Vehicle Description
Nobody with a pulse is going to say this bright red coupe isn't a
great-looking Mustang. But under the slick exterior of this 1997
Ford Mustang GT lies a Ford Racing supercharged heart that delivers
a serious dose of big-league horsepower, and is matched to a
quick-shifting 5-speed manual transmission. If walking softly and
carrying a big supercharged stick is your thing, this
low-ownership, low-mileage Mustang GT will more than deliver.
Before we get to the hardware, can we just take a moment to talk
about just how pretty this car is? The 4th generation models were
special, taking over the daunting task off replacing the storied
Fox-bodies of the previous generation - and they did so with great
success, selling in large numbers during the model's 10-year run.
This early "SN-95" is wearing its original coat of Rio Red paint, a
hot shade that made these cars really stand out from their
siblings. With just two owners from new (father and son) and only
30,483 original miles, this red GT keeps to the stock look (save
from the billet grille insert) and shows no signs that's ever been
raced or abused. Restraint is a virtue, and it appears the former
owners of this Mustang were very conscientious owners indeed. The
paint is in good driver condition, with a few minor imperfections
to speak of, but a professional buff job would probably really wake
it up and transform the car in a big way. GTs received a more
aggressive front fascia with integrated running lights, and a rear
fascia that featured a deck lid spoiler, louvered taillights, dual
exhaust tips, and a 'GT' script in the rear bumper that makes it
very easy to identify when it just blew right past you.
Open up the long doors and you'll quickly see that this black
leather interior is simply gorgeous. Is this really a Mustang? The
nicely bolstered seats are grippy, which is what you want in a car
that can corner like this, yet they're still plush and comfortable
enough that you'll never hesitate to take this red rocket out for a
long-distance cruise. GTs came only one way: loaded. As a result,
things like Factory R134a A/C, power windows, locks, and driver's
seat, cruise control, airbags, an AM/FM/Cassette/CD player, and a
tilt wheel were standard equipment. GTs also got special
white-faced gauges from the factory and you'll note the redline on
that tachometer doesn't start getting serious until you're way up
there at 7000 RPM. The seats show very little wear, again a
testament to both the quality of this Mustang and the care it has
received, and the only deviation from stock is the boost gauge
installed on the A-pillar that keeps an eye on the supercharger.
Everything works, of course, including the original dual-deck
stereo that sounds great, and this Mustang came exactly like all
GTs should: with a sport shifter for the 5-speed manual
transmission installed into the middle console. The surprisingly
comfortable back seat is reasonably-sized for adults and there's a
nicely shaped trunk with plenty of room, making this a machine you
can actually use as a real car.
The original 4.6-liter DOHC V8 rips through the gears with a zeal
that the old 5.0 could only dream of, and it's further punctuated
by a Ford Racing Supercharger that was installed almost immediately
after the vehicle was purchased. All that added boost results in
303 horsepower and 338 lb-ft. of torque to the rear wheels
according to the Dyno we have on file. Smooth and willing to rev,
the 4.6L V8 was highly developed by Ford to represent the very best
powerplant they could muster, and the addition of the supercharger
has only improved those efforts. The bottom-end was virtually
indestructible and the heavy-breathing heads made it feel like it
could pull forever. And yes, there is an insane number of
performance upgrades available, but the former owners didn't go
buck wild with every performance part in the catalog, adding only a
Mac cold-air kit and a larger throttle body to match the
supercharger. That restraint shows they really cared for this GT,
and the low mileage and dialed-in condition of the drivetrain means
there's no history of street racing, no abuse, and no questionable
workmanship to worry about, making this the right car for the guy
who appreciates a great pedigree. The T-45 5-speed manual
transmission shifts easily and the 8.8-inch rear end will stand up
to the 4.6 for years to come, as the aftermarket has proven time
and again; these cars are hard to break. The chassis is a lot
stouter than the old 5.0 you remember, and with an upgraded H-pipe
dual exhaust that features throaty Super Turbo mufflers (don't
worry California, the catalytic convertors are still in place).
Giant Baer 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS take the drama out of all
that horsepower and live behind some of the most gorgeous wheels
ever fitted to a Ford. Those chrome 5-spoke Cobra wheels carry
staggered 245/45/17 front and 275/40/17 rear Firestone performance
radials, so it's ready to rock.
Documented with original owner's manuals, an original window
sticker, build receipts, and a Dyno report, this low mileage
supercharged GT is a bonafide jaw-dropper. And all or the price of
a used Kia, this good-looking modern classic could be yours. Call
today!
