It’s never a bad thing to have an affinity for a particular make and model, especially when it allows you to track down and snag best-in-class examples. This seller obviously knows a good Fox body Mustang when he sees it, and this one has just 14,400 original miles. The first run of the redesigned 5.0L GT featured the two-tone bodywork you see here, along with the turbine-style wheels. The seller notes this is also a 25th Anniversary edition, which featured a small plaque on the dash whether in convertible or hardtop form. Find this low mileage specimen here on craigslist for $17,750 in Michigan.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rex M. for the find. The Mustang features an unmarked stock interior, with black cloth seats and an automatic transmission. The surfaces all reinforce the low mileage claims, with no obvious damage to the center console or dash, and carpets and pedals all reflecting the lack of use. The steering wheel also shows next to no signs of obvious use, and it seems likely the 25th anniversary designation prompted the first owner to keep it preserved and off the road except for the occasional pleasure cruise.
The seller notes that all of the original VIN stickers remain in place, hopefully indicating no previous accidents. The two-tone bodywork was standard-issue for Fox body GTs of this era, and it looks to be in perfect order on this example. Shockingly, this Mustang retains its original cats and mufflers, parts that are almost always swapped out, even on cars with similarly low miles. The lack of any alterations from stock – aside from a new set of tires – makes this example extra appealing. The paintwork looks excellent, and all factory badges remain in place.
Seeing all of the original stickers and labels is a treat, and a time capsule specimen like this is really the only way you get to see those details in a car from this era. Never mind the overall cleanliness; those details just aren’t found on examples with higher mileage. I wouldn’t get too worked up over the 25th Anniversary trim, though it is a nice bonus if you want to buy an example that stands apart from other survivors. The automatic transmission makes it more of a cruiser than a hustler, and that’s perfectly fine for a specimen that’s not going to get a ton of exercise.
A nice Mustang in outstanding condition thanks to very low miles and apparently it was carefully stored. The only drawback to some will be the auto trans but it’s hard to find fault with it otherwise. Personally, I prefer the hatchback as it’s a sportier look compared to the coupe and the color is attractive. The price is probably fair given it’s condition and low mileage and it’s probably a car that will appreciate in value over time.
I wouldn’t get too excited about the “25th Anniversary” designation. That emblem on the dash is the sum total of the recognition Ford gave to that particular Mustang milestone. Every Mustang built between late March, 1989 and the end of 1990 production wore that pitiful little “25th Anniversary” emblem on the dash. Ford was criticized at the time for not doing more to mark the occasion.
The automatic transmission is a real bummer. These were a blast with a 5-speed and something of a snore with an automatic. I owned one of each back in the day, and the automatic always seemed to make the wrong decision at the wrong time.
No stick kills it for me. I drove these new back then. Such fun. So much better than a 1990 GM car except maybe an IROC convertible. Gheworg
I have had 2 of these both in Conv models, one high mileage 88 GT and one low mileage mint 89 GT. Both automatics, i really hated them for that. 5 speed makes the car. Honestly they both drove like a wheelbarrows with steel wheels. Noisy, rough shake rattle and roll. but they looked awesome.