35k Original Miles: 1985 Ford Mustang GT
Collection downsizing is nothing new, and we have seen plenty of examples of that practice over the years at Barn Finds. This 1985 Ford Mustang GT perfectly encapsulates that ongoing trend, and is a genuine survivor with a claimed 35,000 original miles showing on its odometer. It has no apparent needs, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting a classic that is a turnkey proposition for the new owner. The seller has listed the GT here on Craigslist in Apopka, Florida. They set their price at $22,900, so it is time to take a close look to determine whether that figure is justified.
Astute readers will immediately put two and two together with this Mustang because it isn’t the first classic that we have seen from this seller. We featured this 1987 Camaro IROC-Z yesterday, which they also sourced from a Canadian collector. It would be fascinating to know how many more will emerge from that source because the pair that we have seen so far are claimed to be low-mile survivors. Its presentation is consistent with that status, with its Bright Red paint exhibiting no significant imperfections. The panels are straight, and the underside shot confirms that this GT is rust-free. One notable styling change for the 1985 Mustang was the elimination of a traditional grille in favor of a single-slot air intake. I find the change extremely attractive because it gives the Mustang a more aggressive appearance. The first owner ordered this Ford with the optional T-top, which, as we will see, is about the only aspect of this GT that wasn’t focused on pure performance. The glass is clear, and the 15″ alloy wheels are in good order.
The 1985 model year marked the end of an era for the Mustang, as it was the last where Ford offered the 5.0-liter “HO” V8 with a carburetor. This car features that motor, teamed with a five-speed manual transmission. Performance enthusiasts had spent years longing for the glory days of the First Generation Mustang, and this car proves that the company was making inroads in the horsepower war. This motor produces 210hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque, and while both figures look modest by modern standards, they were enough to propel this classic through the ¼-mile in 15.5 seconds. Okay, maybe this Ford isn’t as fast as the original Mustang GT, but after years of lackluster performance, it demonstrates that things were finally moving in the right direction. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for the claimed 35,000 genuine miles, but they do state that the car runs and drives well. That makes it ideal for someone seeking a turnkey 1980s classic.
For me, this Mustang’s interior could be its most impressive feature. Pale cloth trim and matching carpet are the ideal recipe for stains and marks, but there are no significant problems with this classic. There is no wear, signs of abuse, or UV damage. The seller uses the term “looks new” to describe the condition, which isn’t far from the mark. However, what interests me about the inside of this classic is the lack of creature comforts. Don’t go looking for air conditioning, power windows, power locks, or a radio. It appears that apart from the T-top, the first owner’s primary focus was on maximizing this pony car’s performance potential.
This 1985 Mustang GT represents the end of an era for Ford, as it was the final year where buyers received its “HO” V8 with a carburetor bolted on top. Fuel injection would rule the roost from the following year, paving the way for legendary classics like the ’93 Mustang SVT Cobra. This GT appears to be a tidy survivor, and if the odometer is verifiable, that will increase the potential value of what is already a desirable classic. The price looks competitive in the current market, and with values climbing steadily, it could be an excellent long-term investment. That brings us to a point to ponder. Tidy and original First Generation Mustang GTs are moving beyond the reach of mere mortals, and it appears that the Fox-Body variants are headed in the same direction. Therefore, now might be the ideal time to park this survivor in your garage. Do you agree?
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Comments
This is what a clean Mustang looks like. Nice car.
Very nice.
The interest in Fox Mustangs has been in full swing for several years now, with the focus being largely with the newer aero-nose models. Restomodded LX coupes has perhaps been the ‘sweet spot’ of the movement. But I’m sensing more interest in stock models, and more interest in the older four-eye models. Perhaps because, being forty years old, they aren’t plentiful, especially in clean condition like this one. Prices have been increasing steadily.
Lots of fun to be had with this car. I hope it goes to someone who will take good care of it and will let us see it at shows.
No I do not agree.In a fairly unpredictable market,that to me is a considerable amount of coin to spend on a GT that I would need to park,wrap it in bubble paper and HOPE the value appreciates enough for it to feel like it was a worrhy investment.Id rather spend much less money on a higher milage daily driver -grade GT that I could 1) thrash the heck out of it with a tire-frying grin and 2) not worry about a shopping cart crammed into its door at the local Walmart.Simply my opinion.Gorgeous car by the way..
Darn nice looking fox body! With a little head, cam and induction work these cars made a very formidable performer with the 0 to 100 pretty darn impressive! I have always respected these cars greatly!
I really like this one. Pros and cons about owning a carbureted model, but they are my favorite.
Too bad I don’t have 23K of car purchasing money burning a hole in my pocket.
Those T tops were a warranty pain in the a– when new. You could never get them to not leak water. When they cut the roof like that, it ruins the structural integrity of the car, so the space the t-tops fit in is constantly moving. Good looking car otherwise and buyer will garage car, so not an issue. Just wanted to put that out there…
Yes the t top cars will come apart in a high speed crash that with the leaks is why the were discontinued in 87. My friends mom had a silver 87 t top gt auto I guess those are getting quite rare. I dont remember her ever complaining about it leaking so it may be the way you drive them and flex the chassis? The same friend had this exact car but 86 fuel injected no t top. He put 3.55 gears and the piggyback computer chip in it and it really woke it up. He rolled it running from the police. Ehh the no ac, pw, pl or cruise really makes this a hard no for me.