1988 Ford Mustang GT

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!