Near-Perfect Original 1986 Ford Mustang SVO
Is this low-mile, turbocharged, ’80s performance icon worth $19K?
The SVO might be our favorite Fox Mustang. Among Mustang fans, that might not be the most popular statement. But we absolutely adore this car for the turbocharged performance monster that it was.
The 2.3-liter Lima engine is hardly inspiring in standard, naturally-aspirated form. But toss a Garrett T3 turbocharger into the engine compartment, and blend it all up with an intercooler, and you’ve got a recipe for even more horsepower than the potent 5.0 V8. Sure, it only had 205 horsepower, compared to the GT’s 200, but in 1985 and 1986, that was a lot. (1984’s first-year SVO was rated at only 175 horsepower, conveniently the same number the GT produced.)
Not only was the SVO more powerful than the GT, it was also wider and more aerodynamically refined. SVO-specific bumpers, rear wheel spats, the famed double-plane wing, and an offset intake hood make the car instantly recognizable. Additional performance was found in the SVO’s chassis, with more track width, adjustable shock absorbers, a rear sway bar, and stiffer springs. It was also the only way to get a Mustang with four-wheel disc brakes at the time, as even the GT featured rear drums.
CHECK OUT: What Forum Members Are Saying About This Performance Icon
Ford’s Special Vehicle Operations crew crafted a really fun and interesting car with this one, giving a new name to turbocharged American performance. Sadly the concept did not last beyond 1986, as it was quite a bit more expensive, starting at $15,272 versus the GT’s base price of just $10,691. Customers just couldn’t justify shelling out that much more money for the SVO.
Fortunately, this particular car was purchased by someone who really cared for it. This SVO has only a tick over 11,000 miles on the odometer, and looks fresh as a daisy. With a set of vintage-minded 16″ Enkei Compe-style wheels, this SVO looks wonderful in our eyes. As to whether it’s worth the $19,000 asking price, you’ll have to decide that for yourself. For more photos and information, check out RK Motors Charlotte.
