UPDATE 01/07/2022: If persistence counts for anything, the owner of this 1985 Mustang GT should be a winner. This is his fourth attempt to find a new home for this classic, and the signs look more promising on this occasion. At no point has the car reached its reserve, failing to sell at $20,000, $18,600, and $23,800 on the three previous occasions. Those listings have had the same feature in common; The bidding has been modest, to say the least. However, this one has already seen a heady thirty-nine bids submitted that have pushed the price to $15,200. That figure still remains short of the reserve, but it looks more promising this time. The rest of the details for this classic remain unchanged, so if you find yourself attracted, you will find the GT listed for sale here on eBay.
When we look back at cars that emerged during The Malaise Era, many have now faded into obscurity. They disappeared from new car showrooms, vanished from our streets, and for the majority, the period of mourning amongst performance enthusiasts could be measured in seconds. However, for every rule, there will be an exception. When the Fox-Body Mustang was introduced during the 1979 model year, it received a reasonable reception, but many saw it as a continuation of the lack-luster performance credentials that had plagued the Mustang II’s image. Few would have realized how important this car would be to the Mustang’s very future, as it showed during its production run that Ford had regained its performance mojo. This 1985 Mustang GT embodies those changes because its engine bay houses a motor that offered its original buyer power that would bring a smile to their face. It is a tidy survivor with a mere 29,600 miles on the clock, and it is looking for a new home. Located in Cary, Illinois, you will find the GT listed for sale here on eBay.
I’m going to stick my neck out here and say that the 1985 GT was my favorite Fox-Body Mustang from a styling perspective. There are plenty of people who prefer the later models with the more “aero” looking front treatment, but I’ve always felt that the “four-eyed” versions with the single slot where you would usually find the grille provided an aggressive but classy appearance. That is one of the reasons that I like our feature car. Making it more attractive is the owner’s claim that its Black paint is original. If this is accurate, it is nothing but good news for potential buyers. It shines beautifully, with no signs of significant marks or blemishes. The unique GT decals and red pinstripe are crisp, with no evidence of lifting or deterioration. Black paint has a second advantage for buyers in a case like this. If panels have accumulated any dings or dents, they will stand out a mile away. When we examine this Mustang closely, the panels look straight and true. The original owner had the car equipped with a dealer-fitted sunroof, and there’s no evidence that this has leaked or done anything nasty. The exterior plastic and glass are in good order, as are the alloy wheels.
The 1985 GT successfully married respectable performance with great comfort and space, and the interior of this car is no exception to that rule. The seats are upholstered in two-tone gray velour cloth with contrasting red piping. This is complemented by gray vinyl for the remaining upholstered surfaces and plastic and silver-gray carpet on the floors. The upholstery in this GT is in good order, and it’s a bonus to discover that the outer edges of the front seats have avoided wear on the bolsters. This can be an issue, and if I were to buy this car, I would probably invest in some high-quality slipcovers to protect them in the future. There is no apparent deterioration with the plastic or dash, while the carpet is in excellent condition for its age and color. The car isn’t loaded to the hilt with luxury features, but air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player add to the pleasurable motoring experience.
The early Fox-Body Mustangs didn’t offer an appreciable performance boost over their predecessors, but the story was very different by the time the ’85 GT rolled off the line. This car’s engine bay features its numbers-matching 5.0-liter 4V HO V8 that pumps out 210hp. Bolted to this is a 5-speed manual transmission, while the Mustang also features power steering and power brakes. Pointed at a ¼ mile, this GT should be capable of completing the journey in 15.4 seconds. The thing is that while that number might not sound hugely impressive today, it was a revelation at a time when V8 engines had been strangled into a shadow of their former selves. To place it into further perspective, there was nothing in the Camaro or Pontiac Trans Am range that could match the GT, so Ford’s performance stocks were undoubtedly on the rise. The engine bay of this GT presents well for its age, but that’s only part of the story. The owner claims that the car has 29,652 original miles on the clock, and while he doesn’t mention verifying evidence, the fact that this is a one-owner classic could mean that he has the proof. He doesn’t indicate how well the GT runs or drives, but the impression that I get is pretty positive.
I admit that I have a weak spot for the 1985 Mustang GT, but it seems that I’m not alone. There have already been twenty bids submitted, and there’s still plenty of time left on the listing if you are considering staking your claim. These aren’t a “big dollar” classic at this point, but that situation seems set to change. Later vehicles like the ’93 SVT Cobra command some impressive prices, but the ’85 GT has seen a value increase of around 25% over the past three years. With that thought in mind, I would expect the bidding to head beyond $20,000, and it could potentially top $25,000. That still keeps it in the affordable zone, but when you consider market trends, you have to wonder how long this will be the case. Is that enough to make you consider submitting a bid on this gem?
Excellent write-up Adam. You are right, the aero-nose Fox Bodies are more popular, but for the four-eye fans this example is quite desirable. 1985-1986, GT, black with gray interior, subtle red stripes/piping (provides contrast), manual transmission is a great combination. And for this one specifically, low miles and apparent good condition (though more than the few-word description would be nice). I also predict $20k-plus.
Greedy seller of mediocre model year
Fords reaction to the all new third gen f body Camaros/Firebirds…[really the Chevrolet versus Ford rivalry] reinvented the modern performance car as we know it today way back in ’82. Great car up there and about as good as it got in 1985, at least new car wise. Younger people will not understand how great it was to have a manual shift V8 brand new car that could dip way into the 15’s after years of……slowdum.
How can you call 210 HP “high output”???
for 1985 HP of 200 was unheard of after the detuning and 55 speed limit of the 70’s this model and then the grand national save american muscle
In the mid-80’s, 210 HP was a lot, and Ford had lower-tubed versions, hence this one being called HO.
Try not to look at 40 year-old cars through the lens of a modern automobile. It’s ridiculous to judge these cars versus new ones after 4 decades of technological progress.
In 1974, the federal government adopted the corporate average fuel economy standards (CAFE). This basically required automakers to increase their fleet fuel economy from 13-14 miles per gallon to 27 miles per gallon in 10 years.
This was a huge deal, and very hard on U.S. automakers, who had up to that time been producing huge gas guzzlers. At the time, it took automakers an average of 4 years to get a car from concept to production.
In addition to that, they had to meet increasingly strict emissions standards. The end result was small weak emissions choked engines and hasty products like the GM X-cars, Olds Diesel, and Caddy V-8-6-4. By 1980, some V-8s barely had over a hundred horsepower.
So for a car to come out in 1985 with 210 horsepower and get good gas mileage was a pretty amazing thing. This car was considered very fast for it time. And honestly, it would still feel pretty quick today. No, it wouldn’t be like a modern Camaro or Mustang, but it would feel peppy and fun to drive. And these sound great.
@Mac:
In comparison to my 79 5.0 (2 bbl) with its mighty 140 BHP, 210 BHP was high output.
My biggest mistake ever (car wise)? In 1985 I traded my 79 Mustang Cobra 5.0 (auto) for a 1985 Dodge Lancer 2.2, 5 spd. If I had a mulligan on that, I would have traded it in for an 85 Mustang GT, 5 spd. I have learned many times that the old saying is true “Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable.” (Sydney J. Harris)
It was for 1985, not today
Ford coined many of their engines “High Output”.
nice
car but that aftermarket sunroof that not factory kills it sorry
Paul it is a factory sunroof. Read the description again. Tip to the current/future owner: The drain tubes for these sunroofs are easy to keep clean, but should be maintained. About every 6 months check them out for blockage. Compressed air can be used, but needs to be done with care. Too much air pressure can rupture or pull the drain hose off the roof. We always used plastic car antennas to clean or clear a drain hose. Duct tape 2 together for longer applications, it is best to try and run it all the way down to where the hose exits at bottom of the car. On some models you can see the “pipe cleaner” come out the bottom.
The drains must be maintained, old or rotted/damaged hoses are easy to replace by dropping the headliner. On this 36 year old car replacement of these now would be my first task honestly. Clogged or damaged drains can turn a car to Swiss cheese very quickly.
“Dealer installed”, not a factory sunroof. No drain tubes. Doesn’t even look remotely close to a factory sunroof.
that sunroof is aftermarket by the look the ones safelite would install
You are right, I be wrong. Sorry about the brain fart….what a dumb ass sometimes….
I like how all the eBay sellers with well kept cars that have 5 digit odometers all claim it is “original miles” without offering a shred of evidence.
If I was selling a low miles car like that I’d be posting pictures of inspection reports and maintenance records so it would drive up the bidding.
Instead they want to to plunk down big money on their word.
If you can’t tell this car has 28k, take up another hobby.
Sure I can tell if I can see the car in person. But you’d have to be clairvoyant to be able to tell from postage card size pictures taken from 10 feet away.
Had that identical car (minus the sunroof & louvres), didn’t intend to buy it but was disappointed in the car I went to drive & the salesman threw me the keys. Couldn’t resist – the article is spot-on, did NOT expect it to be so strong ! I know the 210hp # doesn’t seem like much but, hey – if I threw you the keys…
The air cleaner assembly that actually brings in air from OUTSIDE the engine compartment instead of sucking in hot air like most carbureted cars is brilliant. I’d like to fabricate something similar for my 67, but likely one pipe/ hose running up to the back of the grill.
No AC kills the deal unfortunately
Vintage Air makes a kit for almost everything these days. While not factory, a new VA system will run a million times better than the original ever would. With that said though, AC a lot of times is overrated on fun weekend car. My 72 has never had AC, and I live in the deep south. In summer it’s hotter than hell, but that’s all part of the experience of it. Of course if it was a daily, no way in hell I’d go without AC.
Can you get vintage air for an old FRONT wheel drive car, such as the 1991 non turbo dohc v6 Mitz 3000gt(or even a ’91 camry)? I would doubt it, even tho the car is 30 yrs old.
A/C is the one option that STILL is troublesome after approx 7 yrs in almost any car ever built. Ironically, home window a/c’s seem to last forever, like my ancient 1957!! carrier unit. lol
If someone could only make a similar small portable totally self contained under dash ELECTRIC ONLY a/c unit for cars with an internal combustion engine.
No way the mileage shown is legit. The odometer has been tampered with, that’s why the numbers don’t line up. That’s always a tell tale sign the odometer has been played with. Odometers either work or they don’t work, but the numbers always line up, unless tampered with.
My Fox Body odometer doesn’t line up perfectly and has never been tampered with.
Had an 85 GT convertible for a few years. Aside from some really cheap plastic interior parts, the car was fun to drive, and required little maintenance.
I want a better look at those homegrown(?) seat covers! …
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/P~MAAOSwtjBhIUJa/s-l1600.jpg
Troy, you forgot to mention REAR wheel drive – i bet the “tuner” crowd would prefer their cars as better handling balanced easier to modify under the hood rear wheel drive, but Honda & Subie could not be more stubborn to build even one!!! affordable rear drive model since, what , early ’80s?!!
Everyone thinks front drive gives you more room inside. True regarding the trans tunnel, but not back seat leg room, where the rear drive Pinto is the Champ!!! I’ve sat in the back seat of many pintos with 3 other adults in the car!
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDg0WDY0MA==/z/SMcAAOSwtR5gYanA/$_57.JPG?set_id=2
Amazing.
Its a nice looking Stang.
The numbers don’t always line up on Mustangs of this vintage. I purchased my one owner 1986 Mustang GT with 17,300 documented original miles and the first digit is slightly higher than the rest, It now has just under 24,000 original miles. When it turned 20,000 miles ; the 2 is still slightly higher than the rest. Judging from the listing pictures, the condition is very close to what my car presents as currently. My car was featured on Barn Finds in 10-2019 if you want to compare the condition to this listing.
Laugh all you want at the 210 horsepower rating, my ’86 fuelie GT 5.0/5 speed was advertised even less at 200 h.p. and it was a high output engine for the time, for a long time actually. High mileage car and beat on hard it still managed 14.99 at 92 miles an hour,,,, hey I had to really work to get that time slip unlike the guy in the turbo Regal who just sat there and beat me in the last thirty feet or so. Flowmasters, KnN oem filter, removed the intake silencer, AC completely, KYB’s, several clutches, two rebuilds on the T5, but stock engine even the exhaust manifolds. Different Hurst shifters, on and on and I barely scratched the surface for the early nineties, all lots of fun and keep in mind that horsepower rating was NET not gross ratings like the olden days, ha ha.
Keep in mind also the Corvette wasn’t rated a whole lot more than our 5.0 Ford, nor were the Z28 Camaros that used the……305?!
I only have one point to make. With the reemergence of the boss mustang in 82, and further performance increases every following year by the time this car rolled off the line the malaise era was over, imo. To me malaise is from approx 1975 bottoming out around 1980, then over by 84 due to the mustang GT, turbo regal, and the introduction of the 84 Corvette.
Compared to today’s cars they are slow and low powered but compared to a 78 or 79 Malibu with the 4.4L v8, these were quite peppy.
I have a 79 Malibu coupe that originally came equipped with the 267 v8 mentioned, th200 trans. And 2.29 (!) rear gear. I picked it up around 1997 for $1500. I couldn’t have outrun a three legged dog with that thing! The car was in nice shape and I didn’t buy it for the drivetrain. A 3.42 posi rear gear set for the 7.5” rear 350 and 200 4 r od trans made its way in place shortly after, then a 383 and 8.5” rear with 3.73 posi gears and now in the process of a 468 BBC. The 200 r4 still lives! All steel with AC, ran a best of 12.89 in quarter mile with the 383. Malaise no more!
My ex SIL bought a 1986 grey GT convertible with 5 speed new. I drove it a few times. I had just gotten my license. It felt faster than my 71 el camino with cam intake carb and header upgrades but probably wasn’t really. It was a lot more fun to drive than my EC, though. The GT met it end in the early 90’s when it “got away from her” in the rain and she t boned a telephone pole. It would be cool to have a nice unmolested fox mustang today.
For comparison, I owned a 77 Camaro LT with a 350, 4 BBL, and 4 speed in college. I still recall test driving my 85 GT and being completely blown away by the car’s performance. Ended up buying the car and still own it today.
It’s no Scat Pack Challenge but it is so light that driving it remains suprisingly enjoyable.
I think the $23,800 bid is all the money.
“Seller’s Regret”
Should’ve taken the $23,800?
This car is still for sale, the top bang for the buck of the eighties, and somehow I’m not overly surprised. Built to flog, carve, piss off Chevy guys, but she’s a straight liner all the way. Imagine a brand new car you could take to the strip and actually have fun with…..in the mid eighties, dual exhaust, Holley 4 barrel carb and all that. You’d had to of been there to understand the utter brilliance of these 5.0’s at the time. A big dollar collectors item?
It has been thirty five years and counting..
You’d had to of been there to understand the utter brilliance of these 5.0’s at the time.
Very well stated, and so true !
https://www.ebay.com/itm/334210889196?ViewItem=&item=334210889196&vxp=mtr
Bid to $20 K in the previous auction, now at $15,100 and RNM
Make mine Regatta Blue, and I’m in. Just need the money. And the space…
Agree. Nice fox body but the cheap dealer Toyota-esc sunroof, would kill the deal for me.
Rhwse foxes were also Great hwy cars with the long legged gears in the rearend. Love it. All mustangs are fun cars 3.7V6 and 2.3turbo4 included.. especially if equipped w the manual transmission.
Greedy for a mediocre model year…
I have never been much of a Ford guy but these cars had tremendous potential to make very decent HP! Granted you going to spend some money on the engine to get it there. Cam, induction, exhaust rods and heads all go then replace with something that will get you where you want to be. Very easy to get this car deep into the 11s! The 302 has always been an engine that can give a lot and come back for more! I like this car!
This is a nice Mustang GT.
However, what kills it on hitting the big numbers is what has already been pointed out…..no AC and an aftermarket sunroof. These 2 items will hold back the premium dollar, just the way it is.
No different than the vintage Shelby’s. The Shelby with factory 4 speed is worth more than an automatic, collectors place a premium on the 4 speed.. doesn’t matter that it won’t be driven…
Very nice GT, in my favorite year and color. The nice condition would cause me to overlook the sunroof, but maybe that is what is holding this back from selling(?)
The seller should just let it go.
Is that thin radiator only 2 row?! – i guess the factory electric fan(s) compensate?
I believe this is the last yr a Holley 4 bbl was installed on a factory car.
Located in:
Cary, Illinois
I think it looks great, for less than 30k miles look at the floor mat under the pedals.
Nice car 200 plus horse pwer and man trans in 85 was a big deal..I sold Chevrolets at the time..Monte SS was 180 HP.with 373s and automatic only..Z28 ,s were coming into their own with 305 HO and TPI shortly..
Ended: Jan 09, 2022 , 6:57PM
Winning bid:US $21,500.00
[ 59 bids ]