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Turnkey Driver: 1986 Ford Mustang SVO

This is a final year Ford Mustang SVO, offered for sale by a clear enthusiast who has assembled a detailed listing describing some of the recent improvements and fixes, along with the plethora of factory and aftermarket performance parts that will be included with the sale. This is an Oxford White example that has been repainted once before to a driver-quality level, but otherwise left alone. The SVO shows under 100,000 original miles and is said to function as intended, right down to functional air conditioning. This SVO is in the sweet spot of being between a driver and a survivor, and is listed here on eBay with bidding to just over $4,000 and the reserve unmet.

The seller has also listed a Buy-It-Now of $11,970. The SVO presents well inside and out, with a near-spotless interior featuring gray cloth buckets and black carpeting. Inside, you’ll find all original parts including the SVO-specific three-spoke steering wheel, Hurst shift knob, OEM cassette deck, suede door panels, and SVO floor mats. The seller notes that the driver’s seat displays some wear, but it doesn’t appear to be anything major. I’m always shocked the SVO isn’t more in demand as a collector car despite some mild appreciation as of late, as it really does pack all of the goods that enthusiasts would seeming want.

Perhaps it’s the stigma of the four cylinder turbocharged powerplant – that’s really the only thing I can think of. Speaking of that, the seller mentions that the Lima powerplant fires up with ease and benefits form a bevy of recent maintenance, including: voltage regulator, alternator, and battery replacement; oil change and valve cover gasket replacement; new exhaust including custom y-pipe, DynoMax Super Turbo mufflers and tailpipes; a cooling system servicing which included a new radiator, radiator hoses, and a coolant flush; and more. The big news is the suspension has been completely overhauled with new Koni Classic red shocks, MOOG springs, a fresh alignment and new Goodyear Eagle Sport Tires. I dig the original Marchal fog light covers, too.

Overall, this is a nicely maintained SVO that has had a significant amount of money spent on maintenance and new parts in the recent past. The cosmetics are very good inside and out, even if the paintjob reveals some flaws up close. Factory decals have been replaced as well, and the windshield is also new. The next owner will get some new parts to play with as well, including Ford Performance lowering springs, aftermarket K-member brace, extra coolant hoses, and a dog-bone clutch cable, among other items. While SVOs do turn up with decent frequency, finding one that isn’t a time capsule example you can’t drive and a total dog that needs a rebuild is the car you should be looking for, and this one seems to check that box.

Comments

  1. Avatar Bob_in_TN Member

    Good job Jeff. If you are interested in an SVO to drive, this one would fit the bill nicely. Well-maintained, plus lots of recent maintenance work, for not much money.

    I agree, the SVO is hindered by the turbo four cylinder; the market prefers the sweet-sounding 5.0 Fox Body. That aside, these are attractive cars. I do find it interesting that turbo four cylinders are now staples of the new car market.

    Like 7
  2. Avatar jerry z

    I drove a few of them around the lot of the Ford dealership between ’85 and ’86. Could only get up to 2nd gear unfortunately but over 3K this thing roared! Cars were same color combo too. Debating to buy before they become unobtainable.

    Like 4
  3. Avatar Stan

    Nice… flush headlights look best w svo model.

    Svo’s Came w good-rear gears from factory.

    Like 1
  4. Avatar Todd Zuercher

    Stunning – and the Buy-It-Now price is actually very reasonable. I love the vintage Ford Motorsport decals as well. Very appropriate for the car. Someday I shall have one of these.

    Like 2
  5. Avatar t-bone BOB

    Item location:
    Cupertino, California

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Tiberius1701

    Gotta love the plate number! (and the car too!)

    Like 0

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