Fox-Body Mustangs have carved their niche in the classic market, with climbing values confirming that they are a firm favorite among enthusiasts. This 1985 example is a desirable GT derivative, and with its original V8 sporting some tasteful and sensible upgrades, it should offer performance on a par with the badge’s glory days. It presents extremely well and is ready to provide a new owner with an enjoyable motoring experience.

I’ve never hidden the fact that I believe Ford scored a home run with the Mustang’s 1985 facelift. Deleting the grille in favor of a single air intake gives the car a more aggressive appearance, which seems only fitting on the GT. This Mustang is a tidy survivor wearing what the seller claims is its original Bright Red paint. The car’s overall appearance suggests that it has been treated respectfully. There are no cosmetic issues requiring attention and no evidence of rust. It is refreshing that the seller retained the car’s original and spotless wheels because many of these classics feature aftermarket wheels that can detract from the inherently attractive styling. The glass is clear, and the Black highlights look crisp. The seller describes the GT as a real show winner, suggesting it wouldn’t cause the buyer to feel shame on the street or at a Cars & Coffee.

One thing that makes this Mustang interesting is what appears to be the original owner’s decision to focus almost exclusively on performance. The interior features body-hugging SVO racing seats, but they decided to pass on options like air conditioning, power windows, and power mirrors. The aftermarket CD player is the only creature comfort, while ratio swapping should be more precise due to the Hurst shifter. The overall presentation is impressive, with no evidence of abuse or neglect. The dashpad isn’t cracked, and the seller states that they splashed the cash to have the factory tachometer refurbished so that it reads correctly. The listing indicates an odometer reading of 31,900 original miles, and it appears that the included documentation dating back to Day One may confirm that figure.

Lifting the hood reveals this Mustang’s 5.0-liter “HO” V8 that is hooked to a five-speed manual transmission and an 8.8″ rear end with 3.73 gears. This area is where the seller has spent some money, adding aluminum Ford Racing cylinder heads, Ford Racing headers, a Bassani X-Pipe exhaust with dual-chamber Flowmaster mufflers, an E303 camshaft, a Holley 750 Double-Pumper carburetor, an Edelbrock Performer Air Gap intake, and an MSD ignition box. This V8 would have produced 210hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque in its prime, and it would be fair to expect those figures to have climbed considerably. They treated the transmission to a rebuild to cope with the extra ponies, and while they don’t supply any information about how it runs and drives, the visual indications are positive.

This 1985 Mustang GT isn’t a trailer queen but is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a high-end driver with plenty of power under the right foot. The seller listed it here on eBay in Monroe Township, New Jersey. Fourteen bids have pushed the price beyond the reserve to $23,100, but I doubt it will climb much higher before proceedings end. However, it could represent an excellent long-term investment, because values have increased sharply during the past year. When you combine that fact with the car’s presentation and performance potential, are you tempted to pursue it further?