The Ford Mustang SVO combines a variety of attributes that make it a wonderful choice for an entry-level hobby vehicle. A few years ago, I wouldn’t have said that, as it seemed like prices were on the upswing. Indeed, a preservation-grade SVO would set you back $25,000 or more, and while those cars and sale prices are still out there, it seems silly to spend that much on a vehicle you can buy for safely under $10,000 in running condition – such as this one here on Facebook Marketplace. The seller is asking $5,000 or best offer.
The early SVO is easy to spot with its recessed headlights. While the flush-mounted lenses look more modern, I dig the early version of any enthusiast car. The SVO didn’t get much of a shot to evolve past “early” and “late”, with production ending in 1986. With improved handling over the V8 cars and acceleration that almost kept up with the GT, the SVO seemingly had a lot going for it. It also sported trick Koni suspension bits, slick 5-lug alloy wheels, sport seats, and upgraded trimmings like the 3-spoke steering wheel. There was a lot to like about the SVO.
The market wasn’t ready for the SVO, however. I suspect in the 1980s, the concept of turbocharging sounded exciting, but it was expected to be better than the incumbent naturally-aspirated V8. The SVO was really just a victim of technology, rather than poor packaging. Ford was eager to showcase the potential of forced induction, just as Porsche wanted to promote a 911 replacement with a V8-powered, front-engined coupe and Pontiac proved it could build a Corvette-beating V6 two-door with an engine in the middle of the chassis. It’s amazing how bold manufacturers were at the time, in retrospect.
The seller notes his SVO is not perfect, hence the reasonable asking price. It needs tires and brake lines, and it does have some rust issues to contend with. The chassis is said to be solid but rust repair is needed in the battery tray area and some surface spots. A battery tray is a fairly straightforward replacement, so it shouldn’t be a big deal to get this cheap SVO back in fighting form. With 175 b.h.p. and 210 lb.-ft. of torque, the SVO is a terrific choice for a sporting driver, and this color combo is a nice change of pace from the standard reds and blacks as well. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Jack M. for the tip.
Never driven, or been in an SVO as a passenger. More of an LX 5.0 fan myself, but the sweet interiors, torquey turbo 4 pot, aggressive gearing and mandatory 5sp…always wanted to catch a ride in one. 👍🏁
Excellent write-up Jeff. These were interesting and reasonably well-done cars. And arguably, given how common turbo fours are today, ahead of its time. Other than certain models, low-mileage examples, and certain colors (the few painted Shadow Blue are desired), they don’t bring big bucks. So this one’s future is probably to make the desired improvements, and enjoy it as a driver.
These were big sellers during my time in AK when they came out at the Cal Worthington Dealership in Anchorage.
The car actually had a lot going for it; unique styling; the turbo; manual transmission and just the overall sense that this was something different! One of my younger solders actually purchased one and I remember him letting me take it for a test drive. The car was a bit of a “rocket ship” on the straight away (Seward Highway) as we “almost got pulled over” by an Alaskan State Trooper!
This car definitely brings back some great memories. An excellent write up as always so thanks for that too!
Hopefully someone purchases this and puts it back on the road. As I remember these got pretty good gas mileage as well!
The SVO’s original MSRP was $15,585. A Mustang GT with the 5.0 was $9,578. That’s $50,300 v. $30,900 in adjusted dollars. The SVO had 175 HP. A 5-speed manual GT had 205 HO. By 1984, gas prices had seriously declined from their 1984 peak. This is why the SVO never sold in large numbers.