Clean, stock examples of vintage and classic cars stand out for a few reasons: for one thing, “clean” is a somewhat abstract quality, and not entirely tied to whether the cabin has been vacuumed. If a car is clean, the bodywork seems honest and straight; the small details are correct, too, such as with the wheels being curb rash-free and the colors within the factory palette; and, more often than not, that it remains in 100 percent, bone-stock condition with no apparent modifications. This 1986 Ford Mustang GT convertible listed here on craigslist checks all of those boxes, and then some.
The seller is asking $14,999 for this super clean Fox body, and thanks goes to Barn Finds reader Mitchell G. for spotting it. The four-eyed Mustangs, with their quad sealed-beam headlight receptacles, are often the black sheep of the Fox family. While beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, I’ve always liked the older Mustangs if for no other reason than you simply don’t see them as much. This ’86 model stands out even more for the unusual color scheme of baby blue over a white leather interior, a combo we don’t often see and that stands out even more with the white convertible top.
The engine bay is also a treat, appearing to be in spotless condition. You can find nicely detailed cars all day long, but one that belongs to a seller who has clearly prioritized keeping the greasy bits clean is far rarer. The 5.0L powerplant was good for 200 horsepower routed through the optional 4-speed automatic transmission, as seen in this example. Power was down by 10 over the previous year owing to a more restrictive cylinder head, but that’s a minor gripe when considering an ’86 like this one. Although this example is too well-preserved to be modified, an intake and exhaust would make up the difference easily.
Some cars only look good with the top down, but Ford really did a nice job making the Fox body attractive in either form. However, it could have something to do with the exterior design of the earlier models, as I’ve always felt the ASC McLaren Mercury Capri conversions also looked good with the top up or down. The great colors, impressive levels of preservation, and clean condition throughout make this a Mustang worthy of a closer look, and the asking price seems fair if it looks as good in person as it does in photos.
Very sharp Four-Eye. Looks great in Light Regatta Blue with the popular Pony wheels. Even has been detailed underhood. “Please don’t waste my time” seller. I enjoy seeing clean, stock examples like this.
Very nice cruiser for somebody Bob. Agree the 5 star 16′ Pony rims look really nice on this color car.
I have owned a few Fox Mustangs and appraised a few over the years. The asking price on the convertible seems fair as the car presents very well.
There’s a 86 Mustang GT convertible just as nice currently being listed for sale here in St. Louis by a dealer for 34,999. I’ll take this one for half the price.
Nice condition!
“Power was down by 10 over the previous year…”
Power was down by 10 only if you compare the ’85 5-speed to an ’86. ’85 automatics only had 180 hp — not 210 — while the ’86 had 200 hp regardless of transmission. The ’86 5.0s also had more torque than the ’85s.
Not quite “100 percent, bone-stock condition with no apparent modifications” as it doesn’t have stock wheels but a very nice example nonetheless (too bad about the performance-sapping automatic, though).
These were not practical for my situation when they were new, these days I can easily afford one, maybe even justify one if I don’t mind lying to myself. You see, the trouble is, these have gotten way to over speculated, but that is soon, very very soon, going to come crashing down. When the bottom falls out, as usual, those of us with more then enough cash, will swoop in and buy for pennies on the dollar. The way it always has been, the strong eating the young and foolish. The monetary foundation, except for a 30 year post war period, has always been about the overly rich abusing everyone else. The car market will crash, but the super rich types know that, and with a smile, are quietly waiting to pounce. And pounce they will. Have you been paying attention recently with the stock market? This will be no different.
Think of the dot.com crash in 1999.
Truly clean- and stock engine and really nice color combo.
As former ’86 GT hardtop owner new I really like this convertible.
In ’86 mine was invoiced $13,636. Loaded, before APlan, new from Beaudry in Atlanta.
5 spd and it ran hard and fast. I know those ’86 heads are maligned but the 5 spds did run mid 6s to 60mph.
No on the retro wheel from early 90’s …
Hood stripe delete?
Do like the actual clean condition, nice top, sharp body and the mid teens price.