Mustang Special Editions: Over 500 Models Including Shelbys, Cobras, Twisters, Pace Cars, Saleens and more

By Jonathan & Klein Klein

Explore more than 500 special-edition Mustangs from 1964 through today and view their production numbers, key features, and photos of surviving cars.

Factory offerings, such as the 2001 Bullitt and SVT Cobras; regional promotions, such as the Twister Special; third-party tuners, such as Roush and Saleen; and factory race cars, such as the 1968 1/2 Cobra Jets and the 2000 Cobra-R, are included. You may find Mustangs in this book that you had no idea even existed!

When Ford rolled out the Mustang in April 1964, it was an instant hit. Even with its immense popularity it didn't stop Ford Corporate, zone managers, and dealerships from taking it an extra step further. Just two short months later, the first special-edition Mustang debuted at the Indianapolis 500 tasked with pacing the race, and it's been full throttle ever since.

Never has a volume this detailed and with this many model Mustangs been published. The authors have taken their decades of research and logged them into a single compilation. This book is sure to be a valued resource in your Mustang memorabilia collection!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Car Tech
• Release date: Aug 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781613256343

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

REGULAR PRODUCTION SPECIAL MUSTANGS

Every year, Ford built special Mustang models with performance, appearance, and luxury upgrades that were available, in many cases, worldwide. The most common is the Mustang GT, which was offered from 1965 to 1969 and then again from 1982 through the present. These regular-production models offered performance upgrades in power and handling as well as sporty appearance options, such as wheel and interior/exterior trim. From 1970 to 1981, the GT was not offered; instead, Ford offered the Mach 1, Boss, and Cobra models. These models featured performance upgrades connected with racing, and fewer units were produced.

During 1969, a luxury line of Mustangs began with the Grande, which changed to the Ghia in 1974, and then to the GLX in 1982. Luxury features included special wheels, extra-padded seats, interior woodtone trim, vinyl roofs, and special badges. After 1983, some of these luxury items were dropped and others were incorporated into the base-level Mustang. Starting in 1984, 4-cylinder turbocharged engines offered performance capabilities in smaller, more fuel-efficient packages, resulting in the Mustang SVO. Lasting only three years, the turbocharged 4-cylinder disappeared until 2015, when it returned as the EcoBoost Turbo. In 2017, this became the new Mustang baseline engine worldwide. There were also reintroductions of the Cobra in 1993, Mach 1 in 2003, and Boss in 2013.

Many of the unique regular-production special Mustangs were Ford Design Group creations. In 1974, the Italian Carrozzeria Ghia design group added European luxury design features to many Ford models. Since the beginning of the Mustang, Ford Racing and Ford Performance Parts helped create Mustang race cars and sports options. In 1980, the Ford Performance Team became the Special Vehicles Operations (SVO) group and turned Fox-Body Mustangs into race cars and performance vehicles. Then, the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) designed the Cobra SVT Mustang in 1993 and the Shelby SVT Mustang in 2007. The SVT team also created several pace and race car Mustang special editions.

There are a few regular-production special Mustangs that fall in between the base level, luxury, and sport models. In 1967, an automatic transmission version of the manual GT was offered as the GTA. Another set of regular production special Mustangs was a result of adoption of a European model designation starting in 1982. They were: the Mustang LX, GL, and GLX. In 1983, the LX replaced the base-level Mustang L.

1965–1969 and 1982–2018 GT

The GT was a Ford factory special model that first appeared in 1965. It continued until 1969, then was brought back again in 1982 through the present. The GT stands for Grand Touring, or Gran Turismo in Italian. The GT special model added the V-8 engine, special GT badges, and generally some type of trim upgrade to the base-level Mustang. The GT trim upgrades changed throughout the years, but they mainly consisted of front-facing foglights, a rear decklid spoiler, and leather seats.

The GT was the base for many other Mustang factory and territorial special models. It was convenient to start the special model with the V-8 engine and upgraded trim package of the GT. Special models based on the GT included the 1967 GTA, 1968–2017 GT/CS California Special, 1968 High Country Special, and 1998/2000 GT Spring Editions, to name a few.

IDENTIFICATION

In most years, many of the distinguishing features of the GT were available as options on the base-level Mustang. The GT special model can be identified by a unique code in the vehicle identification number (VIN) for the years 1987 to present day. For the earlier years, the factory options list must be consulted. Of course, the engine defined within the VIN will be a V-8.

GT (Generation 1, 1965–1969)

The first generation of the GT special model appeared in 1965 and continued into the 1969 model year. It was offered on all the body styles: hardtop, fastback, and convertible. Notable features of the GT that span all these years were a V-8 engine, front grille-mounted fog lamps, side stripes, and GT badges on the front fenders.

1965 MUSTANG GT

The first Mustang GT options package was offered in 1965. It was called the Mustang GT Equipment Group. There were 10 standard options in the GT Equipment Group: (1) 289-ci 4-barrel 225-hp V-8 engine; (2) 3-speed manual floor shift; (3) dual exhaust with flared chrome tailpipe extensions poking through holes in the lower rear valance; (4) Special Handling Package, which consisted of a heavy-duty suspension and a 22:1 overall steering ratio; (5) fade-resistant front disc brakes; (6) grille-mounted fog lamps; (7) five-dial instrument cluster containing fuel, temperature, speedometer, oil pressure, and amperes gauge with a black leather-grained vinyl dash panel; (8) GT fender badges; (9) bright metal hood accent molding; and (10) Ford racing lower body stripe. The cost of the GT Equipment Group package was $165. Substitutions and additions to these were often selected when ordering the GT. Popular additions included the 4-speed manual transmission, Rally Pac gauges on the steering column, and styled steel wheels.

The Mustang GT Equipment Group could be added to any of the three Mustang body styles in 1965. That year’s body styles included the hardtop, the convertible, and the new fastback or 2+2 body style. The equipment group was often advertised with the Ford GT supercar and directed to those who wanted total performance.

The GT adds foglights, lower rocker stripes, and GT emblems behind the front wheels to the base-level Mustang. This is a Rangoon Red 1965 Mustang GT fastback. (Joe Amabile Photo)

The GT features dual exhaust with chrome exhaust tips exiting through the rear valance. (Joe Amabile Photo)

IDENTIFICATION

There is no indication of the GT model within the VIN or data plate on the 1965 Mustang. Locating the original invoice is the best method to identify one. However, there are a couple of things you can look for that can help with identification: the VIN and data plate would indicate a V-8 engine; the data plate’s date code would end in a P, Q, R, S, T, U, or V, indicating that the car was built between February 1965 and August 1965; there should be holes in the lower rear valance for the dual exhaust tips to pass through; and there would be fog lamps mounted in the grille.

1966 MUSTANG GT

The popular Mustang GT Equipment Group was offered again in 1966. It was considered a performance equipment option that could be added to any of the three Mustang body styles: hardtop, convertible, or fastback. The cost of the package was $152.20. This time, you had your choice of either the 225-hp 289-ci or the 271-hp high-performance 289-ci V-8 engine. Other features included with the GT Equipment Group were: dual exhaust exiting through the rear lower valance; fog lamps mounted in the grille; special GT emblems on the front fenders; GT racing stripes; disc brakes; and handling package components. For the GT option, the chrome rocker trim and chrome rear quarter ornaments were deleted.

The 1966 Mustang GT Equipment Group was the basis for the High Country Special, a limited-edition Mustang available in the Colorado area. See the High Country Special section.

IDENTIFICATION

Like the 1965 GT, there is no indication of the 1966 GT model within the VIN or data plate on the Mustang. Locating the original invoice is the best method to identify one. However, the VIN and data plate would call out the A or K-code for the V-8 engine, the dual exhaust system should exit through holes in the lower rear valance, and fog lamps should be mounted in the grille.

This Vintage Burgundy 1966 Mustang GT convertible has its original 289-ci V-8 engine and automatic transmission. Other features include air-conditioning, power steering, front disc brakes, power roof, and Rally Pac gauges. (Mark Wieszyk Photo)

This is a 1966 Mustang GT convertible in Emberglo exterior paint with white top, grille-mounted fog lamps, and steel-styled wheels.

This close-up shows the GT fender emblem, white rocker panel side stripe, and optional steel-styled wheel of the 1966 Mustang GT.

1967 MUSTANG GT

The 1967 Mustang GT Equipment Group could be added to any of the four V-8 engines offered on any of the three body styles: hardtop, convertible, or fastback. Engine choices included the Challenger 200-hp 289-ci 2-barrel V-8; the Challenger Special 225-hp 289-ci 4-barrel V-8; the Cobra high-performance (Hi-Po) 271-hp 289-ci at the higher 10.5:1 compression ratio; and the big Thunderbird Special 320-hp 390-ci 4-barrel high-compression engine. The GT Equipment Group was required with the Hi-Po 271-hp 289-ci engine.

Like previous GT models, other features of the GT Equipment Group included grille-mounted fog lamps; front disc brakes; and the Special Handling Package consisting of higher-rate springs and shocks with a larger front stabilizer bar, F70-14 Wide-Oval sports–type tires, low-restriction mufflers, rocker stripes, and GT emblems. Changes included a different lower rear valance to exit the new chrome dual exhaust splitters, a GT gas cap, and either a GT or GTA emblem in the rocker stripes. The GT emblem was installed on stick shift Mustangs, while the GTA emblem was for the automatic. Besides the GTA, the GT Equipment Group was the basis for two territorial special model Mustangs, the High Country Special and the Ski Country Special. See their individual sections for more information.

Special additions could be added to the GT Equipment Group. Available only for the GT was the Competition Handling Package. This $388 package consisted of even adjustable shocks, 3.25 rear axle, limited-slip rear end, and 15-inch wire wheels. The Optional Reflective Group substituted the stripes with reflective versions in white, red, or blue and reflective paint on the deluxe wheel covers or styled steel wheel.

This Raven Black 1967 Mustang GT fastback shows off its rocker panel stripes and GT emblem, grille-mounted fog lamps, and optional steel-styled wheels with blue center caps. (Photo Courtesy Amanda Svencer)

IDENTIFICATION

The VIN or data plate on the 1967 Mustang does not identify the GT Equipment Group, except that all Mustangs with the 271-hp 289-ci Hi-Po K-code V-8 engines will be GTs. Examination of the original invoice is the best method to determine a GT. However, the VIN and data plate should call out any of the V-8 engines, the dual exhaust should exit through the lower rear valance, and fog lamps should be mounted in the grille.

1968 MUSTANG GT

The GT Special Equipment group could be added to a Mustang with three of the V-8 engines: the 302 4-barrel, 390-ci 2-barrel, or 390-ci 4-barrel. It was not available on the 289 2-barrel V-8 engine. The GT Special Equipment Group was advertised for those who wanted a sporty appearance and performance. It was available for all three of the Mustang body styles: hardtop, convertible, or fastback. The group consisted of dual 4-inch fog lamps mounted in the grille, dual exhaust splitters exiting through the rear lower valance panel, newly styled C-shaped side stripes, heavy-duty suspension, 14-inch GT steel-styled wheels, GT gas cap, and GT emblems. The heavy-duty suspension included larger springs, shocks, and front stabilizer bar. The Reflective Group option changed the side stripes to a reflective material and added reflective paint to the steel-styled wheels.

The 1968 Mustang GT was the base for other special models as well. There was a 1968 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) GT Cobra Jet race car, the GT High Country Special, and the GT/CS California Special. See their individual sections for more information.

This 1968 GT fastback is also a Rainbow of Colors special edition in Dandelion Yellow paint. This car features the GT side stripe, wheels, and emblems. See the Rainbow of Colors section for more information about that model. (Reiny van Uden Photo)

IDENTIFICATION

The VIN or data plate of a 1968 Mustang will not specifically call out the GT Special Equipment group. The invoice is the best method to identify a GT. The 1968 Mustang GTs will have some distinguishing features that can help identify them. These features include a 302- or 390-ci V-8 engine, grille-mounted fog lamps, and notches in the lower rear valance for dual exhaust to exit.

1969 MUSTANG GT

The last year the GT option package was available was 1969, until it reappeared again in 1982. Only 6,694 GT-equipped Mustangs rolled off the assembly line in 1969. This was three times fewer than 1968 and four times fewer than 1967. There were many other performance choices in 1969 with the Mach 1 and Boss models. The 1969 Mustang GT Equipment Group cost $147 and could be added to any of the three Mustang body styles: hardtop, convertible, or fastback. There were five different V-8 engines to choose from: the 351-ci 2-barrel, the 351-ci 4-barrel, the 390-ci 4-barrel, the 428-ci 4-barrel, and the 428-ci 4-barrel Ram Air Cobra Jet V-8. The GT Equipment Group included special handling options, racing stripes, dual exhaust, hood scoop, hood pin-type latches, GT gas cap, and styled wheels with Argent Silver trim and GT emblems.

IDENTIFICATION

There is no special identification in the VIN or on the data plate for this model. All GTs will have a V-8 engine, but not the 302-ci V-8, and the lower rear valance will have cutouts for the dual exhaust splitters.

The 1969 GT Mustang fastback shown has Silver Jade exterior paint featuring the GT steel-styled wheels, pop-open gas cap, pin-type hood lock latches, stripes, and functional shaker hood air scoop with the 4-speed 428 Cobra Jet. The hood scoop was simulated for other engines. (Photo Courtesy Benza Motors)

GT (Generation 3, Fox-Body, 1982–1993)

The GT special model returned in 1982 after being out of the Mustang lineup since 1969. Notable features of the GT that span all these years were: the 5.0L 302-ci V-8 engine, front grille-mounted fog lamps, Handling Suspension Package, wider tires, aluminum wheels, front air dam, rear decklid spoiler, and GT badges on the front fenders. Advertisements said The Boss is Back, referring to the popular Boss 302 from 1969 and 1970.

Partway through the third generation, the Mustang GT became its own model with unique identification codes. From 1987 on, the Mustang GT can be identified with a special model designation in the VIN.

1982 MUSTANG GT

The Mustang GT was back in 1982 as a sport upgrade package to the Mustang hatchback body style. The 1982 GT replaced the previous year’s Cobra and Sports packages. The GT package grouped together both performance and trim options that were available individually on the base Mustangs. The new 1982 Mustang lineup of base-level L, GL upgrade, luxury-sport GLX, and sport GT were created to follow the European naming standards, allowing for easier export.

The 1982 GT came with the newly introduced 157-hp 5.0L V-8 engine, dual exhaust pipes, and manual transmission. The 120-hp 4.2L V-8 engine was reserved for the automatic transmission for the GT. Other features of the 1982 GT included forward-facing, nonfunctional hood scoop (optional); the Handling Suspension Package; wider tire treads; 14-inch cast-aluminum wheels introduced in 1979; a color-matched version of the previous year’s Cobra front grille; dual fog lamps below the front bumper; new front skirts; rear spoiler; blackout interior trim; bucket seats; and a center console filled with electronic displays and gadgets. The sales brochure said the new air dam and spoiler were not just for looks. The air dam directed air around the car instead of under it. The spoiler created a downward force on the rear end at highway speeds. The Handling Suspension Package included stiffer front stabilizer bar, a rear stabilizer bar, adjusted spring and bushing rates, and adjusted shock-absorber valving. Paint choices were limited to Bright Red (code 27, M5734), Medium Red (code 24, M5727), Black (code 1C, M1724), and Silver (code 1G, M5299).

The Mustang GT returned in 1982 with fog lamps, low-slung air dam and spoiler, improved suspension, black interior trim, electronic digital clock, graphic display warning module, low-back reclining bucket seats, cut-pile carpet that also covered the lower door panels, optional Recaro seats, and of course the 5.0L High-Output V-8 engine. (Photo Courtesy Ford Motor Company)

IDENTIFICATION

There is no positive method to determine a 1982 GT from its VIN or data plate; however, it is a good starting point. A 1982 Mustang GT with an automatic transmission will have the D-code 4.2L V-8, while the 1982 GT with a manual transmission will have the F-code 5.0L V-8. The automatic 1982 Mustang GT is rare; most were manual-transmission cars.

1983 MUSTANG GT

The GT had two engine choices: the upgraded 175-hp 5.0L V-8 or the new 145-hp turbocharged 2.3L 4-cylinder that came out mid–model year. The turbo engine added another $250 to the GT price. Not many Turbo GTs were built in 1983. Besides the turbocharger, the fuel was electronically injected on this engine, unlike the 1-barrel carburetor on the base Mustang 2.3L 4-cylinder engine. The 5.0L V-8 engine received 18 more horsepower than the 1982 V-8 engine with the addition of a 4-barrel Holley 600-cfm carburetor.

The GT option could be added to either the hatchback or the new convertible Mustang body style. New items to the 1983 Mustang GT included a rear-facing nonfunctional hood scoop and 16-spoke alloy wheels. Many new Mustang GT owners chose the optional 3- or 6-spoke cast-aluminum TRX wheels instead. GT standard upgrade equipment included the 1983 standard new black grille, body-colored headlamp trim, aerodynamic front skirts, rear spoiler, and performance suspension and handling.

This Silver 1983 GT Mustang has a red interior and 5.0L High-Output V-8 under the hood. The black hood stripe with body-colored GT lettering, side GT decal, 5.0L side emblem, and rear wing/spoiler were all part of the 1983 GT. (Jerry Heasley Photo)

This is one of 1,001 1983 Mustang GT convertibles built by Cars & Concepts of Brighton for Ford. It is in Medium Red exterior paint with Medium Red vinyl bucket seats, nonfunctional hood scoop, black window and rocker panel trim, color-keyed side molding, and GT fender graphics. These 16-spoke cast-aluminum wheels became available for the GT in 1987. (Dave Hilgendorf Photo)

IDENTIFICATION

The rare 1983 Turbo GT can be determined from the VIN or data plate, as it will have the W-code engine. There is no easy way to determine the 1983 5.0L GT from its VIN or data plate, but there will be the new F-code 5.0L V-8 engine called out. Obtaining the build invoice is the best method for identification. If you have one, look for the 932 option.

1984 MUSTANG GT

Returning in 1984 were the previous year’s more popular 175-hp 5.0L V-8 and optional 2.3L electronic fuel-injected Turbo 4-cycle engines. The GT came with power gas-filled shocks, the Handling Suspension Package, higher rear-end gear ratio, Traction-Lok axles, the wider and higher speed–rated 205/70VR 14-inch tires, cast-aluminum wheels, hood stripes and decals, functional front air dam with integrated fog lamps, rear spoiler, power steering, and center console decked out with electronics. The 5-speed manual transmission was standard equipment, but the automatic transmission could be substituted. The GT option could be added to either the hatchback or convertible Mustang body style. It was not available on the notchback Mustang body style.

The Medium Red vinyl bucket seat interior of a 1983 Mustang GT is shown here. The special edition also had air-conditioning, interval windshield wipers, leather-wrapped steering wheel, speed control, cassette stereo radio with premium sound system, power windows and locks, and light group. (Dave Hilgendorf Photo)

The 1983 Mustang GT received a new 4-barrel carburetor, aluminum intake manifold, a high-flow air cleaner, and valvetrain modifications that pushed the 5.0L V-8 from 157 to 175 hp. Here is a view of the 1983 Mustang GT F-code 5.0L 4-valve V-8 High-Output engine. (Dave Hilgendorf Photo)

A Bright Red 1984 Mustang GT showing off its striped hood with GT lettering, 5.0L High-Output V-8, functional front air dam, integral fog lamps, and metric cast-aluminum wheels. (Jerry Heasley Photo)

The 1984 Mustang GT was the base for other special models in 1984. One was the Oxford White 20th Anniversary GT with the red GT350 rocker stripes. Another was the first couple Steve Saleen conversions, which later became the popular Saleen Mustang.

IDENTIFICATION

The 1984 Turbo GT can be determined from the VIN or data plate, as it will have the W-code engine. The turbo engine used in the SVO had a T code. There is no easy way to determine the 1983 5.0L GT from its VIN or data plate because the F-code 5.0L V-8 was optional on the L and LX models. Obtaining the build invoice and looking for the 932 option is the best method to identify them.

1985 MUSTANG GT

Ford advertised the 1985 Mustang GT as having a reputation of respect for balance and quickness. The 1985 GT Mustang came standard with an improved 5.0L High-Output V-8 engine, putting out 210 hp. That was a 35-hp increase from the previous year with a combination of stainless headers, low-friction roller tappets, high-performance camshaft, and a more efficient accessory drive system controlling power to the air conditioner, power steering, and alternator. The 5-speed manual transmission was standard equipment. The optional automatic transmission reduced the power back to 175 hp by using the previous year’s engine setup.

The 1985 Ford Mustang sales brochure celebrated the Mustang GT. The GT section of the sales brochure says, There’s a certain reputation and respect that have followed Mustang GT since its introduction 20 years ago. A respect for balance and, of course, quickness, that adds to GT’s reputation year after year. (Photo Courtesy Ford Motor Company)

This is the 1985 Mustang standard engine, the 5.0L High-Output 4-barrel V-8. The High-Output version of this engine was rated at 210 hp and was primarily available with the manual transmission.

The last year for the 4-cycle 2.3L Turbo engine option was 1985. It was rated at 145 hp and provided better gas mileage. New to 1985 were the Quadra-Shock suspension system, 10-spoke wheel, lighter charcoal cloth interiors, charcoal side molding with an embossed GT near the rear wheel, fog lamps, and a single lower half opened front grille with the Ford emblem just above. The new Quadra-Shock suspension system consisted of variable-rate springs, gas-filled struts and shocks, and VR-rated Goodyear Eagle Gatorback unidirectional treaded tires. The 1985 Mustang GT was offered on both the hatchback and the convertible.

The 1985 Mustang GT was the basis for the Twister II Special and the Saleen Mustang special editions. Check out their sections for more information.

IDENTIFICATION

The 1985 Mustang Turbo GT can be identified by the W-code 2.3L Turbo engine code. There is not an easy way to identify the 5.0L GT from its VIN or data plate. Consulting the original build invoice is the best method for identification. It will have the M-code 5.0L engine in a three-door hatchback or convertible body style.

1986 MUSTANG GT

New in 1986 was the electronically controlled, sequential multiple-port fuel-injected High-Output 5.0L V-8 engine. The block was stiffer, and a new cylinder head was used. Horsepower was down a bit to 200 hp. Other new items included a true dual exhaust system with two mufflers and two catalytic converters and a new, bigger 8.8-inch Traction-Lok rear axle.

An example of a 1986 GT in Bright Red with T-top option without the black GT hood stripe, which could be deleted when ordered. The cast-aluminum wheels were standard on the GT and required on the LX 5.0L.

The side rear fender GT lettering and the cast-aluminum wheels came standard as part of the 1986 Mustang GT.

A view of the M-code 210-hp 5.0L High-Output V-8 engine used on the 1986 Mustang GT. This engine without the High-Output 4-barrel carburetor was available for the 1984 Mustang with the High-Output option.

Many of the other GT features were carried over from 1985, such as a hood stripe with GT lettering, GT embossed in the side molding, rear spoiler, fog lamps, remote control fuel door, articulated sports seats, soft steering wheel, 10-spoke cast-aluminum wheels, and P225/60VR 15-inch unidirectional Goodyear Eagle performance tires. The GT hood lettering and rear spoiler could be deleted. Popular options included lower charcoal two-tone paint.

IDENTIFICATION

The VIN and data plate on the 1986 Mustang will not specifically call out the GT model. Obtaining the original build invoice is the best method to identify a 1986 Mustang GT. The 1985 Mustang GT will have the M-code 5.0L engine applied to both the fastback and convertible body styles.

1987 MUSTANG GT

Updated designs benefited from the new flush-mounted headlamps, front fascia, a return of side skirts, and smooth rear quarter windows that extended over the previous year’s fixed louvers. Standard GT options included a manual transmission, heavy-duty battery, Handling Suspension Package, side molding insert stripes, fog lamps, tilt steering wheel, and tinted glass. Popular 1987 options included T-tops and turbine wheels.

Holiday Ford of Delano, California, sent out this postcard featuring the 1987 Mustang GT. These photos were also used in the 1987 Ford Mustang sales brochure. Under the hood is a 225-hp 5.0L electronic fuel-injected High-Output V-8 engine. (Photo Courtesy Ford Motor Company)

Unlike the previous years, 1987 marked the first year of offering only one engine by model. There were two engines available for the 1987 Mustang: a 90-hp 2.3L inline 4-cylinder for the standard Mustang LX and a 225-hp 5.0L V-8. The Mustang GT received the High-Output 5.0L V-8 engine and a manual transmission as standard equipment. The engine was rated at 225 hp and 300 ft-lbs of torque. Engine technology included electronic control sequential multiple-port fuel injection, high-performance forged camshaft, low-friction roller tappets, and forged aluminum pistons. The engine breathed out through a set of stainless steel tuned tubular headers and large-diameter dual exhaust pipes.

IDENTIFICATION

The Mustang GT received its own model number in 1987. The GT model can now be easily identified in the VIN by a P42 for the hatchback or a P45 for the convertible.

1988 MUSTANG GT

Standard items on the 1988 Mustang GT that were not standard on the base Mustang LX model included the 5.0L electronic fuel-injected High-Output V-8 engine, 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive, a Special Handling Suspension Package, P225/60VR15 unidirectional Goodyear Eagle performance tires, fog lamps, rear spoiler, side molding insert stripes around the whole car, 16-spoke cast-aluminum wheels, sport seats, tilt steering wheel, tinted glass, and remote control fuel filler door.

The Special Handling Suspension Package included variable-rate springs; gas-filled front MacPherson struts; Quadra-Shock rear suspension that consisted of gas-filled vertical shocks and horizontal axle dampers; upsized front stabilizer bar, rear stabilizer bar, quicker 15:1 ratio power rack-and-pinion steering; revised ball joints; front strut assembly and mounts; lower spring insulator and rear spring dampeners; and adjusted spring and bushing rates.

The automatic transmission was optional on the 1988 Mustang GT. Popular additions included either the T-top or sunroof on the hatchback, the titanium lower accent (two-tone) treatment, premium sound system with the graphic equalizer, and air-conditioning.

The dealer-created US Mustang special model was created from the 1988 Mustang GT. See that section for more information.

IDENTIFICATION

The 1988 Mustang GT can be identified by the VIN or vehicle data decal. A 1988 Mustang GT convertible will have a P45 model code. The 1988 Mustang GT hatchback will have the P42 model code. Both will also have the E-code V-8 engine.

This 1988 GT Mustang in Scarlet Red with T-top option has standard GT 16-spoke cast-aluminum wheels, closed-in aerodynamic front grille, unique front lower fascia with fog lamps, body side skirt panels with Mustang GT embossed lettering, front and rear brake vents, and body side molding with black insert stripes. The Scarlet Red interior trim with sport seats could be matched with the exterior colors of Black, Dark Gray metallic, Light Gray, Scarlet Red, Medium Cabernet, or Oxford White. A 5.0L High-Output V-8 is under the hood. (Jerry Heasley Photo)

A rear view of a Scarlet Red 1988 GT Mustang showing off the single-wing rear spoiler and unique GT rear taillight design that started with the 1987 GT. (Jerry Heasley Photo)

1989 MUSTANG GT

The 1989 Mustang GT was visually similar to the 1988 and was offered in both the hatchback and convertible body styles. Special GT features included front air dam, fog lamps, louvered wraparound taillights, body-colored side moldings, flared rocker moldings with integrated spats, special 16-spoke cast-aluminum