WTB: Collectibility on 85 GT's?

[letsgosteelers]

Do you guys think the 85's will be a good keeper? Specifically the convertible model? I was looking at a nice 85 vert but it has an auto trans in which case it is not carb'd, I guess it is something called CFI....any ideas?

[Mike T.]

I think it will be THE Fox body to have in the next 10 years.
Everything I read and hear also says that the 85 will be the one to have down the road. In my opinion, the 85 is really the first year for a Mustang that really was quick again even though some people say the 82 was.

The problem for people looking for a clean, stock 85 now is that most were beaten on pretty well back in the 80's and there are very few left.
The prob with the 85 automatic cars was that the HP is way down from the 5 speeds....something like 20 hp if I remember right.

That's my 2 cents.....I'm a 85 FREAK - have had 5 of them over the years.

PS - - GO BROWNS !!!!

[evlgt85]

If you're concerned about future value, then you want to find a 5-speed that is absolutely the lowest mileage and with zero modifications and keep it that way. ANY modifications done should be easily reversible and the original parts need to be kept with the car, and put back on the car before selling to get the best price for the car.

I keep seeing ultra-low mileage cars with aftermarket hoods, wheels, exhaust, this and that, and the sellers don't realize that the ultra-low mileage appeal is lost when modifications are made, and especially if they aren't reversed before offering the vehicle for sale.

The automatic cars in 84 and 85 especially tend to lag in value, although that is something relatively contrary to conventional market thought. The CFI is not desirable, and the lack of horsepower is well-known. Couple the lower horsepower with the already power-sapping automatic transmission, and you have a cruiser that just isn't going to provide the giddy-up-and-go that one would expect from a Mustang.

85 GTs are already at the top of the heap of the desirable early Foxes. The prices on the excellent examples are starting to reflect this. Be willing to wait for the right car, and do your homework and keep saving more money to put towards the purchase and you'll vastly increase your chances at having a satisfying ownership experience.

[letsgosteelers]

If you're concerned about future value, then you want to find a 5-speed that is absolutely the lowest mileage and with zero modifications and keep it that way. ANY modifications done should be easily reversible and the original parts need to be kept with the car, and put back on the car before selling to get the best price for the car.

I keep seeing ultra-low mileage cars with aftermarket hoods, wheels, exhaust, this and that, and the sellers don't realize that the ultra-low mileage appeal is lost when modifications are made, and especially if they aren't reversed before offering the vehicle for sale.

The automatic cars in 84 and 85 especially tend to lag in value, although that is something relatively contrary to conventional market thought. The CFI is not desirable, and the lack of horsepower is well-known. Couple the lower horsepower with the already power-sapping automatic transmission, and you have a cruiser that just isn't going to provide the giddy-up-and-go that one would expect from a Mustang.

85 GTs are already at the top of the heap of the desirable early Foxes. The prices on the excellent examples are starting to reflect this. Be willing to wait for the right car, and do your homework and keep saving more money to put towards the purchase and you'll vastly increase your chances at having a satisfying ownership experience.


thanks for all the feedback, I really love these cars 85/86 and always wanted a vert back then but settled for a t-top since I couldn;t find one at the time in 88 when i bought mine.

it just so happens this one I found now is in great shape from what it seems, its just an AOD. but If i was buying it for collectability I wouldn;t really be driving it in such a way that I would be utilizing all its hp, I'd just baby it to keep it in excellent condition. but I think from a feature viewpoint, a cfi will be less desirable although this is the dual exhaust version which has more hp than the single exhaust version.

In the back of my mind, I'm thinking maybe I just pick it up for my daughter and in 8 yrs she has an instant classic in great condition that she will truly enjoy.

as far a sthe low mileage on these vehicles, it really scares me because it is so easy to swap the speedo/odometer units on these things so it makes it that much more difficult to verify mileage.