The third generation of the Ford Mustang would continue its use of borrowing from the corporate parts bin. As a result, it was based on the larger Fox platform that was developed for the 1978 Ford Fairmont and Mercury Zephyr. This gave it more interior and trunk space as well as a larger engine bay. The seller has an ’83 Mustang GLX convertible that may have just 38,000 miles although it may be in question. The auto looks to be in good overall condition for a survivor and can be found in Port Orange, Florida. This Ford is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached just $3,050 (a reserve also applies).
Built from 1979 through 1993, the Fox-body Mustangs replaced the subcompact Mustang II, Ford’s first attempt the reinvent the successful pony car that had fallen on tough times in the early 1970s. With a styling refresh that came along in 1983, the Mustang convertible returned after being absent since 1973. The front fascias of all Mustangs were restyled, featuring new grilles, sporting “blue oval” Ford emblems for the first time. Considering the lack of demand for convertibles in general in the 1970s, the reborn Mustang drop-top did okay with 23,438 copies emerging for 1983 alone.
The seller’s ’83 Mustang comes with both a Marti Report as well as an Experion AutoCheck Vehicle History Report. The latter assigns a composite score of 41 to this car, while the average for a 1983 model in this category is typically 51-69. That may be due to some questions about the mileage and title background. When ordered new, this car was intended for spirited use, with the 5.0-liter V8 engine (4-barrel) and a 5-speed manual transmission. It has a 3.08 posi-traction rear end with headers and a larger exhaust.
Recent upgrades or repairs include a new rear main seal, an aluminum radiator, rebuilt carburetor, and K&B filters. The stereo has been upgraded to include a USB input. Other documentation includes the factory service and owner’s manuals. The body is nice and straight, and the paint could be original, but there are some scrapes on the left rear wheel well and chips missing on the trunk lid. If you’re looking for some fun in the sun, this might be a nice find if the reserve isn’t in a different universe.
Not perfect but doesn’t look bad. If you want a sporty Fox Body with reasonably good performance that you wouldn’t be afraid to take to the crowded grocery store parking lot, something to be said for a car like this. May not go for a ton of money.
If I remember right these had a reverse cooling system. I seem to recall one example coming into my shop back in the mid 80’s with trouble bursting a heater hose or heater core. Anyway I’m just beating the bushes here trying to remember something from more than 30 years ago. Aside from all that I like these Mustangs in drop top form, but if I ever buy one it will be pristine. Good luck to all.
God Bless America
g
I googled the engine. If the site was correct it had 175 HP. This is a slight improvement over the 140 I had in my ’79. I’m not sure it is correct however as they said the 302 went away in ’79, but every time I looked under my hood I could see it sitting there plain as day. It has the same gears – 3.08 – but mine was an open diff. Also this is the 5 spd whereas mine was the C4 3 spd auto.
I wonder if it has the same wonky horn button as my ’79? You had to push the end of the turn signal stalk in towards the column to sound the horn. The one time I had a reason for using it in an emergency I automatically pushed the middle of the steering wheel (like a “normal” car) to warn another driver in a pickup that he was backing into me. By the time I realized my mistake and pushed the turn signal stalk, it was too late. Luckily he only chipped the egg crate grille a little. It was my last day of ownership. I was going to the bank to pick up a money order for the difference between the trade-in value and the agreed price for the new car I had just purchased. Luckily the dealership didn’t kibosh the deal. I guess they wanted the Mustang a lot.
If this one was in better shape (I’m just not handy) I would be tempted – if my friendly banker liked me a little more.
IIRC the 302 was in the engine bay for 79, but Ford went with the goofy, undersized, and detuned 255 (4.2 liter) for 80 and 81 (possibly 82 as well) before the 302 returned.
The 302 returned in 82. The 255/4.2 was an absolute dog. If the Mustang II was a forgettable Mustang (as I think it was – my opinion only, of course) then the 80 and 81 with the 4.2 was not far behind.
I Want! But it’s across country. One Day . . .
Not bad little pony for decent price nice write up but one small thing I believe they are K&N filters not K&B
Since the letters “B” and “N” are beside each other on a keyboard, likely it was a misstrike and not a brain fart.
I’m more of a GM guy but in the early ’90’s I traded my Pontiac Grand Am for my sister’s ’83 GT because she couldn’t drive a 4-speed anymore due to knee problems caused from diabetes. I have to admit that it was the most fun car I’ve ever owned and regret ever selling it! My GTO was very fast in a straight line but that little GT was just plain all-around fun and dependable. This one might be a good catch if the reserve isn’t too high. $5100 (RNM) with a day to go.