Most of the Fox-era Mustang excitement stems from those with a V8 under the hood, but Ford offered a different sort of pony from 1984 through 1986 that was also a fine performer, featuring just half the number of cylinders, known as the SVO. Special Vehicle Operations was a division created by Ford in the early eighties that focused on developing high-tech enhancements to make the Mustang competitive with European performance cars of the time, using a turbocharged 2.3-liter engine instead of a 5.0. This 1986 Mustang SVO here on Craigslist needs some work, but with an asking price of $5,000, the seller believes you’ll have plenty left over to cover the repairs and enjoy a great driver. This one’s located in Houston, Texas, and we’d like to thank reader Barney for finding it and sending in the tip!
The owner tells us that the Mustang sat in a barn for a period, but some engine work has already been performed, including a new gas tank, fuel pump, spark plugs, wires, plus a few other fresh parts. Although the engine will turn over, it’s not currently running, but a mechanic has already diagnosed the issue as the turbocharger not spinning properly, so that component will definitely require service. A replacement ignition switch will also be needed, as the keys have been lost. Fortunately, the 34,000 miles are stated as accurate, so hopefully, once these repairs are completed, there won’t be too much more maintenance needed for a while.
This one’s said to have lived its entire life in Texas, and it is reported to have no rust, although the area under the rear window looks like it may be on the verge. The exterior panels appear to be straight and line up properly, and from a distance, this one looks quite good outside. Once you get closer, some imperfections become noticeable, such as paint chips on the roof and a few on the front section of the hood. Perhaps after the mechanical work is completed, it would be a good time to touch up the body flaws, then restore or replace all those faded lights up front.
Inside, the top of the dash appears to have been baked from years of that hot Lone Star sun, but the seats and many of the other interior components still seem to be in fairly decent condition. Even though all SVOs came with a Borg-Warner 5-speed manual, it’s still refreshing to see the shifter in here, and hopefully, the transmission will still function properly. The seller says he’s firm on the price, but with some of the positives here, this one may be worth it. Any thoughts to share on this 1986 Ford Mustang SVO?
The Foxbody w the European 🇪🇺 touch.
The SVO was a fairly interesting package, with some unique features. But about the time it came out was about the time the market was changing, favoring the improving V8 engines. I have a friend who has one restored to absolute stock condition, and it is a fine-looking and fine-running specimen. This example doesn’t look bad but does have some issues. But it’s cheap enough that someone should give it a try.
Thanks Mike.
Relisted with lowered price of $4500
https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/houston-1986-mustang-svo-turbo-charged/7901327737.html
Gone, someone saw it as a value, then acted.
These are nice cars, this one may be a bit rough around the edges, but if the sellers description is accurate getting it running won’t be too difficult. At that point, drive it, restoring it at this point will drive up the cost exponentially and likely keep it locked away in a garage 95% of the time.
Steve R
Poor SVO. Always the bridesmaid and never the bride. The blue oval equivalent of the Cosworth Vega.
The 86′ SVO was the “hot sister” of the 5.0 ‘stang.
The car was ahead of it’s time, much like the Cosworth Vega, yes.
In 1975, there was maybe one other 4 valve per cylinder car, the Triumph Dolomite Sprint. It was SOHC and used carburetors still. The Cosworth was likely the only DOHC, 4 valve, EFI car made in its time. Virtually all cars today use these technologies.
As for the SVO in the mid-’80s, to Bob’s point above, the V8 engines of the day were improving in both output and fuel efficiency. The idea of using a turbo 4 for similar output to maintain good fuel economy was becoming moot at the time. The SVO was one of the first turbo production cars with an intercooler and EFI (1983). Today, 4 cylinder turbo Mustangs are the standard offering.
I know plenty of guys will start with the but this, but that stuff…As a technologist and engineer, I appreciate auto tech that is cutting edge, especially in vintage cars. It often takes time, even decades, for certain tech to catch on at a practical level. Often times, necessity drives the need for change. Normally aspirated V8s just cannot produce the same fuel economy per given output as a more volumetrically efficient 4 cylinder turbos today, as they could in the 1980s when turbos were far less refined. The SVO had the future in sight at least. Brilliant car.
A couple of things. #1 A turbo not spinning will not stop the engine from starting. #2 You have to also remember that this car (the SVO in general) was a continuation of previously offered Turbo Mustangs. 1979 I believe. They were very crude, but an improvement over the previous Mustang IIs. #3 A cracked dash top on these cars are easily replaced and available. #4 The ignition “switch” is located farther down the streering column and has nothing to do with the ignition lock cylinder where the key is inserted. #5 The ’86 SVO was the most desirable of the SVO Mustangs. A little more horsepower, better headlight arangement and I believe the newer “world class” T5 transmussion. I wish my ’84 SVO was an ’86 model. #6 The picture shows the shift knob and boot. No way to tell if the shifter has been upgraded or not. In fact it looks like a standard 5.0 shift knob. Not the original “stitched leather” SVO shift knob.
I don’t believe it is only 34K on it
A Fox body that’s not beat to death for 5K? Something is not right in Houston!
Always liked the SVO’s. If I was to get any 80’s Mustang I’d want one of these. I’d address those few rust issues ASAP, but overall it looks pretty solid and the price is reasonable enough.