V8 Transplant: 1993 Ford Mustang LX

Some classics have a fascinating backstory, and this 1993 Ford Mustang LX perfectly demonstrates that. When you assess its sparkling original factory paint and arrow straight panels, it is incredible to think that it came close to being parted out or crushed at a local scrapyard. The seller rescued it, and after an exhaustive search, performed a transplant that gives it the performance to match its looks. It deserves a close look because it is almost impossible not to be impressed.

The first thing to note about this Mustang is its Title Status, which is listed as “Rebuilt, Rebuildable & Reconstructed.” That might ring alarm bells with some readers, but it earned it via slightly strange circumstances. The original elderly owners passed away, and none of their children felt compelled to keep this classic. Instead of listing it for sale so that it could head to a new home, they had it collected by a local junkyard! The seller rescued it from imminent destruction and holds the relevant documentation confirming the story. I can’t understand why the children didn’t simply sell it, because it is a sure bet that they would have pocketed some money out of the deal. What makes it more astounding is that this is a rust-free and unrestored vehicle. The Bright Red paint was applied on the line at Ford, and apart from a couple of blemishes on the back bumper, it is incredible. The depth of color and shine will turn heads, and the panels are wonderfully straight. There is no evidence of deteriorating plastic, and the glass is crystal clear. However, there is more to this pony car than meets the eye.

The original owner didn’t focus on performance when ordering this Mustang, equipping it with the entry-level 2.3-liter four that placed 105hp and 135 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal. They teamed the four with a five-speed manual transmission, meaning that rowing the shifter provided respectable performance. It found its way to the seller in that guise, and they left it unchanged for a while. However, an exhaustive search uncovered a low-mile donor car that had fallen on hard times. The seller removed all of the relevant parts from the donor, dropping the lot into this LX. The four made way for the 5.0-liter “HO” V8, coupled with a five-speed manual. Forget 105hp and 135 ft/lbs, because this motor generates 205hp and 275 ft/lbs. The entire V8 mechanical package found its way under the skin, and with only 40,000 on the clock, the donor’s components were in excellent condition. That wasn’t good enough for the seller, who replaced every seal and gasket, the brakes, and the clutch, before bolting the car together. It is a turnkey proposition with no mechanical needs. The winning bidder could fly in and drive it home, which might prove irresistible.

I’ve been trying to spot a genuine weak point with this Mustang, and its interior doesn’t score that honor. The Gray cloth and vinyl trim show no signs of wear or distress, and the carpet is spotless. There is no broken or crumbling plastic and no aftermarket additions. It doesn’t merely present well, because it is nicely equipped in a 1993 context. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power lumbar support, cruise control, and a factory AMFM radio/cassette player.

The term “dodged a bullet” would seem appropriate for this 1993 Mustang LX, and this classic demonstrates why it pays to do your homework before parting with an inherited vehicle of any type. The seller listed this stunning Mustang here on eBay in Colbert, Washington. The potential issue with the title hasn’t cooled interest, with twenty-five bids pushing the price beyond the reserve to $10,600. There is plenty of time remaining in this auction, and I suspect the price will climb further before the hammer falls. It could prove tempting to enthusiasts seeking a car with a past, but what would you be willing to pay for the privilege?