Oh, be still, my beating wallet. This is the exact Fox body I would buy if time and space permitted, which unfortunately, are both in short supply. This 1993 Ford Mustang LX is the exact way I would specify my ‘Stang if Ford announced tomorrow they were firing up the production lines to re-introduce the classic Fox body design. The seller’s Mustang features Calypso Green paint, chrome 5-spoke wheels, a proper 5-speed manual, and of course, the notchback body style. Find it here on eBay for $34,900 or best offer.
Now, that’s top dollar for a non-Cobra Mustang, but we all know why the seller is asking the price that he’s asking. First, he’s likely to end up pretty close to it, and second, Mustangs in this exact combination rarely come up for sale. I’ve seen rough production numbers of fewer than 2,000 LX coupes produced in this color scheme, and if you’ve heard similar statistics, I’d love to get your commentary below. While the German cars nuts tend to obsess over limited-production and special order colors, I don’t see nearly much enthusiasm with domestic car fans.
This Mustang has been extensively refreshed back to OEM condition, and it makes me curious what the backstory is. Years ago, a delightful junkyard in Connecticut had the shell of a factory Calypso Green notchback in its vast inventory, and I always kicked myself for not buying it. Sadly, the yard owner was killed in an accident and it has sat in probate ever since. The seller’s car has been resprayed and received all sort of replacement components, both of the cosmetic and mechanical sort. A new fuel tank, seats and seat foam, carpets, brake lines, headlights, and weather-stripping makes it sound like this notchback was found after many years off the road and either stripped down or nearly rotten.
Of course, with any restoration, you’ll want to ensure the work was done to a high level. The seller doesn’t share any photos of the work in progress, so it’s impossible to give it a fair assessment. Are there any paint runs? Is it covered in orange peel? I see some alignment issues on the trunk lid, which is why I’d want to take a closer look. In 1993, the LX 5.0 produced 205 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, making for a capable performer that likely emits better numbers today thanks to a cold air intake and Flowmaster exhaust kit. Do you think this rare and restored Calypso Green Fox body is worth the asking price?
I’m with you Jeff, a Calypso Green LX notchback 5-speed is near the top of my desirability list. This one looks very good, with lots of recent work. I’m glad the modifications are common and tasteful. I too wonder how many were made in this color; a Marti Report would obviously tell us.
I don’t especially care for the chrome wheels.
There: I now have a reason not to buy this car. Aside from not having the scratch, that is.
Don’t care that it has been restored. As long as the running condition matches the looks, I’m all about getting in this beauty and driving it.
My co-worker in Daytona had this exact same car, color, 5 speed and all, minus the chrome rims. It had the big alloy 5 spoke rims and looked as good or better than this. The other difference is his had an air scoop mounted underneath the right front bumper. Story was it wasn’t a former police car, but had that added. Supposed to improve high speed stability and cooling for the vehicle. I remember him saying he stole it for $3900…this was around 96.
March Performance has made that kit for decades, it’s $239 via mail order. That kit is very effective, but many owners were afraid of crushing it on speed bumps and driveways.
Steve R
Steve id be afraid of water intake considering how much rain we get here on the “wet” coast 🍁. Great colour, always liked the hatchback better in this shade. Favorite for the sedan was I think called titanium frost..
And… of course can’t go wrong with a black Ford LX in either bodystyle. Love these cars. 👍
Calypso Green is on the top of my list of favorite colors on a Fox Body. From where I’m sitting, looking on my phone, it looks like they did a great job on the body and interior. Maybe I’d go a different route with the rims, but not right away. Very nicely done. It’ll be interesting to see how much it sells for.
The 8th digit in the VIN is an M (4 cylinder), a factory V8 car would have an E in 1993. They barely reference that in the description, but if read closely it will be picked up.. It’s worth nowhere near what this dealer is asking.
Steve R
I was going to make this same point Steve. The vehicle started life as a 2.3L 4cyl. An original car may be worth this price, not a 5.0 notchback clone. Maybe half the asking price as a fun driver.
Exactly.
The description in the ad comes across as if it was written to withstand negative feedback, possibly a request for a refund or price adjustment from a buyer that assumed the car was factory equipped with a 5.0.
Steve R
Nice eye Steve, this is exactly why you need to check vehicles thoroughly. Lots can happen over the years!
Green…. Strike one
Respray….. Strike two
80,000 miles….. Strike three
35K? …. Ejected
From a purely esthetic view, this is a terrific looking car. I’m no fan of chrome wheels but these make the car. The V8-5 speed is an invitation to the open road.
Now it is showing as sold. The ad states that it is a 4 cyl. I also noticed that it has no AC lines and the heater hoses are not hooked up after looking at the ad. I wonder what other shortcuts were taken?
The listing was ended without a sale. If it had sold the asking price would have appeared in green, if the seller took an offer there would have been a line through it. Red signifies no sale/ended.
The seller did say the engine was a 2.3L 4cyl, but only in a section “About this item”, thats more like a checklist than an actual description and often has incorrect information. They never mention what the original drivetrain was in the section “Item Description from the Seller”, where they give their sales pitch about the cars condition and features. I think that wasn’t a mistake, the author of this writeup and several people commenting took the ad at face value, so would a lot of potential buyers.
Steve R