from stains and physical damage.
I’ve mentioned how there is a question mark hanging over the seller’s mileage claim, but the interior suggests there might be a grain of truth behind it. Trimmed in Red cloth and vinyl, it is almost impossible to find anything deserving criticism. The door pockets are sagging slightly, but that is so common that it almost seems inevitable. The front seats are free from wear, and the back seat is in as-new condition. The dash, pad, and plastic have avoided age and UV deterioration, and there are no aftermarket additions. The seller states that the interior features every option available in 1986, and that seems right. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a tilt wheel, cruise control, a factory tachometer, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player. The seller states that the A/C requires a recharge but doesn’t identify any other functional issues.
Some readers will be disappointed to discover that this Mustang doesn’t feature a V8 under its hood. Instead, the buyer receives a 3.8-liter V6, teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The V6 delivers a factory-claimed 120hp and 205 ft/lbs of torque, providing competent performance in heavy traffic and the ability to cruise comfortably at 70mph on the open road. I’ve raised doubts about the seller’s mileage claim, but there is a factor worth considering. The car has been part of the same family since Day One. If it has been appropriately maintained, they may have Service Records that could provide verification. They state that this classic needs tires, but that is its only apparent mechanical issue. If that proves the case, it is a turnkey proposition that the buyer can enjoy immediately.
The seller’s listing for this 1986 Ford Mustang LX Convertible is frustrating. They hint at included original paperwork, but not whether it contains documentation confirming the odometer reading. That’s a major failing from my perspective, although there are other factors to consider. The spotless state of its interior and engine bay is encouraging, and while that doesn’t constitute concrete proof, it makes the figure plausible. Addressing the hood’s paint issue shouldn’t be difficult or expensive, and the price is undeniably affordable. Would you roll the dice on this classic, or doesn’t it tick the boxes for you?
Wow!!! Great color combination for a Drop Top Fox Body Mustang. Truth be told, there were quite a few Fox Bodies that ran a V6 auto combination back then. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. I agree with Adam, it’ll keep up with modern traffic no problem. I am not sure about the mileage claim, but it appears to be in very good unrestored condition. And certainly dont think it had 106,000 miles on it. Thanks Adam!!! I enjoyed your write up. And Barney too. No matter what the miles, its a nice one.
$8000 is not a bad deal for this Four Eye. But, what do you do with it, if it actually has 6k on the car? Not rare enough to store it away, and every mile you put on it, sinks the value. My hope is that some Neanderthal doesn’t snap it up and do the sacrilegious LS butchery.
I too prefer the ’85/’86 front ends. So many directions you can go with this including driving it as is, although that might be a bit sedate for some. 302 or ecoboost swap is another route.
great deal here. i would trade those original tires for a set of 5-star pony wheels. the car would really pop with them.
I think all the options would include leather and sport seats
I ordered one new. Leather was not offered and sport seats came on the GT model. The only option I am not sure on this one is premium sound.
Yes, leather articulated sport seats were an option on the LX convertible, GT convertible and SVO. I just double checked the ’86 brochure…
I would almost bet that this car was one that a man I worked for bought his wife. Within 3 months of the purchase she passed from cancer, the car was given to a neighbor who took care of my friend’s wife during her last days.
I saw this car the day after it was purchased by the original owner. Again I would almost bet bet on it, but I could be wrong
Low speed beachside ⛱️ and sightseeing cruiser 👍
Pretty sure this one was written up here early May, that’s how I started communicating with the owner. It was $12k then. Apparently she starts a new post whenever the price is lowered, otherwise I’d have known about it. I bet the miles are real, who would bother to fake it in this spec? One could drive anywhere in great comfort and without shame. 3.8 is way better than the 2.3. Drive it and smile!
In November of 85 I ordered a new 86 Mustang GT convertible. I traded it in on a Supra but not a day goes by that I miss the Mustang. It was a good year for those cars. For my driving, the 302 engine was a bit much. Driving through the suburbs or an occasional highway trip the V6 will be fine. The 4 cylinder cars I drove were underpowered. My GT did have great seats, premium sound, and was fun to drive. That November I also listed for sale my 75 Olds Delta 88 convertible. I was the second owner, basically showroom except it had been painted by the previous owner. It 19K original miles verified by the title and I did have service papers. I sold it though Hemming’s Motor News. A guy from Connecticut called me. Offered me full price and sent a check in the mail. No docs required for proof. He asked if I could store the car until spring, he would fly in and drive it home. Right before he was to arrive, I had the oil changed for the heck of it. I picked him up at the airport. He said I knew you were telling the truth, was happy, and drove off. I wish all transactions were like this – honest seller,and trusting buyer. I just might call on this red Mustang.
was runnin to TX (etc) a few yrs ago for these. The buyer demographic (50, 60 y/o.s) is just begining to fade. Onto something else now.
Enjoy a fox wagon as daily. Not interested in stang (cept 1st gen FB). The areo was nice (esp w/hatch) but not interested in stang again till ‘2 door tarus’, SN95, or ‘4th Fox gen’. Yet still, no room in my garage till retirement. By then i probably couldnt get in’n out ofa stang (U should C me w/ the TT 8^ 0
To me, 86 was the last year of the “Series 1” (79-86) Fox body. Major cosmetic “updates” started in 87 (Series 2) that evolved in to the what to me was the best/last year in 93. 94 (Series 3) got another major cosmetic “update” that continued till the end of production of the Fox platform. Nice looking ride for sure. Too much hail and no extra inside storage right now for a drop top here.
A CarFax should quickly clear up any confusion about actual mileage.
I’ll bet it looks even better in person. This probably should remain a pleasure vehicle. Paint the hood so you don’t have to apologize to every oaf passing by.
That color is an absolute nightmare to match.
Better snap this up ! Were else you going to get a new car for 8K ?
The age of this car would be concerning to me. As most people would not keep up with the cooling system maintenance. Which is the really only Achilles heal of this car. (Ex Ford service manager speaking here) This engine will run almost forvever providing it never overheats. If it overheats the engine is done. The cylinder heads warp, blowing head gaskets which dump coolant into the oil. And engine bearings don’t like coolant. If I bought this car, besides flushing the cooling system. I would install a new radiator. The likelihood that the radiator is partially plugged because of old coolant and possible rust build up is high. This is a great engine transmission combination that normally gives over 300,000 miles of problem free service WITH PROPER MAINTENANCE! After replacing the radiator and servicing the cooling system. I would not hesitate to send my wife across country in this car
Also, these are not allow wheels! They are made by Motorwheel. They are steel wheels with plastic glued in center section.