We often talk about appreciating cars that have some subtle modifications that make it a better driver. Personally, I have no great objection to some mild suspension modifications, especially a basic lowering kit that makes the car tighter in corners and does wonders for the aesthetics. However, there’s no denying finding a completely bone-stock driver that’s been maintained without being modified is a wonderful discovery. This 1988 Ford Mustang LX 5.0 with the preferred 5-speed appears to be such a car, and it’s listed here on craigslist for $10,300 in California.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Barney for the tip. What strikes me as unusual about this Fox body – in addition to its virgin status – is that so many of these late 80s hatch-style bodies were only found in GT spec. Seeing a combination of the LX with the 5.0L, hatch body, and a 5-speed manual has to be pretty rare, even if it wasn’t particularly sought after back in the day. I can imagine a lot full of GTs and most buyers drooling over the two-tone paint job and turbine wheels. This, to my mind’s eye, is a true sleeper, and likely was passed over time and again when it was sitting in inventory. The paint is faded in places and it’s definitely got some battle scars, but looks incredibly honest.
The interior is always my baseline for how a car has been maintained, even if the outside shows some wear and tear. The interior of this LX is quite tidy with no major stains, rips, or other flaws. You have to love seeing the 5-speed manual which remains at its stock height, and speaking of modifications, the seller is incredibly honest about the (very) limited list of alterations from the factory: it boils down to what I interpret as replacement OEM headlights and maybe a different shift knob? It’s hard to say but no matter what, this car has barely been messed with. It also comes with a rare option, that being the factory sunroof.
Now, we have a base trim LX, with a sunroof and the 5.0L – what an intriguing combination of trims. The engine bay shows no modifications, not even an open-element air filter which seems like a requirement based on the number of 5.0Ls with see with at least that tweak. Power-wise, a stock V8 makes 225 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque and is a ton of fun to drive in anger or simply cruising. The seller notes all of the body panels have matching VIN tags, indicating no major collision damage in this Mustang’s history. The asking price seems reasonable for a stock Fox body like this with all the right options.
Very nice looking stock LX that no one messed with yet. When I was in High School, what Jeff said is true, everyone drooled of the GT. But for me, I always leaned more towards liking the LX like this with a 302 and a 5 speed. If this checks out in person ( and I think it would) it would be a great one to buy.
My first thought was, seems cheap for an unmolested manual transmission LX, even if it isn’t the preferred notchback. Then I realized it has tired paint and high miles. Still, a popular and desirable car that might be “just right” for the person wanting to enter the world of Fox Mustangs for not much money.
Thanks Jeff.
After you wrote your response Bob, I went back and looked, I thought it was a reflection on the hood, I didn’t realize it was the paint peeling. Sometimes looking at a small phone you don’t get the whole picture. But still, if bought right and a nice paint job, you’ve got a great way into Fox Body market.
Guaranteed to put a smile on the driver. A black LX hatch w the later 5 star 🌟 factory rims, is the best looking of all the foxes in my opinion 💁♂️
Any Fox body 5.0 is thin on the ground in the Bay Area. I worked at a place that sold a lot of performance parts in the early to mid-2000’s, there was rarely a week that went by where a regular customer didn’t have one stolen. The LX’s were always very popular, outnumbering GT’s at the local drag strips since new. Even though this has high mileage it’s not really that bad for a 37 year old car that would have see your round duty. You’d expect the paint to deteriorate on any dark colored car from that era since most cars are parked outside at work and often at home due to the temperate climate. I’d be surprised if it stays on the market for long, these are too desirable for that to happen, considering there are 6 million people within a 90 minute drive of the sellers location.
Steve R
Had an ‘88 just like this one I bought new, Merlot red and gray interior. Mine was an automatic however. I also liked the cleaner look of the LX instead of the GT. It was quick for its day and pretty practical with the hatch for carrying golf clubs or whatever. Fun car, like many others I wish I kept it.
In high school in the Detroit area circa mid 1980’s, we were rotten with these cars. Everyone who’s parent worked for Ford or had a Friends and Family discount had one of these things. If memory serves, the 5.0 LX was the same drivetrain/performance as the GT, but less expensive (and the insurance was cheaper as well)….
1988 Mustang 5.0 production numbers:
LX 5.0 Sedan: 5,568 (379 of them Special Service)
LX 5.0 Hatchback: 16,331
LX 5.0 Convertible: 5,188
GT Hatchback: 50,282
GT Convertible: 18,158
So while the GT was definitely more popular, I wouldn’t say the LX 5.0s were just sitting unwanted on lots. They sold pretty well, particularly among the hot rod set and cash-strapped young buyers. back then. So well, in fact, that for 1989, Ford made it a separate model instead of an option package, added the GT seats, and massively jacked up the price. I know this because I was hoping to buy one back during this time period, lol!
Their popularity with hot rodders and younger buyers is why it’s so unusual to see an modified one that’s still in good shape, and usually when you do see them, they are automatics. Good find!
I agree with the fact that the LX 5.0 appealed to the go fast crowd.
In the early 2Ks, I worked with a guy that owned an ’88 LX 5.0 sedan and he wouldn’t shut up about how his car would drive circles around my ’99 Z/28. I never bothered to find out, it was irritating.
Can’t get a rusty original NE fox body 5.0 5 speed around here for that price.
I’d buy that and do nothing but maintain and have fun driving as is for that price
This is the twin to my ’88 LX. Color options everything. One note about this car. It is not an original CA car. You can tell as there is no MASS AIR SENSOR PRESENT. This is a speed density engine management system. Not a bad thing, but it has its limitations for upgrading the horsepower. Mine has been well used and has the undesirable 2.72 rear gear. Nice highway cruiser and 29 mpg on a regular basis. But 3.27 or 3.55 gears really perk these up with only a minor mpg penalty. Mine is not this nice, as it belonged to a high school heavy 420 user before I got it. (Even had to change out the headliner to get the smell out) However, mine has approximately 350 horsepower do to the engine I installed. It really likes to cruise at 130 mph!
I put a 3.27 cog in my 89 LX 5-spd and got better all around mileage than with the 2.73’s. The engine was in its sweet spot more often with the 3.27’s. With the 2.73 gear I had to constantly shift out of fifth to get the engine to where it wanted to be. 3.27’s were a much better gear for a basic car with some bolt ons.
A hood prop rod is IMO inexcusable on this & many new vehicles today, considering my dirt cheap homely 4 door ’69 falcon had proper indestrutable hood springs to hold it up & make opening it up super ez – & safe.