After thirteen years in the wilderness, Ford reintroduced the GT badge to its Mustang range in 1982. It proved an immediate hit and would remain an integral part of the range for all but a few short years from then until the present day. This 1988 GT Convertible is a tidy survivor that only sees action as a Sunday driver. It has no apparent needs, suiting an enthusiast seeking a turnkey classic. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. It has received a single bid of $9,000 in a No Reserve auction.

The seller claims this GT’s color combination of Dark Shadow Blue and Light Gray is rare, but I haven’t found evidence conclusively verifying this. A Marti Report would uncover the truth, but ordering one may be a cost that a new owner could feel is unnecessary. The paint shines beautifully, with only a few minor marks and blemishes around the front of the vehicle that most people would consider acceptable on a survivor-grade classic. I see no evidence of dings or dents, with the seller emphasizing the overall originality of this classic. They don’t mention existing or previous rust issues, with the photos showing no signs of anything beyond the occasional spot of light surface corrosion. The White power top is new, perfectly complementing the interior trim. Rounding out the exterior are the factory alloy wheels free from stains and curb strike.

Many manufacturers that had survived the automotive misery of the 1970s began to come to terms with fuel injection and electronic engine management technology during the 1980s. This allowed them to not only claw back some of the horsepower lost due to tightening emission regulations but also to produce engines that were the cleanest in automotive history. This Mustang GT is no exception, with its 5.0-liter “HO” V8 pumping out 225hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque. That feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes standard fare in 1988. The GT was once again capable of producing a sub-16-second ¼-mile ET, recapturing the glory days of the 1960s and making The Malaise Era feel like a distant memory. The seller recently treated the Mustang to new brakes, brake lines, and tires. They say it runs and drives perfectly, providing a relaxed Sunday motoring experience.

I’ve previously talked about how I’ve always believed that anyone ordering a car with White interior trim deserves a bravery award, which is undoubtedly true for the original owner of this Mustang. Its upholstered surfaces feature leather and vinyl in that shade with contrasting splashes of Dark Blue. The condition is exceptional for the car’s age, with no signs of wear, stains, or discoloring. The only potential fault I can spot, and I’m unsure if it is a real defect or a trick of the light, is the wiper stalk on the column. It looks faded, but I wouldn’t stake my house on it being a genuine problem. The remaining plastic, dash, and console are excellent. There are no aftermarket additions, with the winning bidder receiving air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power front seats, power mirrors, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.

Fox-Body Mustangs remain strong performers in the classic market, especially those wearing a GT badge. Some variants are still affordable, but with values climbing faster than the market average, the day will probably come when they become beyond the reach of we mere mortals. The condition of our feature car means it should comfortably pass $15,000, although the lack of bidding interest could be a game-changer. Unless the situation intensifies, this Mustang could sell for considerably less than the quoted figure. If a Fox-Body has been on your radar, monitoring this auction could be worthwhile. You never know, but you might have stumbled upon the car of your dreams.