Vehicle Description
5.0 Mustangs like this 1988 Mustang GT convertible were arguably as
big an influence on car culture as the original small-block Chevy.
Putting traditional high performance within reach of almost
everyone with a checkbook, it shouldn't be a surprise that Ford
built millions of them. However, for those same reasons, finding
one that hasn't been abused, raced, cut up, modified, and thrashed
to within an inch of its life is definitely a challenge 30 years
later.
Fortunately, we were able to round up this 5-speed GT convertible
in an appealing bright blue finish. Judging from the higher-end
stock condition, including the easily exposed stuff like the ground
effects and hood, this Mustang has likely never been raced or
abused. Bright Blue is especially tough to maintain, so this one
was repainted once a few years ago and has just the right look for
a performance car that's over 30 years old. Today it's showing a
great gloss and surprisingly little orange peel, although there are
a few minor signs of use here and there. The urethane ground
effects that give the GT its unique look are in excellent
condition, and both doors fit well because the body hasn't been
torqued by big horsepower and sticky tires at the strip. All the
black rubber parts that usually turn gray with age and UV damage
are supple and dark, including the window sills and door rubbers.
This one received a Euro clear lens upgrade at some point, and we
have to admit that it looks better than stock spec, especially up
against the high-impact bodywork. Someone clearly loved this
Mustang.
The blue and white vinyl interior is inviting and functional, with
supportive buckets and a rear seat that harken back to the deluxe
Pony interiors of the 1st generation Mustang. The door panels match
the seat upholstery, the dash is simple and filled with great
high-visibility gauges, fingertip controls for headlights, and big
rotary knobs with white backings for the A/C system. The upholstery
is fantastic shape in the GT and the blue and white combination
really pops. The center armrest and ashtray door are intact, two
plastic items that rarely survive the years, and an aftermarket cup
holder remedies one of the Mustang's few shortcomings. This GT
offers A/C, power windows and locks, cruise control, interval
wipers, and unbelievable a stock AM/FM/Cassette stereo head unit in
the dash that still works today. And since this is a pre-airbag
car, it's got a tilt wheel, which makes a big difference in terms
of comfort. A white power top offers a glass rear window and the
trunk is in good condition throughout.
The 5.0 liter HO EFI V8 under the hood is the reason the Mustang
was the pony car of choice for an entire generation. Great sound,
bulletproof performance, impressive torque, and an aftermarket that
could transform it into anything your wallet could afford. This one
is largely stock, and hasn't been raced or abused, and it runs
beautifully. There's plenty of evidence of careful maintenance over
the years, including new plug wires, a painted intake cover plate,
and a thick aluminum radiator, along with a BBK cold air intake
system and block-hugging headers that feed the rumbling dual
exhaust system. This pony also carries the highly desirable 5-speed
manual, which feeds a set of 3.08 gears in the Track-Lok 8.8-inch
rear end. Detailed and clean, this is the kind of Mustang we all
long to find and which is becoming increasingly scarce today. The
17-inch American Racing Torque Thrust chrome wheels provide a
little flash and carry 245/45/17 performance radials all
around.
Documented with the original manuals and warranty card, and with an
accident-free ownership history, you won't find many 5-speed 5.0
Mustangs that are this stock and this clean. Call today!