ASC Conversion: 1989 Ford Mustang McLaren Convertible

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The ASC McLaren Ford Mustang convertible is already a rarity these days, as it was produced in limited numbers when new. However, you can split a few key hairs to make it even more obscure if you look towards the 1989 model year. In that year, ASC McLaren introduced a new wheel design produced by a manufacturer more often associated with Japanese tuner cars, along with a few additional paint codes from the Ford color wheel. This 1989 ASC McLaren convertible has 55,000 original miles and is listed for sale in Campbell, MO.

First off, the wheels: the 1989 McLarens came with these blade-style wheels which was a design that made its way onto numerous vehicles. One of my Isuzu Troopers sported a similar look for a while with a set of American Racing “Sawblade” wheels, and you can find a factory design similar to this on almost every Honda product made between 1986 and 1992. This is also a calling card to let people know that your McLaren is one of the final year models, as the prior years sported a much more sedate design. The seller’s car looks like a proper Fox body Mustang with its white-letter radials, but I might delete those for a cleaner look.

The interior is in good shape overall, with seats that appear to have some cheap aftermarket covers on them and hide the original upholstery from view. The tan carpets are in driver-quality shape, which is to say they could do with a steam cleaning. The Mustang is equipped with an automatic transmission, which is hardly uncommon when it comes to a Fox body; it’s even harder to find three pedals in a limited-production model like this one. The good news is this example appears to remain in stock condition throughout; the bad news is, I’m worried the original Recaro seats may not longer be in this car, based purely on the relatively flat bolsters under that seat cover.

The other way this particular ASC car stands out is the paint code. If I have my facts right, 1989 saw a few colors enter the mix that weren’t offered in prior years, including Royal Gold and Summer Tan. I suspect this is the former, as the latter does tend to be much more gold in appearance. The seller says he is firm on his price of $14,500, as listed here on Facebook Marketplace. These cars have a small but loyal following, and it’s amazing to me that such an obscure piece of Fox body History continues to pop up for sale, often in respectable condition. Thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the find.

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Comments

  1. gary englert

    Can you post some underneath pictures

    Like 0
  2. Fox owner

    Nice looking Mustang. Was ASC responsible for the top conversion? I noticed it folds down in the front behind the windshield, good, instead of sitting on top of it like my 91 LX convertible, bad. I’ve only had it in the rain a couple times and the water just dripped between the seal and the windshield frame. What happened to the emergency brake handle? No engine specifications either and I don’t do FB.

    Like 0
  3. Jay McCarthy

    I thought McLaren did the conversion only to the Mercury Capri’s, learned something today

    Like 2
    • nlpnt

      By ’89 there was no more Capri.

      Like 1
  4. StanMember

    All these ASC Mustangs were 5.0 power with the AOD automatic autoloader i do believe.

    Like 0
  5. nlpnt

    For five figures TAKE OFF THE SEAT COVERS. Otherwise it’s reasonable to assume what’s underneath is trashed (although in this case the carpets look pristine).

    I always wondered what the advantage of the 2-seat ASC McLaren was over the regular 4-seat Mustang ragtop.

    Like 0
    • PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember

      Plus, those Amazon sourced seat covers make me want to puke.

      Like 0
  6. CadmanlsMember

    Nice seat covers, but hardly worth the 14.5 asking. But I am old and cheap lol, seriously there are some nice drop tops out there for that money. This needs paint, top and probably upulstery. These cars usually aren’t that much in desire, anyway best of luck to the seller.

    Like 1
  7. Greg G

    The seller should be firm with this ask The McLaren Mustang is the looking fox body Mustang made. Plus they had performance to match. I’ve always felt they looked better than the Mercedes SL and performed better.l’ve always loved the ASC McLaren convertible as you can probably tell and would love to have this one. Hope it finds someone that feels like l do.

    Like 0
  8. Mark RuggieroMember

    Anything special about the power in this car/these cars? What did McLaren do besides Recaro seats and a numbered plaque? Hideous squared off 80’s styling is not a plus. The listing has been been pulled btw, prolly already sold.

    Like 1
  9. Martini ST

    Doesn’t ASC mean American Sunroof Corporation? Giving a hint to who did the roof?

    Like 0

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