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.
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