It might sound strange, but now is the ideal time to buy a classic Convertible to park in your garage. We’re rapidly heading towards winter, which is traditionally a time when prices are at their lowest. That makes this 1985 Ford Mustang GT Convertible worth a close look. It hasn’t been in active service since 2016, though the seller states it runs and drives well. It has a few minor needs, and addressing these during the upcoming cold months would have it ready to go when the sun reappears. The seller has listed the GT here on eBay in Santa Barbara, California. Bidding sits below the reserve at $4,150, with plenty of time remaining if you wish to stake your claim.

The 1985 model year marked the seventh year on showroom floors for Ford’s Fox-Body Mustang range. Sales had begun to slide, and the company was contemplating a potential replacement. However, there was a buyer backlash when Ford revealed plans that included a front-wheel drive mechanical layout. The result was a market rebound, with the company giving the Fox-Body a stay of execution. One change made for this model year was a front restyle. The traditional grille gave way to a single slot, giving the Mustang a more aggressive appearance. I am a fan of the change, feeling that Ford hit a sweet spot with its update. This ’85 Mustang is a GT Convertible, ordered by its first owner in Code 1C Black. The seller doesn’t supply many photos or much information, although the impression is that it has spent its life in California. That means that it should have avoided any significant rust problems. It appears to have been sheltered from harsh UV rays, because there is no evidence of baked paint or plastic. It remains presentable and doesn’t require a visit to a paint shop. That doesn’t mean that it is perfect, because the buyer must invest in a new soft-top, and one taillight is broken. However, reproduction lights are easily found online, and replacing both for a consistent appearance won’t cost a fortune.

Powering this GT is Ford’s fuel-injected 5.0-liter V8, teamed with an automatic transmission. The company’s Sales Brochure for this model year states that the 180hp motor was specifically tailored for the four-speed AOD transmission, while power-assisted steering and brakes were standard equipment. Ford’s claim appears valid because the 5.0-liter HO powerplant fitted to cars with a manual transmission boasted 210hp. The seller indicates that this Convertible last saw action in 2016, but it runs and drives well. The buyer must fit new tires, and the seller is unsure whether further work is required to pass the Smog Certification.

The seller only supplies only a few limited interior images, telling us little beyond the fact that it is trimmed in Gray cloth. The seats exhibit no significant wear, and the impression is that the fabric should present acceptably for a driver-grade vehicle with a deep clean. It is unclear what interior options the first owner selected, although I can confirm that this classic features air conditioning and power windows.

Ford sold 156,514 Mustangs in 1985, but only 15,110 were Convertibles. That represents less than 10% of its total production, making this a relatively rare classic in a year when overall North American passenger vehicle sales reached 15,778,917. This ’85 GT shows promise, appearing to need little to improve its appearance significantly. Recent successful sales suggest the bidding will likely reach the reserve at around $8,000, though a lower figure is possible. Would you be interested in this Mustang at that price, or would you pass on it this time?