Vehicle Description
The V8 Mustang GT always represented fun on a budget, and the
bang-for-the-buck meter is pegged with this 1996 Ford Mustang GT.
With a first-year Modular 4.6L SOHC V8 under the hood, a feisty
5-speed manual gearbox, and a super-clean red paint job, this
neatly preserved early 4th generation Pony really stretches the
dollar, with a 'smiles-per-miles' rating that's through the
roof.
The all-new 1996 Mustang was a pretty big deal when it hit the
streets in '94 to take over for the dated Fox Body, and the look
has become almost as familiar as the many popular generations
before it. Wearing factory Dark Red paint, this southern hardtop
coupe has led a pretty easy life and still shines up great on a
warm Saturday afternoon, with an above-average finish you just
don't see too often on Stangs of this vintage. It's not a perfect
car, of course, but if you want a fast Mustang that hasn't been
beaten up, wrapped around a tree, and rebuilt by a kid in his
driveway, this is an excellent choice. Stock bumpers, a factory
wing out back, added fog lights, and the distinctive 3-element
taillights that were intended to recall the original 1965 models
all remain in place, more evidence of this car's excellent
pedigree, because those are often the first things that are
replaced when the modifications start. Even the headlights remain
clear and all the factory badges are still stuck to the sides of
the car, making this an excellent looker in every sense of the
word.
The reinforced Fox platform structure of the SN-95 Mustangs paid
big dividends for the interior, which feels rock solid, and expect
no flex or body roll with a slick roof car like this. Supportive
buckets look racy and luxurious with their largely unblemished and
supremely comfortable leather seating surfaces, and light gray is a
perfect complement to the Dark Red finish outside. There's very
little wear on the seats, further proof that this GT was always
handled seriously, and with a crack-free dash, slick factory door
panels, and only light staining on the carpets and floor mats, the
cabin feels a lot younger than it actually is. This GT came loaded
with just about every available option for the time, including cold
A/C, power windows/locks/mirrors, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and
a center console that houses the 5-speed manual transmission. The
original stereo is gone, tastefully replaced by a Kenwood
AM/FM/CD/AUX in the factory slot, but that's just about the only
substantial modification to the car. Unlike Mustangs from prior
generations, you can actually fit a couple adults out back, and
with the updated safety features of a modern car, everyone can
relax a little more, too. Mustangs have never been famous for their
cargo capacity, but the factory-finished trunk is certainly big
enough for a few overnight bags or a set of golf clubs.
What else can we say about the venerable 4.6L SOHC Modular V8 under
the hood that hasn't already been said a hundred times? It's
torquey, likes to rev, and is virtually indestructible when
well-maintained, and happily runs on regular unleaded without
complaint. The 4.6 had a tall task replacing the legendary 5.0 (302
V8) after almost three decades of faithful service, but it manages
to match the power output of its predecessor while simultaneously
becoming more efficient and environmentally friendly. With that
being said, the 4.6L certainly isn't as pretty as the familiar 5.0
intake manifold, but nevertheless the engine bay is still very tidy
and finding an unmodified Mustang like this is no easy feat. The
original air-induction system meets the motor at the 'Galloping
Stallion' badge, the plug wires run horizontally across the motor,
and even the shock tower brace is still in place, helping to
stiffen the body while cornering. The spirited 5-speed manual
transmission is always ready with a quick downshift, so all you
need to do is point it and drop the hammer and the GT lunges
forward. Power 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS were a long-overdue
upgrade for the Mustang, the sporty suspension tuning is
comfortable enough to drive every day, and a the Flowmaster X-pipe
dual exhaust system that was added underneath is a welcomed
upgrade, giving this Pony a wonderful, baritone soundtrack. 17-inch
OE Wheel Distributors alloys are blacked-out with polished lips,
and they look awesome wrapped in 225/45/17 BFGoodrich performance
radials.
Offered with all of its original owner's and warranty manuals, it's
clear that the 4 previous owners (from California and Texas only)
treated this GT with great care. If you're looking for a clean
Mustang that's a lot of fun to drive, you just found it! Call
today!
