The words “cheap” and “collector car” rarely go hand in hand, but examples like this Ford Mustang SVO should provide you with some hope that it’s still possible to find cars for reasonable prices with decent value trajectories. This 1985 SVO is a project but one that has seemingly not been messed with too much aside from a previous owner removing the exhaust for unknown reasons. This is an earlier model with the recessed headlights, and it’s offered for $5,500 here on craigslist in Phoenix.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rex M. for the find. The SVO has been an overlooked classic for years, but that’s slowly starting to change. Nice examples regularly trade for over $10,000, and low mileage specimens attract even more. The seller’s car isn’t exactly either of those, though the reported mileage of just over 20,000 is curious – is it accurate, or has the odometer rolled over? It seems like many of the SVOs we feature have exceedingly low miles, even when it project car form like this one, so I have to believe the odometers are prone to failure.
Despite the missing exhaust, the SVO looks good from this side of the computer screen. The bodywork appears straight and rust-free, which would certainly be a hallmark of an Arizona car. The seller doesn’t include any photos of the interior, which would seemingly indicate there’s some sun damage to remedy, especially if the SVO has been parked outside for any length of time. The seller calls it “all original” but doesn’t mention whether it still runs.
The SVO will likely never surpass the value of a stock, low mileage Fox body GT in notchback form, but it will likely outpace your average hatchback style Mustang. The rarity, combined with the exclusive looks that were unique to the SVO and the stirring performance make it a bone-fide performance car that can keep up with your basic 5.0L model. If you happen to find a later car with the more powerful engine, all the better – especially if you’re a fan of headlights that sit flush with the body. Still, this early model could be a solid deal if it turns out to run and drive and a replacement exhaust isn’t too pricey.
Motor? Trans? Interior? ??? Useless Ad? 👍
“The SVO will likely never surpass the value of a stock, low mileage Fox body GT in notchback form…” Pretty sure you meant hatchback, since exacty zero notchback GTs were built.
I always liked these cars for the hairdried 4-banger approach, which made them a blast to drive on curvy roads. Ford’s circumvention of the federal 85MPH-speedometer rule was brilliant, too–the needle will travel to the end of the hashmarks, where 85MPH is a distant memory (the last hashmark is 140MPH).
The wheels and upper rear spoiler would not be missed.
tough to tell with limited photos and details but this could be a hella deal for somebody able to check it out in person
The picture of the dash is from a non-SVO, as well as the side moldings on the doors. Could possibly be a mixture of GT and SVO, or a converted GT