Finding custom touches on a classic car is nothing new, but it seems that no aspect of this 1982 Mustang GT has escaped the attention of successive owners. It appears to wear a different paint shade, while the drivetrain, wheels, and interior have all received attention. It still presents nicely for a vehicle of this age and would suit a buyer seeking a turnkey classic. If you fit that description, you will find the Mustang located in Gilroy, California, and listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has set the sale price at $9,800, although there may be room to negotiate on that figure. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder rex m for referring this beauty to us.

The custom touches with this Mustang become apparent the moment you lay eyes on it. The shade of green that graces its arrow-straight panels is not from the 1982 Mustang paint charts. It is difficult to determine the shade, but it fits somewhere between a 1982 Ford and Mercury color called Brite Lime and an earlier shade called Medium Green. Since we have an extensive collection of knowledgeable readers, one of you may be able to shed further light on this. The paint holds a good shine when you consider that a previous owner applied it a decade ago, but there are some chips and scrapes on the lower edges of the front spoiler. Apart from its lack of significant physical damage and marks, this Mustang appears rust-free. If, as I suspect, it has spent its life in California, this is no surprise. The external trim and plastic have survived well under harsh sunlight, with no deterioration or cracking. The car features a T-Top, which is a welcome touch that appears to be in excellent order. Rounding out this package, one of this classic’s owners has installed aftermarket window tinting while the GT rolls on a set of later 16″ chrome Cobra wheels.

When this Mustang rolled off the production line, it was equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produced 157hp. That power found its way to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, while the vehicle is also equipped with power steering and power brakes. As a performance package, it stood up well in a 1982 context. The journey down the ¼ mile would have taken 16 seconds, and while that figure doesn’t look that impressive today, it was about as good as a buyer could expect at that time. However, this car probably offers its buyer some significant performance improvements. A previous owner rebuilt the engine with many upgraded internal components, ditched the four-speed manual transmission, and bolted in a five-speed unit. The owner holds a comprehensive list of all of the upgrades performed on this little V8, and you can be sure that the driver will have significantly more power available under their right foot. Recent work includes a new starter, new solenoid, new battery, and a carburetor rebuild. It appears that this classic is ready and raring to go, and the seller encourages a test drive for serious potential buyers.

The custom touches continue when we open the doors and start looking around this Mustang’s interior. It generally presents well for a classic of this age, but it’s worth noting that the front bucket seats are from a 2010 Mustang. It seems that the center console came from the same source, but both items seem to blend nicely with the original trim. The photos are inconclusive, but there are no glaring faults in evidence. There is a hole where the factory radio used to be, but that will allow potential buyers to install the stereo of their choice. The door trims are spotless, and it appears that there may also be a new dash pad. The car features factory air conditioning, power windows, a power driver’s seat, and a tilt wheel.

The changes that various owners have made to this 1982 Mustang GT have transformed it into a distinctive car that should be an effective long-distance tourer. It appears that the vehicle is in sound physical and mechanical condition, and it’s ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel. That brings us to the question of whether the asking price represents decent value for money. Placing a value on a car like this is difficult because any modifications change the rules. If this were an original and unmolested survivor, its value could nudge beyond $10,000. In this case, a car will only be worth what somebody is willing to pay. When you consider its mechanical specifications and what it offers, the price does look reasonably competitive. That’s why I won’t be surprised if a buyer is found pretty quickly.