This 1986 Ford Mustang GT convertible is a nicely presented four-eyed example that comes with the preferred manual transmission and 302 V8 combination. Mileage is indicated as a low 64,000, and despite residing on Long Island, the seller claims it has never had any rust issues. The original paint with the black hood insert is a great look, along with the GT specific trim that remains affixed to the doors. This is the perfect summertime cruiser, and though it is on the pricey side at $9,700, it could just be worth it. Find it here on craigslist, and thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B for the find.
Most of the time, we associate convertibles and luggage racks with the classic secretary-spec Mustang, but it’s always a good sign when you see the “GT” lettering and 5.0 badges on the fenders. That, plus the classic polished wheels and dual exhausts are all good signs there’s some respectable performance under the hood. I’m most pleased by the manual transmission, as oftentimes the Mustangs that were clearly bought as cruisers have a fun-sapping automatic sitting in the console. The top looks to be in great condition and the back window perfectly clear.
The interior is a definite highlight, with clean carpets, an uncracked dash, and original details throughout. The thickly bolstered bucket seats show no signs of splitting or sagging, and while the stock steering wheel isn’t exactly attractive, it is another indication as to how original this Mustang GT remains. The seller notes it is original right down to the factory radio and that the air conditioning, recently serviced, still blows cold. Despite being a top-down cruiser, I see no evidence of prolonged exposure to the sun resulting in brittle surfaces or extensive fading.
The engine has benefitted from recent service that includes a new radiator and water pump, and the seller notes the Mustang drives “…exceptionally well.” Though I always like to at least upgrade the suspension on my projects, I’m not sure I would touch this example given it has survived in stock condition all these years and will look better and better as time goes on and survivor cars dry up. While some enthusiasts may not love the four-eyed look, this 1986 Mustang GT convertible wears it well thanks to its high state of preservation.
Nice four-eye Mustang. Finding one in clean, essentially stock condition is not easy. I like it.
I had that same car in white.
I didn’t ask anywhere near that price back in the ’90s when I sold mine.
Everything stock except for the mass air conversion and different air inlet. Better than speed density anyways, but without looking at the ad it makes me wonder what else is different. Nice ride.
Troy, Don’t think I would worry about major changes with this car. I too didn’t read the ad.
Back in the day it was three things. A cold air intake, off road H pipe and underdrive pullies. A 6″ cowl hood was a bonus.
I like the later Pony wheels over the phone dials.
These were great cars straight out of the box.
I agree on the wheels, but there’s plenty of great looking factory wheels out there. I’d change the wheels with something from a later model !
AMCFAN, yeah, I remember it well….had an ’86 GT 5 speed. KnN, 2 chamber Flowmasters, advanced the timing, heavy duty Motorsports clutch, tried several shifters, you know that was a great all around car. KYB shocks sure made for a stiff ride. Removed all the AC stuff and ran a short belt. I never got into the changing of heads ($$$), intake, or running shorty headers from the local shop called JBA, stock 3.08 gears to.
250 thousand mIles when it was totalled by my insurance…a bit beat up but it was still running strong!
I also have an 86 GT droptop. This is a nicely presented one, but as others have written, the air box and intake tube have been switched out. If this is the way prices are going I am okay with it.
$9,700 for this car or $5,000 for one that you’d have to repaint, replace the top, stitch together the rotted interior, rework the radiator, etc.?
I’d say it’s probably worth it.
I used to own a nice 81 (4-eyed) Mercury Capri with 6 cylinder in the late 90s. It had a two tone paint – burgandy with silver on the sides. I ended up getting it painted all burgandy which made it that much nicer. It had a four speed manual transmission, and had a sun-roof. I had to sell it for only $500 bucks because I was in the process of joining the Coast Guard which never happened. I heard the car ended up being picked apart and left to rot by the guy who bought it. What a waist of a good little car.
I have owned two new cars in my life. This is an example of one. Drove it 3500 miles and sold it. Man, that was an expensive adventure.