Off the Road Since ’98: 1985 Ford Mustang GT

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This is a serious case of before and after, as the seller has found a diamond in the rough with this 1985 Ford Mustang GT convertible that was parked starting in 1998. The listing notes that the 5-speed manual convertible belonged to the previous owner’s father and sat idle in the garage for many years before being rescued. As this picture shows, it was certainly forgotten about. Find the Mustang GT here on craigslist looking much fresher with an asking price of $13,900.

The four-eyed Mustang is too old for some Fox body fans who prefer the more aerodynamic style of cars with flush-mounted headlights. I like the older cars, personally, and think they look very menacing with a clear plastic or plexiglass shield installed over the headlamp assemblies. The Marchal fog lights are another detail I dig, and this Mustang retains the near-impossible-to-find rock guards that go for a pretty penny on eBay.

While some barn finds are a bit of a disappointment in terms of realizing how much work they will actually need once complete, this Mustang looks fairly tidy inside and out. What I mean by the previous statement is you can uncover a barn find that is largely rust-free but the interior is a total dumpster fire. Not the case here, as it looks very clean and the bucket seats still show plenty of bolster support. The gray carpets are clean, as are the factory floormats.

The 5.0 V8 is a familiar site in practically any Fox body, and it makes good power for the era in which it was made. No signs of modifications are evident here or out back, aside from a Flowmaster exhaust. The seller has replaced numerous components, including the convertible top, tires, carburetor, distributor cap/rotor, spark plugs, wires, coil, pinion seal, and much more. This seems like a lot of cars for the money, and buying a convertible in the off-season is always a good decision.

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Comments

  1. Bob_in_TN Bob_in_TNMember

    From the lead photo I was prepared to be disappointed— another trashed four-eye Fox Body Mustang. But it cleaned up nicely and looks to be in good shape. Quite a bit of maintenance work done. Reasonable miles, and reasonable price.

    Like 14
  2. Cooter CooterMember

    Absolutely Bob, this is a direct result of leaving them stored in a DRY space with the windows tightly sealed. This will make a nice little weekend cruiser and get an entry level collector an affordable start!

    Like 6
  3. Steven Bickley

    Had a 4 eye in 82. Always liked them the most.

    Like 3
  4. Al camino

    Are those rugs that faded?they must have left the top down more than up

    Like 1
    • Bob_in_TN Bob_in_TNMember

      They were known to fade, from sunlight or just from time. But to me these look to be about the right shade. The interior trim was generally not high quality, but overall this one looks pretty good.

      Like 3
  5. Paul

    Nicer than the 90s models, at least I think so. Wish it were mine.

    Like 2
  6. Stan

    Great driving cars. Good torque and snappy response even with the tall factory gears ⚙️, which i actually enjoyed winding out, on these 5L, 5 spd models.

    Like 3
    • Dan Johnson

      I had one just like it. What a great, fun car!!

      Like 1
  7. Wade

    No signs of modifications? Whats under the non stock air breather lid? I like the look of the stock aluminum lid on the 85 model.

    Like 3
    • Big C

      There’s at least a new carb, under it. Says so, right in the text.

      Like 1
      • Marshall Belcher

        Well dag nabbit. It does have a new carb. Now hant that refreshing.

        Like 1
    • Ashtray

      This is a good looking car. Good engine with 5 speed and a convertible, what else could anyone ask for?
      Probably well worth the asking price?
      Just my oponion!

      Like 1
  8. Nelson C

    Nice detail job. Great looking car. Right color. Was driving behind a black one the other day thinking what a good looking car these are.

    Like 1
  9. Scott

    Had one just like this, but was silver. Sooo fun to drive!

    Like 1
  10. HarleyE

    Had the opportunity to buy this a year ago September, as it appears in first pic. Should not have hesitated ):):):

    Like 2
    • Erich

      Sooooo of course the burning question on everyone’s mind is for how much $$$. There, I said it. 🙂

      Like 0
      • Woofer WooferMember

        The first paragraph says ‘asking price $13,000’.
        There, I said it !!!

        Like 0
  11. PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember

    Very appealing, my favorite year – and a 5 speed convertible to boot!

    Like 0
  12. DaveS

    This car is actually from Peru, NY (my hometown). It was bought, fixed up, then sold at Carlisle in this condition.

    Like 2

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