1983 Mustang GT questions

[2003Cobra615854]

Hi, I am new to the forum, and overall the 80s mustangs scene. Although I am very knowledgeable when it comes to mustangs, I really am blind when it comes to knowing all the deep facts about the 80s cars ( Besides for the basic knowledge of yr,model package).

So anyways, My fathers first car was a 1983 Mustang GT, and he always talks about how he wishes he never sold the car. I want to give my dad the ultimate car guy gift of the "one that got away", but the more and more I look, it seems like he really had something special because I cannot find any.

from what I know about the car it was:

1983 Mustang GT
Red with black decals
T-tops
TRX package
Tinted factory glass
Black interior
Manual trans
High option radio with the amp
Fold down rear seats
5.0 L V8 High output

How rare is this car? does anyone have the production numbers?


(also I hope this is the right place to post this)

[83GTJIM]

Welcome to FEP! There were two colors of red in 1983, Bright Red and Red (which looks more like a maroon). There were two black interiors, the standard interior or the sport interior that had the netted halo headrests. Also in 83 there were 2 manual transmissions available, a 4 speed and the non-WC T5 5speed. A Marti report could give you a specific break down of production numbers if you have the VIN but that car shouldn't be too hard to find. In fact, I have the exact same thing.

[83GTJIM]

And this Bright Red one that was listed with only 5K miles just sold for $9,700.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1983-Ford-Mu...p2047675.l2557

[Travis T]

Haha, I was just getting ready to post that one! Seems to be a good number of them around in red/black. I have a friend that has a red one that was repainted white.

[2003Cobra615854]

I believe it was bright red, with the laced seats, and a 4 speed. I know that it was like $13,500 new in 83. apparently it had everything. I do not have the vin. But the dealer it was bought from is still open today. I doubt they still have records but its worth a shot if i could find his exact car.

UPDATE: It was/Had a 4 speed, with non-laced seats, and was bright red.

[FoxChassis]

(suggested retail prices for GT options from of 2-7-1983 salesman's guide)...
P28/932 GT 3 Door Sedan -- $9832.00
444 4-Speed Manual -- (credit)($124.00)**
572 Air Conditioner, Selectaire -- $737.00
631 Battery, Heavy Duty - 54 Amp -- $26.00
61P Bodyside Protection, Lower -- $41.00
153 Bracket, Front License Plate -- N/C
57Q Defroster, Rear Window Electric -- $135.00
923 Glass, Tinted (Complete) -- $105.00
943 Light Group -- $55.00
963 Lock Group, Power -- $172.00
954 Paint Treatment, Lower Tu-Tone -- $116.00
94H Protection Group, Appearance -- $60.00
584 Radio, AM/FM Stereo -- $109.00
587 Radio, AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Tape -- $199.00
585 Radio, AM/FM Stereo with 8-Track Tape -- $199.00
58Y Am Radio Credit Option -- (credit)($61.00)
913 Sound System, Premium -- $117.00
21C Roof, Flip-Up Open Air -- $310.00
21D Roof, T -- $1055.00
Seats, Cloth Sports Performance -- $196.00
Seats, Cloth and Vinyl -- $57.00
Seats, Leather Low-Back Bucket -- $415.00
525 Speed Control, Fingertip -- $170.00
524 Steering Wheel, Leather-Wrapped -- $59.00
52Y Steering Wheel, Tilt -- $105.00
64R Windows, Power Front -- $193.00
172 Windshield Wipers, Interval -- $49.00
422 California Emissions System -- $76.00
428 High Altitude Emission System -- N/C
T84 Tires, P220/55R390 Michelin TRX BSW -- (credit)($27.00)

If you ordered "Value Option Package" 257A (included 12 options) you got options 57Q and 923 at 'no charge' ($240.00 savings) or 258B (18 options) you got options 57Q, 923, and 525 at 'no charge' ($410.00 savings).

**When the 5-speed transmission became available sometime in December 1982, it became standard behind the 5.0L engine and the 4-speed became optional and included an invoice credit.

[MrFoMoCo]

With all these options packages, how likely would it be for a car to have power window and not have power locks? Presuming that these option packages carry over from year to year.

[FoxChassis]

Packages, where many options were grouped together, were optional. You did not have to order a car with packages. You could order a car with packages or pick options individually.

Certain options made other options mandatory, so you didn't have a choice, and you also had to pay for that mandated option. In other cases some options were merely "recommended". For example, optional tinted glass was required if you ordered a T-roof but recommended if you ordered A/C.

It was very common to have power windows but not power locks but I don't think it was quite as common the other way around. I would have to look at buck tag data later to confirm.

[83gtstang]

Great info!

[FoxChassis]

Power windows were not available before 1981, so of the 1057 1981-86 Capri and Mustang buck tags that I have, here are how many have PL only, PW only, both, or neither....

1981 (51 tags)
PL - 2
PW - 5
both - 6
neither - 37
unknown - 1

1982 (128 tags)
PL - 5
PW - 6
both - 15
neither - 102

1983 (152 tags)
PL - 18
PW - 29
both - 24
neither - 81

1984 (257 tags)
PL - 15
PW - 44
both - 126
neither - 71
unknown - 1

1985 (215 tags)
PL - 9
PW - 31
both - 114
neither - 60
unknown - 1

1986 (254 tags)
PL - 13
PW - 32
both - 135
neither - 73
unknown - 1

[shovel_83]

Im also new to this forum, alote of nice info so far (first thread I've read so far) I have an 83 gt. It has power windows with no power locks. Fun car to drive.