It can’t be a mere coincidence. Here we are emerging from the depths of winter with warmer weather beckoning when suddenly, the number of stunning convertibles appearing on our desks here at Barn Finds climbs rapidly. This 1988 Mustang GT Convertible is one such vehicle, but its ownership history and odometer reading make it stand out. It has a genuine 77,000 miles on the clock, and the seller is only this classic’s second owner. It presents beautifully and rightly wears the tag of an unmolested survivor. The growing popularity of Fox-Body Mustangs and the impending warmer weather makes it no surprise that this car has attracted its share of attention. Located in Cookeville, Tennessee, the GT is listed for sale here on eBay. An impressive thirty-four bids have pushed the price to $11,100, although this remains short of the reserve.

Finished in a combination of Scarlet Red over Sand Beige, this Mustang presents beautifully. The paint retains an impressive depth of color and shine, with no glaring faults or problems. That paint cloaks panels that appear close to perfect, while the trim and decals are flawless. The Beige soft-top looks reasonable for its age, but its overall condition doesn’t quite match the rest of the exterior. It might respond positively to some work with a high-quality cleaner and conditioner, but if it doesn’t, the buyer may consider spending around $500 on a replacement. The plastic components look excellent, including the distinctive front spoiler with integrated foglights. The Mustang rolls on its original alloy wheels, and while the rears look good, those on the front look like they have stained from accumulated brake dust. They might return to their former glory with some old-fashioned cleaning, although they could require the attention of a specialist to present at their best.

Considering we’re dealing with a thirty-four-year-old classic with cloth trim, this Mustang’s interior looks mighty impressive. The heavily contoured bucket seats in these Mustangs are prone to wear, particularly on the outer edges. That is not an issue with this car, making me wonder whether the owner may have treated the vehicle to aftermarket slipcovers as a protective measure. If they have, that will pay dividends for the buyer. The remaining upholstered surfaces and carpet are excellent, and there’s no evidence of faded or crumbling plastic trim. Equipment levels are high by 1988 standards. Settling into this GT gives occupants access to air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power front seats, cruise control, power mirrors, and an AM/FM radio and cassette player.

If you ever needed a graphic demonstration of the benefits that ongoing mechanical development can bring, you need to look no further than the 1988 Mustang GT. Its engine bay hosts a 5.0-liter fuel-injected V8 backed by the desirable five-speed manual transmission. With 225hp available under the right foot, this classic should storm through the ¼ mile in 15.3 seconds. If we rewind the clock a decade, the best that a buyer could expect from a 1978 Mustang II Cobra II was 139hp and an ET of 17.1 seconds. If that isn’t enough, our feature car produces those figures in a package that offers greater mechanical refinement while consuming no more fuel. That appears to be a win/win in my book. The owner claims that the Mustang has a genuine 77,800 miles on the clock, although he doesn’t mention verifying evidence. While he doesn’t specifically say how well this classic runs or drives, the presentation of the engine bay and his statement that everything works as it should give us cause to be quietly confident.

There’s a lot to like about this 1988 Mustang GT Convertible, from its overall presentation to its low odometer reading. It would seem to suit someone seeking a turnkey classic that allows them to bathe in the warm glow of the summer sun. With values continuing to head north, securing a Fox-Body Mustang at a reasonable price could be better than having money in the bank. I believe that there might be a fair way to go before this classic hits the reserve because I couldn’t see that happening below $20,000. The bidding history suggests that a few people would like to park this gem in their driveway, and that could conceivably see the bidding top $30,000. This auction could be worth watching, especially if your heart yearns for a Fox-Body Mustang.