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V8/5-Speed: 1982 Ford Mustang GT

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.

Comments

  1. Avatar Bob_in_TN Member

    I think Adam has nailed this car. It’s actually not bad, the modifications are reasonable and the car looks to be in good shape. The elephant in the room is obviously the paint. I don’t dislike the color but I don’t think I would want it. Must have been a situation where the owner liked this specific and distinct color.

    I agree, this car in more-stock condition and in a stock color (silver?) would be more desirable and valuable to most people. But, as it stands it’s not very expensive and would be a fun early Fox Body.

    Like 13
  2. Avatar JCA Member

    Looks like it may have been black as the door jambs are still black. Respray the green with black, that wouldn’t cost that much and be a big improvement

    Like 3
    • Avatar angliagt Member

      Have you priced a decent paint job lately?

      Like 18
  3. Avatar Stan

    I could see Julian rolling into the trailer park in this ride. Fresh trade on a big brick of hash 👌

    Like 10
  4. Avatar Sam Shive

    Not a bad looking 4 eye. Sounds like the power problem has been taken care of. As far as the paint goes. If it was Black as the door jams show it might be easy to return it to that. But the fact is right now it looks and sounds like a fun little driver. That’s what it needs. A DRIVER

    Like 6
  5. Avatar trav66

    This is identical to the ’83 GT I had in ’93, right down to the color! Loved that car and it was actually more fun to drive than my dad’s ’67 GTO! The seller seems to be asking a fair asking price considering the crazy money fox bodies are going for nowadays. Good memories (as long as I block out all the trouble it got me in to)!

    Like 5
  6. Avatar Troy

    Interesting color choice I’m guessing its listed with California DMV as non op because of their strict emissions laws? Hopefully someone from outside California snags this so they can actually enjoy it

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Steve Clinton

    Nice color IMHO. It’s refreshing to see a car in a color other than silver, white, or black.

    Like 4
  8. Avatar Michael Berkemeier

    I’m sorry guys, but I’m just not feelin’ this one. Dead, ugly paint (they didn’t even shoot the jambs) and lots of low-budget hot rodding going on with this one. Am I the only one that noticed the cheesy silver paint job on the air cleaner…or, did someone polish the aluminum? Either way, it’s not looking too good. Oh, and that center console is definitely original, not from 2010.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Sam

    When Ford brought these out for ’82, they were available in very limited ways and only 3 colors: Black, Red or Silver. I recall this so clearly because my dad bought one as soon as they came out. The dealer had several of them in their first shipment and they outlined what was available. They were all 5.0 HO engines with 4 speed manual transmissions. The low back seats were available in cloth or vinyl. Dads was black with red interior and we rode all over the south in it. I’m always happy to see one.

    Like 2
  10. Avatar Sal

    Cool car, not so cool color. But still a reasonable price for the car thar set off the modern muscle car era.

    That’s definitely not a 2010 console…or seats. Look like SN95 seats. I also spy an 84-86 GT gauge bezel.

    Like 2
  11. Avatar Christopher Gentry

    I had an SN95 and pretty sure your right about the seats and console. Makes sense the sn95 still had a lot fox in her. Any who I like this one even the color , but that’s a matter of taste. Personally I think all Mustangs should be white. But that might get boring

    Like 1
  12. Avatar Martinsane

    Paint color is fine but obviously not a rotisserie job so that detracts and those wheels, yuck.

    The car needs a repaint and new wheels and it would be alright.

    Like 0

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