Description

In the 80s, the fate of the V8 was very much in jeopardy, but Ford was hedging their bets with the wonderfully potent SVO Mustang. This 1986 example is one of only 3314 built in the final year of production, and brought a potent turbocharged engine, 4-wheel disc brakes, and a very unique look, making it a fast, fun, and rare pony car.

This nasty little SVO wears a fresh coat of black paint, and as the carпїЅs original color and having seen 1980s Ford paint, it looks vastly better than it would have new. The shape is familiar to any Mustang fan, but thanks to a special nose with flush-fitting headlights, the offset hood scoop that feeds the top-mounted intercooler, and that oh-so-80s biplane rear spoiler, the SVO has a totally unique look. And while a lot of V8 Mustangs were abused and beaten at the track, it seems that the more sophisticated SVO and its European-inspired personality was treated differently. Keeping it subtle, the only badges on the car are the Ford emblems fore and aft, plus the tiny SVO insignias on the front fenders where the ubiquitous 5.0 usually lives.

Inside, the SVO was equipped much like its GT brothers, with body-hugging cloth buckets that do a great job of holding you in place during spirited driving. TheyпїЅre original and in good condition, but show the usual signs of use and time now that this car is nearly 28 years old. In fact, if originality matters, the factory-issued AM/FM/cassette stereo is still in place. A genuine leather-wrapped wheel and matching shifter knob were part of the SVOпїЅs special equipment, and things like A/C, power windows and locks, and a folding rear seat were standard equipment. Door panels and carpets are in great shape, even in the hatch area, and of note, this car has neither T-tops nor a sunroof, making it feel tight and solid, even today.

It would be a very big mistake to under-estimate the potent 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which in stock trim put out more horsepower than the mighty 5.0 V8 in 1986 (205 versus 200). The motor is typically a bulletproof little powerhouse, and this one was rebuilt 10,000 miles ago and equipped with a K3 turbo, so itпїЅs capable of making big boost and major performance. Linked to a slick-shifting T5 5-speed manual, it loves to dance and revs are your friend, so the 3.73 gears on a Trac-Lock limited slip are a great choice. Koni shocks were also standard equipment, and if youпїЅve ever been near a track, you know theyпїЅre the tool of choice for keeping the tires connected to the pavement. And the SVO carries 4-wheel discs and 5-lug hubs, which, for some reason, never trickled down to the rest of the lineup. Wheels from a late-model Mustang have been fitted, and it wears 245/40/17 performance radials.

Future collectable and still a blast to drive, this SVO shows you one path to FordпїЅs future that is still very much relevant today. Call now!