Almost every manufacturer in automotive history has released at least one special edition vehicle. The practice typically celebrates a milestone for the brand or a particular badge, although occasionally, there are more left-field reasons. Such is the case with the 1990 Ford Mustang Convertible 7-Up Edition. The company produced the vehicle following a failed promotional program between itself, 7-Up soda, and the NCAA. This Mustang is one of those cars, and while it isn’t perfect, it is a tidy driver that could provide a new owner with miles of top-down summer fun. The seller has listed the Mustang here on eBay in Algoma, Mississippi. Bidding sits below the reserve at $4,600, but history suggests the price could rise significantly before the auction ends.

The plan was pretty simple. Ford produced a distinctive Mustang that utilized the iconic colors of 7-Up. The planned thirty cars would become prizes at selected NCAA basketball games. A half-time competition would see one lucky spectator attempt to shoot a basket from center-court. Miss the shot, and nothing was lost. Sink the shot, and the spectator drove home in a shiny new Mustang Convertible. However, the program didn’t eventuate, and with Ford wishing to recoup the development costs, it released the Mustang 7-Up Edition. The original run of thirty cars was expanded to an envisaged 5,000, but only 4,103 eventually rolled off the line. This Mustang is an original survivor, but it is worth noting that it carries a “Rebuilt” title following a minor fender bender in 2000. The insurance company deemed repairs uneconomical, which is understandable considering these cars weren’t valuable then. The damage was subsequently repaired to a high standard, with the Convertible presenting nicely. Its distinctive Emerald Green Metallic paint holds an impressive shine, with close-up shots revealing the usual array of minor chips on the prone front bumper. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the White power top fits as tight as a drum. The underside shots reveal the occasional area of dry surface corrosion but no penetrating rust. The glass is crystal clear, and the turbine wheels are free from significant stains and physical damage.

The 7-Up package introduced a distinctive interior look, with the lower dash, door, and rear trims finished in White. The seats are wrapped in Oxford White leather, providing a luxurious and classy feel. The downside of the combination is that the White surfaces are prone to stains and discoloring, and many 7-Ups now look pretty tired and neglected. However, that isn’t the case with our feature car. The driver’s seat is slightly discolored, but its condition is acceptable for a survivor. It is a similar story with the armrests, although I believe there are cleaning products available that would improve their appearance. The door pockets have the typical slight sag, but addressing the problem in a home workshop is pretty straightforward. Otherwise, the interior needs nothing. It is also loaded with luxury and safety options in a 1990 context. The new owner receives a driver’s airbag, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, a power driver’s seat, cruise control, a leather-wrapped wheel, and an aftermarket CD player.

All 7-Up Edition Mustangs emerged from the factory powered by the 5.0-liter “HO” V8. Buyers could choose between a T5 five-speed manual or a four-speed AOD automatic, as found in this car. The self-shifter was popular, with 2,743 buyers ticking that box versus the 1,360 who selected the T5. The V8 produces 205hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque, and although there were faster Mustangs both before and after this car rolled off the line, its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15.5 seconds on its way to 130mph was considered impressive in 1990. The seller recently fitted new tires, struts, rear shocks, and a battery. They state that this is a ‘drive anywhere” classic, meaning the winning bidder could fly in and drive it home.

The current high bid on this 1990 Mustang 7-Up Edition is modest, reaching the figure following eleven bids. I believe it will need to at least double before reaching the reserve, and recent sales results suggest it should comfortably do so. Summer is on our doorstep, making now the ideal time to pursue classic Convertibles. Would this car make your shortlist if you have been searching? I can understand if it does.