The Ford Mustang ASC/McLaren remains one of those unusual collector cars that is both entirely appealing due to its usability and affordable running gear, but also sort of a question mark. In the case of the car shown here, it sports an attractive black over red color scheme, an automatic transmission, and sharp gold BBS wheels. The seller reports it’s a bit of a project, with some new parts included that have yet to be installed. The ASC/McLaren Mustangs are a distinctive breed, and if you like rarity and 5.0L running gear, it may be a good project to buy. Find it here on eBay with a suggested opening bid of $4,500.
Now, right off the bat, that’s going to be a tough sell. The ASC/McLaren, despite its rarity, has never taken off as a collectible Mustang. Therefore, you can buy a decent one for not much cash, making the high opening bid here a bit of a turn-off. However, if the seller gives the Mustang a wash and reveals half-decent black paint underneath, my opinion may change. The aftermarket headlights are surprising, as it seemed like this ASC/McLaren had just recently been discovered, but someone was apparently messing with it not too long ago. Regardless, I’d swap the factory-style headlights back in if it were mine.
When ASC/McLaren got their hands on the Fox body, they didn’t touch the engine, so this remains a stock Mustang under the hood. What they did touch involves installing a steeply raked windshield, a roadster-style tonneau cover, and a true two-seater configuration. Even though we all love high horsepower special editions, the end result of the ASC/McLaren is a distinctive design that is truly limited production with less than 2,000 units produced and looks like absolutely no other Fox body Mustang on the road. So why aren’t they more sought after?
It does seem strange that for all the love for the Fox body, the ASC/McLaren cars are never particularly coveted. There are plenty of examples with low miles and in time-warp condition out there, and even those tend to linger for sale for a few weeks before finding a new home. This badge on the dash may indicate this example is one of the earlier cars built, and black over red is a nice change of pace from the usual tans we see. I’m curious what sort of shape the Recaro seats are in, as I can’t recall seeing them in cardinal red cloth/leather in the past. The seller reports that a new convertible motor, gas tank, and fuel pump will accompany the sale, giving you some indication as to the rejuvenation work you’ll need to perform to bring this rare Mustang back to life.
Why aren’t these more sought-after? I can think of a few reasons. The styling is awkward, the raked windshield affects headroom, there are no performance modifications, most of them are automatics, and they were bought mostly by poseurs more interested in style (questionable as it was) than performance. They fall into the same category as the Buick Reatta, Cadillac Allante, and Chrysler’s TC by Maserati.
Just like McLaren was to Shelby. Not much to like. IMHO
This ASC has been for sale on Facebook forever with no takers.
The car is in poor condition and all the ASC lower body panels have been replaced with standard GT stuff. All the expensive, hard to source parts are gone or in poor condition. Tough sell.
“This listing was ended by the seller on Sun, May 17 at 9:11 PM because the item is no longer available.”