Presented in highly original condition, this one-owner 1986 Ford Mustang SVO shows 13,973 miles on the odometer. Finished in bright red, the SVO is powered by an electronically fuel-injected, turbocharged and intercooled 2.3L/200 HP inline 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. The body features unique trim items that set it apart from regular Mustangs such as a hood with an offset functional scoop, a single-piece biplane rear spoiler, flush-mounted headlamps, the grille opening, striated tail lamp covers and unique 16x7-inch cast aluminum wheels. Well equipped, this SVO features a charcoal leather interior with articulated front bucket seats, power steering, 4-wheel power disc brakes, a premium AM/FM stereo, a rear window defroster, a folding rear seat and tinted glass. Accompanied by the original invoice and purchase documents, this 1986 Ford Mustang SVO is an impressive and desirable example from the final year of the SVO, when only 3,379 were produced. The 1980s offered car makers a number of unique challenges, the biggest of which might have been the call for fuel efficiency and emissions cleanliness. One of Ford’s responses to those challenges was the Mustang SVO, a Mustang specially prepared by their Special Vehicle Operations team. The idea was to produce a Mustang that offered a decidedly European flavor in handling, engineering and exclusivity. More expensive than a standard Mustang GT and powered by a turbocharged 2.3L 4-cylinder engine, the SVO was introduced for the 1984 model year and well received by the press, but many buyers balked at the idea of a 4-cylinder Mustang costing roughly $6,000 more than a V-8-powered GT. However, the proof was in the pudding. Initially, the SVO produced 175 HP, but an intercooler boosted that number to 205 HP for 1985. The SVO could sprint to 60 MPH in about 7 seconds, roughly the same amount of time a GT required for the same run, but where the SVO stood out was in its drivability, comfort and fuel efficiency. It was poised and balanced, revved freely and pulled beautifully while delivering outstanding fuel economy numbers. Sadly, the market was not quite ready for it, meaning that by the time production ended in 1986, just over 9,800 were produced, 3,379 of which were built that final year.
