'84 SVO Mustang...thoughts or opinions...

[EdwardsSS]

...would be appreciated. In '88 I purchased a 1984 Mustang SVO, kept it few years...didn't drive it much and sold it back to the original owner with a little over 30 thousand miles. The original owner had it repainted, tuned up the motor, updated the interior with leather, and a better stereo, but hasn't put more than 500 miles (if that) on the car since I sold it to him six years ago. He wants me to buy it back now, as he is retiring and going to move next summer. The price is around eight grand. It's a nice car...but I don't know if I want to tie up the money because I won't be able to use that money on my other projects. The SVO is a great handling car, mid to high 20's in mpg, is not fast off the line but has a good top end. Anyone want to share their opinion(s) on the SVO and whether it's a good idea to purchase again? Manheimgold.com lists the car as valued in the six grand area.

Thanks, Ed

[Roger M]

Of the fox body cars, this is one of my favorites, just because it is unique. IMHO it would be worth more if it were in original condition. Even then, 8 Grand is alot for a 4cyl Mustang. These may become collector cars at some point though. When i was in the Marines back in the 80s, I knew a guy that owned one. It was stock except for being lowered, and It was one of the coolest cars of its time.

[Blake Foster]

That is a wicked car i have had 2 i am looking for a third. i think it is the best looking Fox mustang ever. i remember seeing a silver one on the show room floor in 84 and the price was 24995.00!!!! in 84!!! i have had a black / grey leather and a charcole / grey leather and i want another one!! i want to find a 85.5 which had 210 hp, more than the 5.0 at the time and handle !!! if the car is nice for 8k with low miles

i think it is one of the most forgotten cars in 84-86 iw was as good as the corvette and just think if you replaced the computer with a fast or big stuff i bet you could get 300 to 350 hp anf the motor could make 800 with a stock bottom end, ther are lots of parts available

[Van B]

I would still like one 85 1/2 or 86 with the flush headlights. Pump up the engine a little, strip it, cage it and have an awesome track car. The purists will want to kill me, but...

[youthpastor]

i had a clean '84- i thought it was cool to "tighten up the konis"

that was the car i passed a couple of state troopers doing triple digits- they never came after me:D - good times

I agree one of the most unrecognized cars of its time- would I want to tie up eight g's for one?? ..probably not- Chris

[Josh69]

Eight might be a bit high, but the miles are low. If it's been painted, you can do a few things with it and not get too bent about originality. I had an '85 and I loved it. It reminded me of my later '97 Dinan M3. It wasn't a powerhouse, but it did everything well.

The forged bottom end can handle alot of boost! There is a decent aftermarket for it. Take that big T3 turbo (I think that's what it had) and do a T3/4 hybrid...heck, there is probably something way tricker available nowadays, and boost the heck out of it.

It's definitely unique....I see a few beaters around, but haven't seen a nice one at a show in years.

[awr68]

People are saying 8k is a little high...but it is a nice car and you know the history...that might be priceless! Especially if you still like the car....I think I would buy it if you have the cash. If he's in the selling mood, you know it will be sold...after all it's not just another worn out 5.0!

[wiedemab]

I just stumbled across this one. I thought one of you may be interested.

http://louisville.craigslist.org/cto/933370218.html

http://91rangerturbo.webs.com/1985mustangsvo.htm

[Blake Foster]

That one is pretty rough! it is an early production 85 with the 84 intake and headlights. i would be more inclined to pay double for a car that didn't nedd to be restored.

[wiedemab]

That's cool, I don't know squat about them. I was reading this thread and thought I'd look around on the local Craigslist. We're really busy at work today ;)

[svp]

Well....this is my area. I own 2 currently and have owned many....on top of that I manufacture some of the obsolete parts for these cars...it's one of our specialties at my shop.

Blake was right when he said he might pay double for one that didn't need to be restored....a few things can add up quickly for these cars. 8K isn't unreasonable at all if it needs nothing or very little and knowing the history of the car and having owned it before does carry some value.

I am also one of the founding members and Director of the SVO Club of America and most of the members have modified SVOs....they still retain the 2.3 turbo but most of us really drive and use the cars as intended....there are original type owners there too but they are the minority....but at the same time are treated as equals....room for everyone.

One of the important things is the RH outer marker light....obsolete and made of unobtanium for the most part currently. NOS versions have sold for $700-$1000 but most everything else is obtainable....but start adding up the unique parts and 8K could seem like a bargain if that car is nice.

As far as most valuable....that all depends on the car....stock or modified can bring lots of money depending on what the buyer wants. Currently though for the most part it is a buyers market still but not as much as past years. I can tell you that most people become hooked once they drive one.


....and Blake....when we talked at SEMA you said you wanted one.....well, I've been contacted by a guy with a 42K mile black 86 SVO.....once I get the details I'll give you a call ;)

[fastback]

I had an '84 and an '86 when they were new. Sure wish I still had them now. Very fun cars. They are just beginning to become interesting to collectors, and I've noticed recently that Mustang Monthly and a couple of the other magazines are starting to talk about their collectability. I think I would be willing to pay 8k for an excellent, low-mileage example. I saw several at Fords at Carlisle last year in the $2,500 range, but as SVP correctly observed, it would cost far north of 8 grand to put them back in shape. Of all the fox bodied cars, the SVOs probably have the most potential to become valuable.

[EdwardsSS]

Thanks for the feed back. As spring nears...and today (in MN) it feels like it is still six months away, I'll give the car much greater consideration.

You are corrrect, I do know the history of the car, and it is very nice, no dents, runs, or errors, no rips in the upholstery, just an all 'round nice SVO. The only hold back is tying up the cash.

~Ed