There’s often an association between a car showing low miles and also being mint, or close to it. However, that’s not always the case because a car showing relatively few turns on the odometer doesn’t necessarily mean it was intentionally kept under wraps for a few decades. An owner may have purchased the car with every intention of driving it daily before a health issue, or financial concern, took hold. This 1985 Ford Mustang GT shows just 33,000 miles on the clock but has some light cosmetic damage (see the missing driver’s sideview mirror) that is typically unbecoming of a low mileage car; however, the seller tells us there’s a valid reason for the flaws. Find it here on craigslist for $27,750.
The overall presentation of this GT is a bit surprising considering it would likely clean up quite well. Black paint is typically unforgiving, but with under 50K on the clock, it should come back to life with a decent detail session. It’s hard to explain why sellers don’t take the time to at least wash a car before listing it, especially since the asking price is top of the market for a so-called “four-eyed” Mustang GT. The car appears to be bone-stock, too, with all sort of original details in place: the 15-inch wheels, factory mudflaps, and the stock exhaust system. Certainly, it has all the trappings of a survivor car, but the presentation lets it down.
This photo is not the best one of the overall interior, but if you check out the listing photos, you can see plenty of evidence of this Mustang’s limited use. The dash plastics are mint, with no signs of cracking; the gauges are crystal clear, with zero hazing cloudiness; the seats show near-perfect bolstering, with the cushioning clearly still “springy” and full; the center console plastics and shift boot/knob look new; and so on. It’s also worth noting the steering wheel shows next to no signs of wear. In a way, I don’t blame the seller for asking top dollar, but he needs to present this Mustang in the best light possible.
Here’s the damage, and how the seller describes it: “Has cosmetic damage to drivers side. I will explain in depth to anyone who is serious about buying.” OK, so I understand the desire to only spend time explaining this to serious buyers, but what’s the big mystery? Or was it slightly scandalous, with someone’s ex-spouse using a baseball bat to know off the mirror? Inquiring minds want to know! What we do know is that the carbureted 5.0L V8 engine produces 210 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, which is still more than enough to enjoy driving this clean four-eyed ‘Stang every day. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Barney for the tip.
A black manual transmission 85 GT is a desirable Fox Mustang. Low miles is good, being in storage for years perhaps not so good. The missing mirror, the nasty gash on the door, and the scrapes above the left rear wheel are unfortunate; at least the seller showed pics. I wish he would have at least provided a one-sentence summary of what happened. And would have washed the hood. Not cheap.
Thank you Jeff.
What was better in 85 ? 🏁👍
Stan,
Lots better in 1985! 35 hp increase to 210 on the manual shift HOs.
First year with low friction, hi-perf. roller cam/lifters, stainless headers and other improvements as well.
I leased new the HOs in ’82, ’83 (when the 4 barrel came into production) and ’84 also but I should have waited and gone after the ’85 which is the best version of the Carbureted 5.0 liter HOs.
Asking a lot of green for this one – look over closely, or keep looking.
Only thing the 85 Mustangs were missing was the 8.8 had to wait another year for that, 85-86 Mustangs are my favorite from the Fox era, Love that front end, owned my 86 5.0 LX Hatch since 94.
I think the owner is swinging at the fence. It’s a good solid 4 eye great plastic well except for the aftermarket stereo and amp added. Here’s what I know all the seals are probably harder than they should be and that awful heater core is probably due to be replaced. Scource a replacement mirror and a week of work should be a decent car. Low in power compared to later years so keep it as is and drive it to and from cars and coffee. So many of these cars are still out there racing. Got a friend has a small block Ford in a 91 LX making 500 ft.lbs of torque 475 HP that’s big block numbers and drives it on the street I know this because I helped him many days putting this car together. Aftermarket block but still an amazing Fox. They still have a large aftermarket support.
Not buying the mileage, a picture of the speedometer doesn’t, and shouldn’t qualify as proof. You need a log or stack of receipts, if the seller has it, show it. The asking price is really aggressive for a carbureted 5.0, the nicks and scratches don’t help either. Mid-teens is probably more realistic, but still might be a hard sell.
Steve R
Agreed this stang is a solid 10K overpriced with what little we know, ties 15/20 years old? This will stay with the owner
Agree would need more than a picture of the speedometer for the mileage claim. Also for that price at least one engine picture by not including one is a red flag in itself.
Seller says it comes with a “Beemactruckings vehicle history report” which I have never heard of. That might prove the mileage claim(?)
In any case, seller could have replaced the mirror – it’s not that hard. I’ve had to do a few for a mother in law that liked to run into things.
Mileage is legit, those gatorbacks it’s riding on haven’t been available for over 20 years. Interior supports mileage claim. It is just not a very well kept 33k.
It would be nice if the Stang was washed and pictures of the engine. The seller is asking top dollar. Should clean it up for the price!!! I like the 4 headlights and carburetor engine before going EFI. Drove one back in the 90’s with stick tons of fun!!🐻🇺🇸
Note to sellers: If you’re going to ask high end market range price, you better spend a bit of time and money to make it worthy. Stop wasting people’s time.
5 digit odometer I think has been rolled it has what appears to be in proper snow chain instal damage to the left rear wheel well I think it’s over priced for this condition good luck to the seller.
Agree that it’s definitely a poor presentation. Like he couldn’t take a few minutes to give it a decent wash before taking the photos? No photos of the engine compartment, underside or trunk area either. Also seems to be a bit of wear on the center console where the cigarette lighter went. He better have verifiable proof of the mileage or it means nothing. It is a shame about the damage but it’s nothing major. Even still, I’ll agree it’s certainly over priced.
No, this is way too high. I am a big fan of the Fox bodies, but he’s going to be holding on to this one.
For that kind of asking price this car should be damn near flawless. No body damage or broken parts what’s so ever. I spend my money on a clapped out Saleen instead. Fix the car,and try selling again.
Door panels cut / ruined for speakers, dash has been cut or trimmed for aftermarket stereo, paint damage on door and quarter panel. (at a minimum) Original gatrorbacks are petrified and unsafe to drive on. This is a really cool car, but worth about 12k. 27k would be stretch without any of these issues.
He’s a little strong on the price, but these are certainly on the move up price wise. If you are going to ask top money, at least present it well. As the original owner of an 86 GT Convertible, I’m a fan and I wish him well selling it.