Fox platform Mustangs have gained considerable favor with enthusiasts in the last few years. Weighing about 100 lbs less than the Mustang II, which was in turn at least 400 lbs lighter than the ’73 Mach 1, the Fox Mustang dished up the performance that had gone missing from the brand for years – but not at the expense of gas mileage. And if what came out of the factory isn’t good enough, owners enjoy almost endless possibilities for performance modifications. Here on craigslist is a 5.0-liter, five-speed LX from the last year of production, in rare Reef Blue. The seller is asking $8500, and the car is located in La Vista, Nebraska. Thanks, Barney, for handing us this tip – we appreciate it!
Underhood is Ford’s famous 302 cu. in. V8, good for 205 hp. The last carburetted 302 was produced in 1985; thereafter, electronic fuel injection controlled the mixture. This one is mated to a five-speed manual – preferable to the automatic overdrive option that cost extra. Some fans like the LX better than the GT, laden as it was with ground-effects bodywork. In 1993, the GT was about 95 lbs heavier than the LX. The seller says his car runs and shifts well after a “bunch” of new parts were installed recently. Mileage is quoted at 160k. The car’s underside is decent enough, showing off several new parts, including suspension, steering, and exhaust items.
The interior is a B+, with a burn mark in the driver’s side seat upholstery, but otherwise decent surfaces, including an uncracked dash and rear seats that look factory-new. Externally, the hood has lost much of its clear coat, and other paint blemishes are found at nearly every corner. Both the tail lamp and headlamp lenses are fogged.
Bad news awaits out back, where the hatch is rusted through and the rear bumper is damaged. However, the seller will include a rust-free hatch with the sale – setting the new owner on the path to body work and paint. In terms of value, this car sits in the center of the market – not technically a project car, certainly not a show car, but with that desirable V8/five-speed combo. While a paint job would do wonders for it, this example is still a relatively high-mileage car in a market that pays best for low-mileage “cream puffs”. What do you think this LX is worth?
Good write-up and analysis Michelle. As you say, it is at the ‘center of the market’:
— It is a Fox Mustang, a highly desired model
— It has had mechanical work (the pics help, but why not list them rather than “too many to list”)
— It is an attractive color
— But it needs the new hatch installed, and paint
— Needs interior work, too
— And then, it’s still a 160k car
But for someone, it would be a perfect project— one which isn’t too far gone to start with, and which could be personalized to their taste.
I think this was one of the saddest generations for the Mustang.
I never cared for the Fox body much, but that did not stop me from buying one.
But this color is Great !
Trunk lid is a shame, had a Buick Apollo with great body, but with rust in the same one spot.
This should find a happy home.