1988 Ford Mustang LX 5.0

Description

You simply won't find many 5.0 convertibles that are better preserved than this 1988 Ford Mustang LX 5.0. With just 24,794 original miles and zero modifications, it's just the way you want to find them. Not raced, not abused, not hacked up, just solid and clean and ready to enjoy without a second thought. After driving this car, you'll be reminded just how great these cars were when they were new.

Bright red Mustangs are not just cars, they're a way of life. This one wears the traditional color combination proudly, as the guy who ordered it new figured that nothing would attract attention better than red with white. In the decades since it was built, the original finish has been lovingly maintained and it is as close to factory-fresh as we've seen in a long time. Obviously, it has never been hit (heck, probably hasn't even seen much rain!) so everything fits together the way the factory did it and their work was pretty darned good. Details like the urethane bumpers and side moldings remain in excellent condition and even the black trim hasn't been attacked by the sun's UV rays, so it's still dark and supple-looking. You know all about the usual trouble spots on these cars, and this car has exactly none of them. If you want a newer-looking 1988 Mustang, you'll have to invent a time machine first.

The same is true of the sparkling white leather interior. The combination of white and red was brilliant at the time and has aged well, with comfortable bucket seats and a surprisingly functional driver's environment for the late '80s. As you can see, there's almost no wear on any of the seating surfaces, the carpets are quite nice, and the two-tone door panels are in terrific shape. 5.0 convertibles came loaded with most options, and this car includes A/C, power windows and locks, cruise control, power mirrors, and since it was pre-airbag, a tilt steering column. The white power convertible top is still bright and stows under and equally bright white vinyl boot that fits beautifully. That also means that the trunk is 100% original and in almost new condition.

The 5.0 liter fuel-injected V8 really needs no description except to say that it is original right down to the air filter. Modifications are so cheap and easy that they're almost impossible to resist, but this car is as stock as the day it rolled off the assembly line. All the factory markings are still quite visible and it's clean but not over-detailed, showing original components and signs of careful ownership. The only notable modification is the conversion to R134a refrigerant in the A/C system, but that's just smart. Of course, it runs superbly, with a nice bark from the dual exhaust system and crisp throttle response at any speed. It also carries the far more desirable 5-speed manual transmission that makes it a great deal of fun to drive. Highway-friendly 2.73 gears mean that this sucker just loafs along at highway speeds and the ride is actually decent for a high-performance muscle car. The factory wheels wear a set of 225/60/15 radials, perhaps only the second set of tires this car has ever worn.

Nicely documented, it comes with all its original paperwork and it's obvious that it's led a comfortable life. If you're like us and believe that the Fox-bodied Mustangs will be collectable in the not-too-distant-future, this is the one to own. Call today!