Vehicle Description
In August 1986, the Mustang received a facelift for the 1987 model
year on both the interior and exterior. The front end was restyled
to look more like the SVO which gave the car more of an "Aero"
look, in keeping with Ford's overall modern styling direction. The
interior received an all new dash, center console and revised seat
and door trim. With the SVO discontinued, models were now pared
down to LX and GT. Taillights on the LX were revised with clear
lenses for the turn signals while the GT now wore specific
body-colored triple louvered lenses. The quarter glass windows lost
their louvers and now sported a single larger flush piece of glass
lettered with "Mustang" at the bottom rear corners. GTs featured
new round fog lamps and gained aerodynamic lower bodyside skirting
and new turbine style 15-inch (380 mm) wheels. The 302 cu in (4.9
L) 5.0L Mustangs became popular with the aftermarket performance
industry.9 #fn9 The V6 option was discontinued while the 2.3 L
four-cylinder gained fuel injection, leaving only the 2.3 L
four-cylinder and the 302 cu in (4.9 L) 10 #fn10 The E7 cylinder
heads were sourced from the truck line after the 1986 swirl-port
design demonstrated performance problems. Power ratings increased
to 225 hp (168 kW) and 300 ft�lbf (410 N�m) of torque. No major
changes were seen for 1988, although the T-top roof option for
hatchbacks was discontinued midyear.
For 1989, the Mustang's speed density computer system was replaced
with a mass air system (1988 Mustangs sold in California also had
the MAF system). This change slightly reduced factory horsepower,
but it made Mustangs much easier to modify. With the mass air
system, changes made to the intake, engine, and exhaust system
would be recognized and compensated for by the ECU, resulting in a
correct air/fuel ratio and optimum power. Ford's only gesture at a
25th Anniversary Mustang was small, a passenger-side dashboard
emblem with galloping-horse logo affixed to all models built
between 27 March 1989, and the end of model-year 1990.11 #fn11
Finally, in 1989, Ford resources began to focus on the next
Mustang, due to debut in late 1993.12 #fn12 Through its retirement
in 1993, there would be few changes in the model line, but the
changes would be visual.
For 1990, Mustang added a new steering wheel featuring an airbag,
and a revised lower driver's-side dash panel with knee bolster. The
available tilt-steering wheel, however, was discontinued in favor
of the revised airbag-equipped steering column. A limited run of
5.0L equipped LX convertibles - all painted Emerald Green metallic
with white convertible tops, Oxford White leather interiors
featuring GT seats, and 15" turbine alloy wheels - were produced
for an NCAA half-court shot contest, sponsored by soda brand 7-Up,
but the event was cancelled shortly before it was scheduled to
begin. Ford, already having produced 4,103 vehicles (2,743 with the
AOD four-speed automatic overdrive, and 1,360 with the T-5
five-speed manual transmission), released them for dealer
availability. Revamped interior quarter panels for the 1990 model
year did away with the side armrests for rear seat passengers, but
gained large speaker panels for improved sound quality for the
stereo. Door map pockets and clear coat paint also became standard
for the 1990 Mustang, along with the availability of optional
leather interior trim.
Here at Hollywood Motors, we pride ourselves on selling quality
classic cars at affordable prices. Please keep in mind that all of
our classics are pre-owned vehicles, not new vehicles. We describe
these automobiles to the best of our knowledge, and place many
photos on our website. We are not responsible for misprints or
typos. With any pre-owned vehicle, there may be minor
imperfections, and we encourage you to come and inspect our
inventory in person before you buy any vehicle.