Many motoring journalists initially believed that pony cars would be a passing fad that would disappear from the automotive radar as quickly as they appeared. History shows that those individuals got their predictions catastrophically wrong, with the sector enjoying a solid following and a market presence six decades after the first cars hit the showroom. Ford’s Mustang has been the stalwart, and while many will argue that it wasn’t the first, it seems it could be the last. This 1988 model is a GT that is a survivor. A close inspection reveals flaws and imperfections, but it is loaded with options and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner. The GT is listed here on eBay in Palmetto, Florida. Bidding sits below the reserve at $5,100, although there is a BIN option of $20,995.

Ah, the Fox-Body. This was the generation that saved the Mustang from extinction. Ford scored a home run with its original pony car, although the Mustang II never ignited the same passion in buyers. It sold in resectable numbers, but the styling was considered a caricature of the original. The Fox-Body, which appeared on showroom floors for the 1979 model year, effectively reinvented the Mustang. It bore no styling similarities to its predecessors, with Ford adopting a clean, European look. It proved a sales hit, evolving through the years until production ended in 1993. Our feature car is a 1988 GT the first owner ordered in Medium Cabernet over Titanium. This survivor presents quite well, with the paint holding a healthy shine and the panels free from significant bumps and bruises. It isn’t all positive news because the rear bumper has developed a strange look, suggesting a repaint is on the agenda. The seller supplies a comprehensive image gallery that confirms this classic is rust-free. A welcome touch is the factory sunroof, which will win the favor of those who prefer fresh air to A/C. The 16″ chrome wheels are a later addition, but they don’t look out of place on this pretty pony.

I am willing to stick my neck out by saying that the Mustang II wasn’t a bad car. Its perceived issues had less to do with design than the era in which it was released. The Mustang II was effectively the difficult second album, and emerging when tight emission regulations were slowly strangling engine power did it no favors. There was light at the end of the tunnel when the Fox-Body emerged. Ford joined many domestic manufacturers by embracing fuel injection and electronic engine management systems to control emissions better and push engine power in the right direction. The 5.0-liter “HO” V8 in this GT demonstrates this, sending 225hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque to the 2.73 Traction-Lok rear end via a five-speed manual transmission. The ¼-mile ET of 15 seconds and a top speed of 143mph proved that Ford had rediscovered its performance mojo. The seller is sparing with their information beyond the fact the odometer reading of 61,900 original miles is verified. However, the listing provides the impression the car is in excellent mechanical health and should be a turnkey proposition for its new owner.

One weakness with Mustangs from this period is that interior trim and hardware can become tired and damaged. This car has avoided that fate, and while I wouldn’t describe it as showroom fresh, its condition wouldn’t cause shame at a Cars & Coffee. The seats wear Medium Gray cloth covers, with the remaining upholstered surfaces featuring a mixture of Gray vinyl and cloth. There is no significant wear, damage, or evidence of prolonged UV exposure. The factory stereo made way for a Kenwood CD player, which appears to be the only aftermarket addition. The first owner wasn’t afraid of wielding their pen on the Order Form, equipping the interior with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power lumbar support, cruise control, and the previously mentioned sunroof.

Years of involvement in the classic car sector mean that few things surprise me today. However, this 1988 Mustang GT achieves that feat. I acknowledge the car isn’t perfect, but I would typically expect more bids than the ten submitted at the time of writing. Admittedly, plenty of time remains in the auction, so the situation could change dramatically. I would be amazed if the price didn’t top $15,000, especially considering how rapidly values are climbing in the current market. This could be an affordable Fox-Body at a time when these cars are becoming less so. That makes it worth a closer look.