For Sale: 1986 Ford Mustang in Charlotte, North Carolina

Unique, low production cars are like buried treasure: you know they're out there, but they're almost impossible to find. That's especially true when you're looking for a factory-fresh rarity like this 11,027-mile Mustang SVO. Living each of its 31 years as a treasured authentic, this Ford is absolutely one of the finest Fox Body survivors on the planet. And with a price that's lower than a showroom-fresh Fiesta, it's going to disappear faster than gold bars on a pirate's ship!

HISTORY

In the fall of 1981, Ford brass formed a division that would oversee the company's racing program and coordinate the production of limited edition, high performance vehicles using race-proven technology. Officially dubbed the Special Vehicle Operations Department, this division, known to the public as "SVO", is the pre-cursor to all of Ford's SVT, ST, RS and forthcoming Ford Performance offerings. In the face of rising fuel costs, increasing emissions standards and spiraling performance numbers, Dearborn decided to reinvent their legendary pony car. Tasked with developing something that was plainly American, yet competent enough to compete with entry-level European offerings, SVO went to work on the newly updated Mustang coupe. Officially introduced in 1984, the Mustang SVO was a limited production Fox Body that was, at the time, the fastest, most expensive pony available. And, while the car held the same top-of-the-line spot as its venerable BOSS and Shelby-branded ancestors, it was a dramatically different animal. Instead of brute force and big displacement, the Mustang SVO used a race-bred turbo 4-cylinder to command a sophisticated, performance-tuned suspension that was bolted beneath a luxurious, euro-inspired cockpit and tweaked aesthetics.

BODYWORK/TRIM

As a well-maintained survivor that's averaged only 356 miles per year, this Ford's original body appears to be in great shape. Naturally, that unmolested fuselage wears a clean coat of original Dark Gray paint. And noteworthy SVO cosmetics include: a unique front clip, aero-shaped headlights, a functional hood scoop, rear wheel spats, body-matched quarter window trim, a 'bi-plane' spoiler, a unique rear bumper cover, striped taillights and subtle "SVO" fender badges.

ENGINE

With the death of the V8 being yelled from rooftops, SVO engineers opted for a turbocharged version of Ford's 2.3 liter inline 4-cylinder. The iron 2.3 utilizes computer-controlled Bosch fuel injection, an intercooled Garrett T3 turbo and new-for-1986 cooling to turn stout 8 to 1 compression into 205 horsepower and 240 lb./ft. of torque. And aesthetically, this Mustang's all-original mill is virtually spotless, with it's largely untouched engine bay featuring clean decals, correct hood insulation and original grease marks.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

In addition to that advanced powertrain, SVO included several key chassis and drivetrain modifications. A standard Borg Warner T5 5-speed benefits from revised gearing and a Traction-Lok posi-traction rear end that's fitted with big, 3.73 gears. Beneath that drivetrain, a complete Koni suspension system replaces already competent Mustang GT hardware. 15 to 1 quick-ratio power steering combines with ventilated, 4-wheel disc brakes to ensure crisp turns and sudden stops. A factory exhaust system breathes through original, "Ford" branded mufflers. And 16-inch Enkei wheels spin 225/50 Goodyear Eagle Sports around chrome lug nuts.

INTERIOR

Inside this Mustang, an all-original SVO interior features many amenities that weren't normally found on small American coupes. Multi-adjustable Lear sport seats, equipped with hand pump-operated lumbar supports, feel firm and look great. A tilting, SVO-specific steering wheel complements a leather-wrapped shift lever and emergency brake handle. A Euro-inspired dash hangs an 8,000 RPM tachometer next to a mandatory boost gauge. A Hurst short throw shifter rides behind a premium audio system and trick 'fuel grade' switch that allows the driver to adjust the car's performance based on octane rating. Specially designed foot pedals allow easy heel-and-toe shifting. And SVO-specific door panels feature controls for power windows and power door locks.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

An original marketing brochure

The car's original Window Sticker

The car's original Warranty Card

The car's original Owner Guide

Original accessory literature

The car's original wheels and tires

An extra pair of floor mats

Mustang SVO production lasted a mere three years and, because of the model's specialized nature, was very exclusive. This '86 SVO was the last, and some would say best, of vintage 4-cylinder pony car performance. And, with roughly 11K miles on 100% original equipment, the car would be right at home in any serious Mustang collection. So, what are you waiting for? Don't miss the opportunity to own a rare, highly desirable piece of Ford Performance history!

SUMMARY

11,027-mile survivor

Original 2.3 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder

Original Borg Warner T5 5-speed manual transmission

SVO Koni suspension system

SVO-exclusive interior

Sale includes the car's original Window Sticker and Warranty Card

Quick-ratio power steering

4-wheel disc brakes

16-inch Enkei wheels

Sale includes the car's original wheels and tires