Four-eyed Mustangs aren’t exactly common these days, especially in nicely preserved condition with the preferred manual transmission. This 1986 model presents well with fresh paint and Pony wheels that thankfully haven’t been chromed. The seller lists some mild modifications in the description, but nothing that’s impossible to swap out if you crave a 100% stock example. The mods, however, seem well thought out and likely make this 5.0L-equipped Mustang even more fun to drive. The Mustang presents better than its mileage would suggest, which clocks in at just over 118K. Find it here on craigslist with an asking price of $6,800.
The interior remains in fair condition; it’s not perfect but it’s good for a car made in 1986 with over 100,000 miles on the clock. The Mustang bucket seats in GT spec were nicely bolstered from the factory, and appear to be in great shape on this example. Carpets look slightly tired, but that could more be an effect of the faded floormats against the carpet pad that creates an image of being worn out. The dash looks to have one crack in it, which is to be expected on cars of this vintage but it’s still a bummer nonetheless. The air conditioning is said to work well but no word on whether it was previously converted to R134A.
The backseat looks like it was never used, which wouldn’t be entirely surprising on a car like this. It’s not that you can’t use the backseat, or that two friends couldn’t ride back there for hours, but it seems most owners don’t buy such a car for the purpose of ferrying friends. The grey cloth with red pinstriping was a staple of GTs from the Fox body era, and this scheme meshes nicely with the black exterior. Speaking of which, the repaint may be a bummer to some, but given how poor most black cars present with this kind of mileage, it’s probably a blessing in retrospect that the ‘Stang wears fresh paint. It’ll be up to an in-person viewing to determine if it’s to a high level.
The missing Ford emblem on the nose is a disappointment, and one of those small details you can easily fix before listing a car for sale. The engine bay appears to be in stock condition, but there are some upgrades lurking underneath. The seller mentions it has ’88 heads and a mild cam, so definitely some performance you can feel, but nothing so obvious that the car screams that it’s been modified. Struts and shocks are new, and an extra H pipe and another set of wheels and tires are included with the sale. Four eyed pride is a very real thing, but plenty of enthusiasts prefer the more streamlined appearance of the later models. Which do you prefer?
Hopefully the 10-hole GT wheels are included. Great shape. I’d definitely throw the cash at it if I could. 1986 was the first year for fuel injection so not ad collectible as a 1985 but prices will only go up for this design that only spanned those 2 years. The only outside way to tell between was the 3rd taillight in the spoiler mandated in 1986.
It’s hard to believe someone would purposefully pay more for a carburated 1985 5.0 than an 86 EFI 5.0 in similar condition with similar options.
Steve R
Gosh Darn, Steve R., I fully agree with you. What, you start taking them smartie pants pills again?
Yeah, god forbid something tried & true be worth more than the first attempt at a new innovation. Also, last carburated Mustang. Probably won’t see it again. Hence, a tiny bit more desirable to some people. Never assume what a person’s heart wants.
The 1985 5.0 had more horsepower and was faster than the 1986 5.0 because of a head design change in 86. Ford change the head design again in 87 to gain back the lost HP.
Too bad they changed the look in ’87 too.
The 4 eyes version are the best looking, IMO.
Arthell64…the 86, although slightly less HP consistently beat the 85’s in 0-60 and 1/4 mile times. The increased torque numbers (up 20 lbs ft from 85) and wider torque band pushed ahead of the 4bbl version. I drove both years and the throttle response of the EFI was much better as well.
I’ve always loved the pony wheels and I wish they weren’t so over used now. They look nice on this car, but I prefer the ten holes on a four eyed Mustang. I would try and freshen up the interior a bit with at least a carpet and deep cleaning on the front seats, then drive this every weekend.
True, a little shampoo would go a long way.
Hopefully the pistons were either relieved or changed when the later heads were put on. 86 flat top pistons can hit e7 and later heads valves.
The dash pad is not a big deal on these. Normally less than $200 and it takes about 10 minutes to change. (I have probably changed 20 over the years)
Nice looking car. Yes, I would be a little concerned about the valve clearance also. BUT, the heads and the version II of the intake upper manifold is the way to go. ( with the upper and lower version III is even better which this does not have)
Nice car with all the normal Mustang upgrades.
Pleeeeeze put the 10 hole wheels back on. Those pony wheels are just horrible and scream “4 cylinder Mustang”. Looks like the owner went with a blackout treatment, pulling off the Ford badge, removing the hood and rear deck decals, blacking out the GT in the side moldings and did away with the “5.0” fender badging. This is a low option car with no power locks & windows, T-tops. Undercarriage pics would be nice. If it’s clean under there and the car runs well, it’s not a terrible price.
Car was repainted. They might not have replaced badges & decals… yet.
Car located in Baltimore, MD
It just doesn’t look right without the GT decals.
I like the look of the carb engine better than the F.I.
Most all of us did, especially when the all new injected ’86 5.0 was first seen. I couldn’t believe Ford had dropped that four barrel and dual inlet air cleaner….for an odd looking fuel injection set up than None of us knew anything about. That changed in a year or two but at first I figured the next thing was front wheel drive, ha!
I guess I’m odd man out. I hate the 10 hole wheels and like the FI over the 4bbl. I owned an 86 and love 4 eyed foxes!