The Ford Mustang SVO appears to be from an alternate timeline where the Mustang was conceived in Europe rather than America. At first glance, it appears the same as a standard Fox Body Mustang, but upon closer examination there are many subtle cosmetic differences, including the unique wheels, hood, front fascia, sail panels, and biplane rear spoiler. Underneath, the changes were even more radical, with four-wheel disc brakes, a firm sport suspension with Koni shock-absorbers, quick ratio steering rack, limited-slip differential and a high-output turbocharged 2.3 liter four-cylinder engine backed by a five-speed manual transmission. Ford created its Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division in 1980 to focus on handling and getting power from smaller displacement engines now that the horsepower wars of a decade earlier were a distant memory. This 1984 Mustang SVO available here on eBay in Spokane, Washington was the first result of this new performance initiative and has more in common with contemporary European sport coupes than its pony car predecessors.
This first-year example is finished in Medium Canyon Red Metallic, one of four colors available for the SVO in 1984. The paint shines nicely, and the body appears free of any dents or rust damage. The black biplane spoiler and bumper molding contrast nicely with the red paint. SVOs had a unique front-end treatment with single sealed beam rectangular headlights; these were replaced by composite units a year later. The unique SVO wheels appear to be in nice condition and the seller states that the tires are good.
Quite a bit of work has been done on this car beneath the hood. First year SVOs got 175 horsepower of their 2.3-liter intercooled turbocharged engine, the same as the 5.0-liter V8 in the GT, which had more than twice the displacement. The lighter engine in the SVO made for better weight distribution, which further contributed to the goal of tight handling. The ad states that this SVO has a new engine with a ported and polished head with stronger valve springs and upgraded cam, as well as a larger turbocharger and 3” exhaust. These upgrades should lead to a noticeable increase in power over stock. Power is delivered through a new clutch and pressure plate to a Borg Warner T-5 transmission and Traction-Lok limited-slip rear end. New shocks have also been installed, but it is not known if these are Konis as per the original SVO specifications.
The interior is another strong point of this car. All SVOs came with a either a cloth or leather charcoal interior with well-bolstered front seats. This one has been reupholstered in perforated leather. There is also a new headliner. Rounding out the sporty interior is a leather wrapped steering wheel and Hurst shifter that were both unique to the SVO. With three days left to go, this Mustang sits at $5500 with no reserve. Would you take this Euro-inspired turbo four-banger over a more traditional V8 Mustang GT?
Seems like a bargain at $5,500 with the work done to keep it fun and interesting!
Given the work done, this looks like a real bargain. No it’s not a 5.0, but it has its own persona and charm. These are pretty cool and a bit of a different Fox Body Mustang.
It seems to be a lot of gleaming over cars here that are original and up kept. The appeal is understood. I just think here we have a car that is not stock original, but represents upgrades to it mainly pointing out the engine. I would like to see a 2.3 Mustang on here from the 80s or early 90s that was originally a 2.3 non turbo, but was upgraded to a 2.3 turbo from one of these SVOs or a TC of the same era. I actually have a Foxbody Mustang that had the 2.3 aspirated, and was changed to a 2.3 turbo which came out of a 84 TC. Turbo spools up nicely, and it has a nice punch to it.
If this was a V8 it would be at least double the price. Yes I think I would consider this if I had more room. Especially if the upgrades messed together well.
It’s so much easier to find low mileage SVOs than it is to fix the paint and interior on a beat up GT that the best bargain in Fox bodies is usually had by buying a ‘collector’ SVO and swapping in a Windsor V8. They’ve already got the best of everything else other than rear axles.
Personally, if I was going to do an engine swap on an SVO, I’d go with a 2.3 liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder out of a modern Mustang. 310 HP, 350 lbs/ft of torque, and in keeping with this car’s spirit when new.
i’ll buy the wagon (sibling), an LTD (not crown vic model)
just add the aol to the end of my name
I owned an 84 SVO way better then a 84 GT they handle alot better and you get 28 mpg with equal performance.Ive had my old one at 130 mph no problem
I have noticed that the higher speeds feel as if though it is nothing for this 2.3 turbo engine. Mine is just a turbo swap in a 90 Mustang LX. I can take it to 80, and it feels as though I could go a lot faster. I just don’t feel safe going faster. That’s just me though pretty much in any car, lol. Plus on the stock brakes in a Foxbody Mustang do not serve as well in comparison unless you have an SVO!
I have to laugh when commentators say “that’s a steal!” or something similar in response to a given car’s auction…when the auction is still active and the actual selling price has yet to arrive.
That looks like a clean car even if the tail lights are wrong.