The 5.0 Mustang was the catalyst that ignited the second horsepower
revolution. Cheap, fast, durable, and with a huge collection of
upgrades available through the aftermarket, you could build a
Mustang capable of running with the world's fastest cars. Then Ford
ended the party and introduced a modern-tech 4.6 liter overhead-cam
engine for the Mustang. 5.0 enthusiasts screamed in horror. It was
the end of performance, they complained. It's 1973 all over again,
they cried. But then something miraculous happened: the 1997
Mustang.
For consignment, a 1997 Mustang GT Convertible with 9 years of
garage kept ownership and no winter driving. All the while this car
has been driven and enjoyed, so it was no surprise when the
consignor came to us with a smile on her face, and regret in her
heart, but someone's loss is another's gain. In other words, this
car could have your name on it!
Exterior
Slightly fogged headlights lead the way for this rounded version of
the Mustang. Laser Red Metallic original paint adorns the steel
panels and neoprene bumpers, looking good but with some fade to the
hue creating a pink tint to the flat surfaces and with only minor
chipping on the bottom of the front bumper. Gaps are well minded,
badges are correct, and a tan canvas convertible top is on but
could use a replacement so states our consignor. On back an air
vent cover for the rear quarters, and a spoiler for the trunk lid.
With top down, this car takes on an entirely new look with some
very Jaguar-esque lines. Black accenting for the sport mirrors,
glass trimmings and polished lip 5 spoke 18-inch Bullitt wheels are
on all 4 corners.
Interior
With a swing of the beautifully designed rounded door panels I can
almost smell the leather our bods are about to encounter! Aged
saddle brown leather with plenty of character cracks and one tear
are in the driver's seat. The passenger seat shows minimal age
wear, and rear 2 plus 2 remain like new with smooth leather. The
dash utilizes a dual swoop eyebrow design integrating a black dash
top, and a lower saddle brown bottom and steering wheel. Dual A
pillar gauges reach out to the driver with information on water
temp and oil pressure. In the center of the dash is a CD player and
an AM/FM/Cassette radio known as the Mach 460 sound system.
Slightly soiled tan carpeting with darker tan floor mats in
carpeting flood the floors.
Drivetrain
A pop of the hood reveals a slightly dusty but complete 4.6L SOHC
V8 wedged between the shock towers that produces 215hp. A cold air
intake feeds air to the mill and EFI provides the fuel end of
combustion. We see power steering, and air conditioning. A 4R70W
4-speed automatic transmission sends power back to a Ford 8.8" rear
axle that contains a 3.27 TracLok gear set. Reliability and fun all
wrapped up in one.
Undercarriage
No real surface rust to speak of, just clean and solid unibody
panels for the floor pans and rockers. As noted, the independent
coil spring suspension for the front, and 4 link with coil springs
for the back all have been lowered for the better handling
experience. Hydro-boost power disc brakes are on all 4 corners, and
an original dual exhaust is clean and rust free, snarling its way
rearward.
Drive-Ability
This car fired right up and was rarin' to go on the test track. My
foot was ready too, and it was off to the races, with nice smooth
acceleration, bias free panic stopping, (we always test this
first!), and rail like handling with the 18-inch Bullitts. We did
have 2 frowns creep up on our drive, those being an intermittent
tachometer reading and the tuner control for the radio did not
change stations.
Right out of 1997 and into your driveway for your enjoyment and
driving experience, this decently powerful, Laser Red covered, tan
convertible car with saddle colored leather interior brings back
the memories of the Mustangs that came before it and produces a
great experience with the above assets. Why not put this onto your
driveway, and yourself behind the wheel, and magically a smile will
appear on your face! And you'll be a member of the "horsey
set..."
VIN DECODE
1FALP45X2VF126733
1-USA
F-Ford Motor Company
A-Passenger Car
L-Manual Belts, Front Airbags
P45-Mustang Gt Convertible
X-4.6L V8 SOHC, 215hp
2-Check Digit
V-1997
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
126733-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
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