Ford Mustang History
1985 Ford Mustang - 1987 Ford Mustang - No Ford Probe
1985 Ford Mustang
The 1985 Ford Mustang offered consumers and enthusiasts alike a nifty little sporty-type car at a great value. With its sporty body styling that featured a more simple one slot grille positioned above an integrated bumper/spoiler, the pony had one more season before it would undergo yet another facelift.
After the dip in power for earlier Mustangs due to federal regulations, it seemed that pony power was back on the upswing. The new high performance camshaft and low friction roller tappets stepped up the carbureted, five speed manual H.O. V-8 a sweet 35 horsepower boost to an impressive 210 horses. Modifications in the 302 cubic inch V-8, which was fuel injected, but still only available in automatic transmission, amped it to 180 horsepower.
The tires on the GT also got a facelift with "Gatorbacks," P225/60VR15 tires set on cast aluminum, seven-inch wide wheels. Ford beefed up everything from the gas pressurized front shock absorbers to the thicker rear antiroll bar. Enthusiasts began to catch glimpses of the "old skool" Stangs: beefier, sexier, and powerful. It seemed that the tide was turning yet again for the Ford Mustang - for the better.
1986 Ford Mustang
The 1986 Ford Mustang underwent very few changes, yet enjoyed sales totaling 224,410 for the model year, the high for the decade. This was proof positive that the Ford Mustang was delivering what its fans wanted and they were remaining loyal and true to this feisty little pony. A loyal customer base was being built and Mustang enthusiasts were growing in numbers.
The 1986 model offered the choice of a five-speed manual or a four speed automatic transmission along with the 302 V-8. It offered a more precise sequential port fuel injection and rated at 200 horsepower. The rear axle was also tweaked, allowing it to handle peak torque.
Other features that Mustang buyers were treated to included extra sound deadening material, a longer anti-corrosion warranty, and a single key locking system. These additions did aid in causing a boost in price for the Stang with the LX commanding $7,295, the GT convertible going for $14, 220 and the SVO getting an impressive $15,272. However, these sticker price hikes did not seem to deter the loyal Mustang buyers.
One notable moment in Mustang history is Ford’s high speed Mustang pursuit package that Ford originally developed in 1983 for the California Highway Patrol. By 1986, 14 states had been bitten by the "Mustang bug" and were busting speeders all across the nation.
1987 Ford Mustang - No Ford Probe
The 1987 Ford Mustang was originally slated to get a major facelift, but it was nixed due to outrage from the public. Ford had planned to base the next generation Mustang on the front wheel drive Mazda platform, but Mustang enthusiasts would nothing of it. The Ford Probe eventually took the platform and did just fine, but it was not for the pony.
There were other changes to the Mustang family. The SVO, who’s sales had been declining steadily, was no longer in production. However, the LX notchback, convertible, and hatchback made as comeback as did the ever-popular GT ragtop and hatchback. Mercury’s Mustang, the Capri based on the Fox generation of Mustangs, was also axed. Sales and public interest just were not strong enough to keep it going.
On the outside, the Mustang was slicker and sleeker with a smoother nose, flush mount headlamps, and wraparound turn signals. Most of the exterior moldings were finished in black and the overall appearance was more contemporary. The LX had a simple grille, a single slot with a small Ford oval while the GT sported dummy scoops in front of each wheel as well as other sportier additions.
Under the hood, the 302 was still the standard for GTs, but there was a lot of tweaking from better cylinder heads to improved torque. The next generation of Ford Mustang had been born.
