1989 Ford Mustang GT

Description

With an alarmingly high mortality rate, nice Fox-body 5.0 Mustangs are getting harder to find every day. And while they were dirt cheap for many years, it appears that they've turned the corner and cars like this 1989 GT convertible will for sure be future collectables much the way the earlier cars are.

If you grew up in the '80s, you know and love this car. White with red tape stripes is the classic GT look and those "cheese grater" taillights absolutely looked best in white. This is a nicely preserved car with only light modifications and no history of abuse, so if you're looking for a good one, this is it. Paint quality is quite good considering that it's 25 years old and it's nice to see a Fox Mustang without a goofy cowl-induction hood and a big wing stuck on the back. Instead, they left it as the factory intended, and as it turns out, the design is aging pretty well. The urethane ground effects don't appear cracked or distorted, the doors still fit well, and the "MUSTANG GT" callouts on the skirts and rear valence are highlighted with die-cut decals to really stand out. Just looking at it makes you all nostalgic, doesn't it?

The GT's interior is actually a great place to do some serious driving and it has aged well also. Gray plaid upholstery was pretty cool back in the day and this one doesn't look as though it's been baking in the sun for the past two decades. Nice gray carpets and matching vinyl door panels are equally nice, and since this is a pre-airbag car, you even get a tilt wheel. Other options include A/C, power windows, locks, mirrors, cruise control, and power lumbar support in the seats. Mustang-logo floor mats tie it all together, and a few billet pieces, including a set of drilled pedals, makes it look racy. A short-throw shifter is pretty much expected in a 5-speed 5.0, and the light bar behind the front seat gives it a sporty look without compromising the power convertible top mechanism. There's not a lot of trunk space, but it is clean and tidy, more proof of a relatively easy life.

The legendary 5.0-liter V8 needs no introduction, and once you slide behind the wheel and fire up this torque factory, you'll understand why these cars continue to be wildly popular today. Aside from some minor bolt-ons like a cold air induction system and tubular exhaust headers, it's pretty stock, which means it runs well and still feels awfully fast on the street. There's also an upgraded alternator and R134a refrigerant in the A/C system, polished valve covers, and a painted intake manifold that gives it a somewhat unique look. The tubular strut tower brace makes a noticeable difference in chassis rigidity and a newer Dynomax exhaust system sounds pretty wicked. The underside is shockingly clean, so you know this car's had it easy, and flashy chrome Cobra R-style wheels are stuffed into the fenders and carry 235/45/17 performance radials.

Like the early mustangs before them, the 5.0 has found a new generation of hobbyists who love the effortless torque and easy upgrades available in these cars. They're not going to be this affordable for much longer, so if you've been looking for one, this is your chance. Call today!