For all of the talk about how limited the production was around Ford and Mercury’s ASC-converted Mustang/Capri, they sure do seem to pop up for sale quite often. I can’t help but wonder if current owners sought them out as sure-fire collectibles only to find values fairly stagnant and the market of potential buyers surprisingly small. This example here on eBay is a 1989 model with under 60,000 miles and yet another claim of limited production numbers that don’t jive with other figures I’ve seen quoted.
The seller says this 1989 model is one of 52, which may be correct for the model year. Then again, there’s a listing for another 1989 model seen here that claims McLaren confirmed there were only three build that year! How do you begin to unpack which numbers are real and which ones are hyperbole? Frankly, I’ll believe the 52 figure all day long over the less-than-five quote, but it’d still be helpful if a McLaren enthusiast could pin down what the actual number made for 1989 is.
Sadly, I see this example as one of the least desirable out there due to the automatic transmission. The conversion didn’t offer any measurable performance gains, so you’d at least hope to find a manual inside. Still, the seller points out that the interior remains in fine condition with blue leather sport seats, an uncracked dash, clean carpets and what appears to be a factory radio. The ASCs underwent fairly radical transformations on the outside, but the cabins retained standard-fare Fox Body Mustang features.
The engine bay is quite clean for almost 60,000 miles, and I always dig custom valve covers like the McLaren-branded one seen here. While it will come with a clean CarFax and “deluxe” Marti report, the fact that the reserve remains unmet tells me the seller may have priced this McLaren conversion on the high side, as it does present quite well cosmetically. However, the market for these will likely always be lukewarm at best, especially with an automatic transmission.
Maybe only 3 built with the blue top. Seems rare. I’ve never seen that color combo for sure
I’m having a hard time liking this model as a McLaren ! Nothing jumps out at me. Really just ugly in my opinion. Now a 89 GT Conv I like.
Fugly!!!!!!!!!!
Personally, I like a car that is different from the other belly-buttons that show up to the local cars shows and cruises. This one has the benefit of being mechanically identical under the skin, so the majority of repair parts would be readily available. My understanding is there is also a fellah with a massive stash of ASC-McLaren Mustang parts that he makes available for those with restoration needs (certainly not cheap, but not unobtanium either).
As for production stats… Marti Auto Works should be able to answer those questions, for a small-ish fee.
Jeff – these look like plain ol’ 5.0 Mustang valve covers to me. The upper intake, however, does have a custom plate on it.
First I’ve seen/heard of a Mustang version. I’ve seen the Mercury version, maybe those were more common?
Nice LeBaron
I’d rather a stock example…too much of a Miami Vice, pseudo-Mercedes drug-lord vibe for my taste.
It means that only the same color and exact combination of everything on it that there were that number built! However being a Mustang collector, I think that the price is more than fair especially if everything checks out! I don’t have one of these either I am so tempted! Unfortunately eagle eyes are watching me!