5.0-Liter/5-Speed: 1985 Ford Mustang GT
I’ve long been a fan of the Fox-Body Mustang and find cars like this 1985 GT particularly attractive. The styling remains almost European, but the facelift Ford performed for that year added a touch of aggression. This GT is a gem that is in excellent condition. Its 5.0-liter “HO” V8 proved the company was serious about recapturing its performance image, and its most pressing need is a new home. The seller has listed the Mustang here on eBay in Carson, California. Bidding sits below the reserve at $11,201, although there is a BIN option of $18,000.
Ford introduced its first significant styling update to the Third Generation Mustang in 1985. The changes gave the car a cleaner appearance that has stood the test of time well. The traditional front grille was consigned to history, and a single-slot air intake was part of the new look. I have always liked the appearance of what some call the “four-eyed” Fox-Body, but those built from 1985 are my favorites. The first owner ordered this car in Light Regatta Blue with a matte Black hood stripe. The impact is subtle but accentuates the GT’s muscular good looks. Potential buyers will find plenty to like. The seller is candid when assessing its condition, admitting the clear is pealing from the lower bumpers. There are minor scratches and nicks consistent with their assessment that the paint is a “good 10-footer.” It retains a healthy shine, and the panels are exceptionally straight. However, the best news hides below the surface. The seller supplies several shots confirming the floors are rock-solid and free from any potential rust issues. The wheels are factory-style 17″ items, with the seller including the originals for those preferring a more stock appearance.
Powering this Mustang is Ford’s 5.0-liter “HO” V8 that inhales deeply through a four-barrel carburetor. Shifting duties fall to a five-speed manual transmission, with the GT also featuring power assistance for the steering and brakes. The “HO” demonstrated that The Malaise Era was fading fast, pumping out 210hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque. The ¼-mile journey should take 15.4 seconds, and the V8 should run out of breath at around 135mph. The seller confirms the Mustang is numbers-matching. They performed a few mechanical upgrades, including bolting in an 8.8 rear-end, subframe connectors, front coil-overs, and a Cobra four-wheel disc brake conversion. The only mechanical flaw they identify is a small oil leak from the rear main seal. The GT runs and drives well and can be considered a turnkey proposition.
The Mustang’s interior isn’t highly equipped, even by 1985 standards. The new owner won’t receive power windows, power locks, or cruise control. However, they will slip behind the wheel of a classic with a sports gauge cluster, a modern stereo, and cloth-trimmed seats. The overall impression is positive, with no signs of abuse, neglect, or UV damage. The driver’s seat outer edge has a developing seam split, but a competent upholsterer might be able to stop this in its tracks, preventing further deterioration. The plastic is in good order, and there is no appreciable wheel wear. This interior is unlikely to win show trophies, but its condition is comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic.
I believe that every Barn Finds reader probably has a Wish List of cars they would park in their garage if money and space were no object. I do, and a couple of Fox-Body Mustangs sit high on my list. A ’93 SVT Cobra is one, while a 1985 GT is the other. The latter probably has more chance because it is significantly more affordable. However, affordability is a relative term, and with values climbing at an alarming rate, it seems that the day is fast approaching when they will potentially be beyond the financial reach of the average enthusiast. The seller’s BIN figure appears realistic, and I won’t be surprised if someone hits the button well before the auction ends. The big question is, will you beat them to the punch?
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Comments
Awesome 4 eye fox body with all the right upgrades. I had no idea they made 17′ 10 hole rims but they are a great choice. A weak point is the brakes and stock rear drums and that’s been upgraded along with the rear. Like the uncommon color too
17″
This mustang is very nice but note the 140 MPH speedometer. It has been replaced because the original was an 85 MPH speedometer. Back in the eighties you can purchase the 140 MPH speedometers with zero miles. Most owners installed at zero miles and ran with that.
Good catch. Hated those 85 MPH speedometers though. Thanks Joan Claybrook! ‘They’ actually thought we’d drive slower with those. SMH.
Yes. At least when it’s listed on Ebay it comes with a free autocheck report. Click on the “vehicle history report” tab and you can see the discrepancy around 100- 110k miles. So it probably has 160k or so on it. Autocheck didn’t flag it though which is odd.
Back in the day I had installed several 140 speedos in Mustangs and every single one I set the mileage to the mileage that was on the original unit. It was amazingly easy to do.
Good for you being honest but not everyone was that way when they installed their new 140 MPH speedometers, just saying…..
By the way if I’m not mistaking when you installed the 140MPH speedometer from the 85MPH speedometer you have to change the plastic speedometer gear in the transmission……I think?
Hey Trek fan. I still have a 87 T-top GT.
Yes, great catch on the speedo, and the provided Vehicle History Report proves it.
In ’98, it had almost 99K miles on it and then in ’00, it had 10K miles.
Doing a little simple math means this most likely has 145K on it.
The seller might not even know about the speedo change and completely missed the odo readings in the Report that they themselves provided. Oops!
Still, this is a really nice 4 eye 5.0. If it goes unsold, you could reach out to the seller, mention the true mileage, and see what kind of deal they might want to listen to.
Mom’s 85 GT convertible had the same oil leak from the main seal. Turns out they didn’t install the gasket seal at the factory. And absolutely correct, the brakes were woefully mismatched for the power of the engine. Hers also had the early fuel injection and 4 speed auto w/overdrive
I found about the week brakes on the Fox body last night while cruising in my 91 LX. I was fumbling around with my phone laying on the passenger seat (I know, dumb) when I noticed a brake light ahead out of the corner of my eye and I locked those babies up. Thank God for quick reflexes and Continental Extreme Contact tires. I was smelling burnt rubber for sure.
Weak not week, although it feels like a week before you stop.
How many of us tried to see how far the needle would go past 85???
How far past 85 would it go? The reset button for the tripometer was at the bottom dead center. That’s how far past 85 it would go. The 135mph tag in the article is correct. It did however ‘feel’ like it wanted to go faster.
In my crazy days, I ran the 140 out of numerals.
Nice, but I would rather have the fuel injection.
If you like four-eye Foxes, this one is pretty good. Has typical upgrades. I also have never seen these wheels as 17″. A few problems but nothing seems terrible. Attractive color. Prices on these are also rising just like the newer aero nose cars.
I had one in 85 last year of carb. Mine had T tops best car i ever owned. List wad 13700 i got 18% off. Black on black 5speed every option. Son wrecked it i went tp see it on frame strightner i drove it after that but finly traded for 65 comet 289 hipo 3.89 gear 4 speed red black vinal top an 3500. I missd the car TTops never leaked even after the wreck. I b ought a 93 convertable nlack top an red. Did some work to it. Sold while it was rumning perfict wife would go everytime i got out when i got onto it she would scream so loud i couldnt here the engine so i sold it. Iremember one night my son and i were leaving a cruse in he was in the 72 mack1 with 785hp. We turned em louse and that was the last time i drove the car. I miss hipo cars my first was a new 68 gt350.it was stolen 2 days before my son wss born. He was conceved in that car. His mom died in 2010 breast cancer. O i got the 93 in about 2007 i think.
I have the same air cleaner lid hanging in my garage that a co-worker gave me back in 1993 from his mustang only my lid has a black strip around it.
I like this fox body. Nice upgrades and looks pretty clean. I owned an ’89 LX 5.0 that was painted a similar color. It started life white but had been repainted a pretty shade of light metallic blue before I had purchased it in the fall of 1995 after I’d rolled my notchback ex-CHP 5.0 off of an overpass. I am sure both my mom and dad rolled their eyes and had a few sleepless nights when my brother and I showed up in the driveway with the new to me ’89. With the light metallic blue paint, chrome pony wheels and a slightly lowered stance, they admitted it was a very pretty car but I still think they thought I had a screw or two loose and or a death wish. Fortunately I managed to keep that Mustang on all fours throughout my ownership and I sold it to a gent that was buying it for his just turned 18 year old son. I wonder if it survived two teenage boys…
What are “factory style 17″ wheels”?
When I bought my 86 GT, the largest wheels were 16″. I think 17’s were available on the SVO, if I’m not mistaken.
Some companies make larger aftermarket wheels that look like the factory wheels. I’ve seen 17″ Dodge ralleye style wheels on an old Charger. I liked that look
The stock rims on an ’86 GT were 4 lug 15″ with ten holes. This car has aftermarket 17″ 10 hole 5 lug wheels made to look like the original 10 hole rims. Hence, “Factory Style”. Only the SVO came with 16″ rims
Let’s not forget last year of the carburetor version with roller cam and forged pistons ? Correct me if I’m wrong but off the cuff that’s what I remember. These ran really well for their time and the engines were very robust.My brother had one and sold it,it went well beyond 200k with only maintenance.
Yes
Ended – Reserve Not Met.
It was ended by the seller with this message:
This listing was ended by the seller on Wed, Apr 17 at 5:28 AM because the item is no longer available.
So he either sold it offline or he took it down for some other reason
85’s came standard with 8.8 rear ends. Surprised that it doesn’t have power windows and locks. I have had 2 84’s that had them and I thought they were standard equipment. Better off without cruise control. The steering wheel on that comes with cruise is ugly. 17″ wheels are definitely aftermarket. If it has Cobra rear disks then they are 5 bolt wheels, so he must have upgraded the front brakes as well.
If I could pick one Mustang from the entire production run, it would be a tough decision between a ‘67 Shelby, ‘68 CJ GT coupe, 69 Mach 1, ‘70 Boss 302, and this exact car (with stock 15” wheels). But I’m pretty sure the Fox would come out on top on any given day. A friend’s older brother had one just like this in high school, and it’s been stuck in my head for more than 30 years.