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- Chassis # 1FABP28T9EF121912
- Engine # EF121912
- Showing Just 18,000 Miles From New
- A Matching Numbers And Highly Original Example
- Never Titled And Held On MSO Since New
- Includes Original Window Sticker, Books, Purchase Documents, Factory Spare And Jack, As Well As A Marti Report
The Overview
With the introduction of the Fox Body Mustang in 1979, Ford Motor Company brought the nameplate closer to its pony car roots. Throughout the 1970s, the Mustang II sold in large numbers catering to the personal luxury coupe market but failed to offer any serious performance largely due to the gas crisis and government legislation. Seeing a great deal of potential with the Fox platform and with a visionary new doctrine defined as ‘new functionalism’ by then CEO Donald Peterson, a Mustang of higher pedigree would soon hit the showrooms.
A team was put together lead by the former head of Ford’s European Motorsport division, Michael Kranefuss, and together would subsequently be named SVO, or Special Vehicle Operations. With 30 engineers, Ford ran a prototype of this new performance Mustang at an SCCA endurance event at Nelson Ledges for 2 years in order to conduct proof of concept testing. This program was highly successful and the final product proved to be a drastic leap forward for not just the Mustang, but for Ford Motor Company.
The SVO Mustang threw out the rulebook by ditching the time-honored V8 powerplant and replacing it with a 2.3 liter, turbocharged 4 cylinder motor. With less than half the displacement, this Mustang produced as much power as its larger and heavier predecessors thanks to the introduction of computer-controlled fuel injection and intercooling. It was a major concern of the engineers to create a true enthusiast vehicle that handled as well as it accelerated so this car received a number of substantial chassis improvements. Most importantly, this was the first Mustang to feature 4-wheel disc brakes courtesy of the Lincoln Mark VII, and the front suspension setup was further cribbed from this luxury cruiser to obtain the 5-lug hubs. Koni shocks on all 4 corners allowed for improved damping and the interior received a number of upgrades to cater to performance drivers. A short-throw Hurst shift linkage, rearranged pedals, and bolstered seats make this car feel different than any other Fox body while behind the wheel.
We are proud to offer this 1984 Ford Mustang SVO, Vin. 1FABP28T9EF121912, with just under 18,000 miles on the odometer. Interestingly, this example was never titled to an original owner, and after being delivered to a dealership in Tennessee, the car remained under the care of the management for a number of years. After some time, the Mustang ownership was transferred to another dealership in the area after the original dealer was bought out.
Optioned with a number of luxury items, this car features power locks, windows, air conditioning, a pop-up air roof, and an AM/FM stereo. Further, this Mustang features the traction lock rear end with a 1984 specification ratio. The exterior is finished in Dark Charcoal Metallic paint with a matching leather interior. This combination makes for a stealthy appearance that suits the sophisticated sporting demeanor of the vehicle quite well. Within the past year, the car was resprayed in this original color to a high standard and the rims received all-new Goodyear rubber. Further, the vehicle comes complete with its books, Koni shock adjustment tool, jack, spare, and delivery materials including the window sticker.
With so few miles on the odometer, it should come as no surprise that this Mustang shows in wonderful condition today. Few blemishes exist both inside and out, making this a fantastically well-presented example. These SVO’s are a sight to behold thanks to an off-center hood scoop and a bi-plane rear spoiler. The summation of features on this car add up to a truly unique experience for pony car enthusiasts as this car looks like no other Mustang and it certainly does not drive like any other Mustang. Just around 9,000 examples of the SVO were produced during a short 3-year production run and while the car was not a sales success for Ford, the car served to prove that the Mustang was in fact a serious performance vehicle capable of challenging the best sports cars the world had to offer.
Perhaps the most significant pony car of the last 40 years, the SVO Mustang is a race-bred technological tour de force that should be appreciated by all automotive enthusiasts. It represents a moment in history when Ford Motor Company thought to shake tradition and move forward. As the decades roll by, the status of the SVO has only grown. This is a wonderful opportunity to become the first titled owner of a rare breed of Mustang.
Included with the sale of this vehicle are the original window sticker, books, sales documents, factory spare, jack, and official Marti report.
The Details
exterior
body and paint
The exterior of this SVO is finished in its factory-applied and original Dark Charcoal Metallic paint. The finish throughout the car remains smooth and consistent and shows as you would expect from a car with such low mileage. There are a few very minor scuffs on the front bumper area from normal use. The body remains straight and tidy with excellent fitment and gaps between the panels. The rear spoiler shows some sun fading of the plastic as well as spotting and scratching. It is also cracked on the driver's side mounting screw area. It appears to be structurally sound still. There is also some peppering of the paint on the side view mirrors. Overall though, this SVO presents very nicely, especially for its highly original condition!
glass and trim
The glass appears to be all original to the car, still showing its “Carlite Tempered” stampings with the exception of the windshield which appears to be a newer replacement. The glass remains clean and clear with real issues to note. The trim throughout the car remains in good condition with only a few minor imperfections to speak of. The rubber overrider on the front bumper shows some minor spotting that comes with the age of these rubber components as well as a couple of small rub marks. The black trim around the windshield shows some minor paint chipping. The black trim piece where the hood meets the windshield shows some fading and flaking of the painted finish. There are some other minor scratches and small paint chips on some of the black trim around the car, to be expected with an original vehicle. Please be sure to thoroughly review the detailed photos above in order to get the best representation of the car's condition.
wheels
The factory polished wheels remain in great shape, with clean smooth surfaces and a nice bright finish. There is some very minor spotting in a few locations but nothing that distracts from the overall presentation of the wheels.
notable flaws
There is some chipping in the black painted finish of the trim that surrounds the car, with the worst section being that of the windshield surround.
interior
seats and surfaces
The interior of this SVO remains in fantastic original condition, clean and tidy throughout. Seating surfaces are smooth with nice color, and only some minor creasing developing on the driver's side seat as well as some wear on the outer bolster. The carpets retain good color and texture with just a bit of minor staining in high traffic areas, especially in the driver's side footwell. The passenger side door card has a bit of discoloration in the fabric insert. The dash remains smooth and tidy with all buttons, knobs, dials, and gauges appearing in good cosmetic condition.
functionality and accessories
Almost everything on the interior appears to function as it should. The radio works, the gauges illuminate, the power locks function as they should and the windows roll up and down with ease. The only thing that appears to not be functioning is the overhead dome light which likely just needs a bulb replaced.
engine bay and trunk
engine bay
The engine bay appears to be in commensurate condition with the rest of the vehicle, well cared for and original with a few minor flaws which are to be expected with the original nature. There is some chipping of paint, such as on the intercooler house and the air filter box. There is some minor surface corrosion on the nuts and hardware at the top of the strut towers and the firepad on the underside of the hood has some small tears in it. Overall thought, the engine bay appears in well kept original condition and shows now outward signs of any issues past or present.
trunk area
The trunk area is clean and tidy with no real issues to note. The carpets have good color and retain nice fitment, plastic side panels etc. are clean and tidy, free of any scratching etc. Lifting the carpets reveals good metal in the spare wheel well in addition to factory stickers and tags.
Underside
The underside presents in line with the rest of the car, showing some signs of age and use commensurate with the mileage but appearing tidy and well kept. There is some scratching on the underside of the front bumper as well as on the lower sections of the rockers but these are really the only noteworthy cosmetic items.
mechanicals
engine
The 2.4 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder fires right to life and settles into a smooth idle as temperatures climb and stabilize. Out on the road, it displays no issues and makes smooth linear power up until the turbo begins to spool at which point you can feel the way it aides the engine. On turbo power is very manageable but it certainly helps propel this 80s sports car with its factory-rated 14 lbs of boost.
transmission
The transmission shifts smoothly and holds power well with no issues to note. Clutch take-up is smooth and appropriate with nice feedback. The tall Hurst shifter means gear changes are a bit of a longer throw than in modern vehicles but it's something that is easily acquired with a bit of practice.
brakes and suspension
The brakes bring the car to a smooth and controlled stop with no issues to note. The suspension feels tight and compliant with no odd road noises or behavior to speak of.
tires
The tires are a new set of Goodyear Eagle Sports, placed on the car by as during its recent servicing. DOT dates codes are from 2020 and the tires appear as new as they are.