What makes a limited production car even more unique? A subjective question for sure, but when it comes to splitting hairs, one of the sure-fire ways to make a case for rarity is comparing early versus late-production models. Earlier models tend to be built in smaller quantities; later production models tend to have more of the bugs worked out, and/or better performance and features. This 1984 Ford Mustang SVO listed here on eBay falls into the former category, as the seller notes it’s an 11/83 build, which likely makes it one of the first SVOs to roll off the production line.
As most of us are well aware, the SVO’s performance improved as it neared the end of its production run, but not to the extent that it was considerably faster than an early car like this. And, as a turbocharged model, you can likely uncork plenty of performance via the aftermarket versus worrying about trying to find a later car. The SVO represented an interesting time among domestic manufacturers weighing how to build performance models in an era concerned with fuel economy, and while the 5.0L V8-equipped Fox bodies were still the weapon of choice among muscle car enthusiasts, the SVO opened up the possibility of owning a fast Mustang that didn’t rely on sheer displacement.
This Mustang is offered by one of my favorite dealers on eBay, Cherokee Automotive Group, which constantly digs up impressive survivor cars of seemingly every variety. This Canyon Red SVO appears to have been well-loved since new, with no apparent alterations from stock and excellent cosmetics. Interestingly, the seller has what appears to be a comprehensive paper trail of records that shows the original owner traded a 5.0L-equipped Mustang in for this SVO, so it’s clear he was intrigued by the boosted Fox-chassis car. Earlier cars, like this one, had recessed headlights, while later models were updated to a flush-mounted lens style.
In addition to Koni shocks, a 3-spoke steering wheel, 4-wheel disc brakes, and a locking differential, the SVO also came with these awesome sport bucket seats. I would argue that Ford was making some of the best-bolstered buckets in the business in the mid-to-late 80s, and the interior of this SVO remains in fantastic condition. The seller is asking just under $16,000 or best offer for this early production SVO, and while I do think the market has cooled a bit on these fast Fords, there’s no denying they have a place in a Ford collector’s garage that has had its fill of V8 models.
Enjoyable read Lavery thank you. 👍🤝
Nice especially that interior. Were the early models inter-cooled though? Barely broken in at that mileage.
They were built from 1984 – 1986 and all were factory equipped with inter-coolers. If I remember correctly, there were roughly about 5,000 total manufactured for all three years. The 1984 models had a turbo lag that was corrected the following year. The 54K mileage is actually slightly high for what appears to be well taken care of car. They generally require an engine rebuild around 80k – 90k due to an issue with head cracking
The SVO annual production numbers were,
1984…..4,508
1985…..1,954
1986…..3,382
Steve R
Early model has slapper bars instead of dual shocks my early model year 84 svo I had was made in 83 had them and only 11k miles even original tires
A grey one is parked just off the road near our lake cabin in Minnesota, been sitting there for the last 25 years. Must be a lawn ornament, at least they mow around it.
Looks like a nice example.
Trivia: car was originally purchased under Ford A Plan, which is employee pricing. Likely an employee at the nearby Lorain plant, or maybe the Avon Lake plant.
AI says 9844 were built over three years.
Had an 86 SVO. Was my fave Fox. Hurst shift, 3.73s, 16″ 5 bolt wheels and discs all around were nice standard features. I upgraded Stage 1 turbo, stainless tube headers, 3″ catless downpipe, worked intake, dial-a-boost… made fodder of 5.0s.
Always liked these, even back then. Just different enough from other Fox bodies that they were intriguing.The offset hood scoop, the better suspension, an intercooler before they were common on turbos, and lighter weight. It always seemed a bit odd to me that they didn’t sell better or Ford didn’t push them as much as the 5.0s. I know that they were more expensive and many probably found that hard to justify for 4 cylinders, especially at a time when turbos were just getting “better”, but I always thought the sophistication of these was just spot on.
Remember these back in the 80’s. Always liked the looks of the SVO. I think the price increase over what a 5.0 GT was just helped hurt the sales. Really great looking seats but I still would prefer the interior of my 84′ Daytona turbo z.
I think that a great project would be to take the modern day version of this same engine – EcoBoost with 300+ HP from the factory – and put it into one of these.
Certainly not this one, though.
No difference in the suspension other than softer springs & swaybars, the Koni shocks. They had a different front lower control arm that as far as my experience added othing. I have had more than 20 Fox Body cars and have used many for autocross and track days. The additional brake size and rear disc brakes helped the overall driving. Added a nice touch, although most owners had them set too stiff or didn’t realize they were adjustable. Remove the Konis and install Bilsteins and then the car really had a BMW feel to it. The 16″ wheels were also a better choice than the 15s on the GT.
Somehow my response got all screwed up. Remove the Konis, install Bilstein shocks and struts and it drives much nicer than a GT. I have a 1984 SVO and 1987 5.0 LX.
No difference in the suspension other than softer springs & swaybars, the Koni shocks. Added a nice touch, although most owners had them set too stiff or didn’t realize they were adjustable. Remove the Konis and install Bilsteins and then the car really had a BMW feel to it. The 16″ wheels were also a better choice than the 15s on the GT.
Had an ’86. No turbo lag in those pups. Smoked many a 5.0’s and definitely had better handling in the twisties because of the power : weight ratio. All that said, the seller for this item is asking more than the MSRP of what I had. And that was with a leather gut.