#880 of the 1001 (993 US + 8 Canadian) made as confirmed by Harland Russel who runs the 83 GT conv registry. I have a Marty report to also authenticate the car. Build date is Aug 15 1983. The radiator buck tag is stamped with “GT” in the lower corner as physical confirmation. Car is Bright Red exterior with Medium Red vinyl interior. Originally built with white top but now has a black top in perfect condition. Car still has several visible factory date codes. Current mileage is at 55,252 miles that can be documented by service receipts from previous owners.
Car has won multiple local awards including best of show/late model at the Erie PA Ford Dealer show.
I purchased car in April 1999 with 45,678 documented miles from a local Buffalo NY car collector who owned ~60 cars at the time. I have documents of this including a unique story with photos and documents about the car’s history that I will share with the serious buyer.
Car is kept covered in my home’s attached garage in the summer and stored in an offsite heated garage in the winter. Is only driven on nice dry days. In the 19 years of ownership I maybe got caught driving in the rain 2 times (once returning from a mustang show at the Ford Assembly plant in Oakville Canada).
Car runs perfect and is fully loaded except it does not have power door locks that I’m not sure were offered.
Car is in factory stock condition except I added a Steeda short throw shifter, Koni Red shocks, Ford racing 1” drop front springs, BBK ceramic coated headers with Grafoil gaskets, complete stainless-steel dual exhaust with polished stainless mufflers and a Maximum Motorsport strut tower brace. I can share a story where the clutch was replaced right after I bought it. The Holly 4180-C was professionally rebuilt and concours finished. Car has the original AM/FM Cassette radio with the factory amp. I replaced the door speakers with hopes of getting a little better sound quality. I only run ethanol-free 91 octane gas. I have all receipts.
Currently has TRX tires in like-new condition. TRX rims have been stripped of the factory clear coat and are now highly polished uncoated aluminum. No external weights and no curb rash. People think they are aftermarket chrome plated rims.
Spare parts include subframe connectors (never installed), 2 like-new TRX tires, 1 TRX rim (not polished), roll of OEM seat vinyl, full front-end bra, gauge cluster and misc. rubber parts. Also included are service manuals and dealer brochures.
Car originally a California car (DSO 71 and sold by Encinitas Ford, CA). I have documentation of being the 6th owner with most of the later owners being collectors. I have the names of previous owners. I purchased the car with 45,678 miles and currently the odometer reads 55,252 (as of May 201. In the 19 years of ownership I have logged only 9,574 miles.
Best I know car needs the A/C system charged. The driver door was repaired (possibly re-skinned) by a previous owner so the inside lip around the door needs a little touch-up paint. Future projects that could be done is to do is to install LED bulbs in the gauge cluster to brighten it up and to replace the water pump that sounds like its just starting to make a slight noise (new OEM water pump, hoses and thermostat come with car but not installed). I bought the car with an alarm system what has since been removed so there is a hole drilled in the gauge cluster cover for a small LED indicator light (I’m searching for a NOS cover that are tough to find in solid black for a GT).
Other than the driver door; best I know it has never been wrecked as evidenced by the door gaps (although not the best out of the factory in 1983) and the date codes on the bottom lip of the trunk and engine lid, radiator support, and both front fenders.
When I first purchased the car, I looked under the carpet and there is zero rust (not typical for a convertible). The interior is all original with no cracks even in the dash pad. I had a seam open-up on me in the driver seat center section that was professionally repaired using OEM material. The car is rust-free underneath (worthy of mirrors) and rust-free all around. The engine and engine compartment are detailed to an extreme level but not overdone. I believe the car was repainted by a previous owner who did a very nice job but its over 20 years old (but does not look like it). In my opinion the overall paint is an 8 out of 10 where 10 is perfect. All the body side moldings are in near perfect shape and are not coming loose.
Car was professionally appraised on April 2014 (exterior & engine overall #2+ and interior #1-) by the current AACA Museum Executive Director in Pennsylvania who is willing to discuss the car ONLY with a serious buyer. The written appraisal values the car at $14,500 (final issue dated July 2014). Per Haggerty’s valuation guide a #1 concours is valued for $20,600 (as of May 201 and a #2 excellent is valued for $14,900 (as of May 201. I discussed the sale of the 83 with the appraiser who indicated that Fox body factory original documented cars in my condition are appreciating in value over the last few years. I will only consider serious buyers with $20,000 cash. No trades.
Why am I considering selling? I also own a 1967 mustang that was a 5-year ground-up full restoration project. I seem to allocate more time to the 67 so the 83 does not get the attention she deserves. As you can see I’m passionate and knowledgeable about 83 GT convertibles. I will only consider selling the 83 to a person who appreciates its rarity and will baby and enjoy the car as I have. Otherwise I really don’t have reason to sell.
Car never been smoked in and is located in Lancaster NY which is just east of Buffalo NY.
Picture of car is older and does not show hood blackout that has since been professionally and correctly painted.
I have a history report that lists no accidents or other reported issues.
Connect With Us