Four Lug Fox: 1983 Ford Mustang GLX 5.0 5-Speed Convertible – Sold!

Update: This one got away, but if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330

In the early eighties, Ford underwent a bit of a renaissance.  Symbolically, it revived its Blue Oval logo as a replacement for the block lettering found on most of its cars.  More importantly, the company re-introduced a convertible version of the Mustang such as the Polar White GLX example listed in April 2020 on Craigslist in Columbia Station, Ohio where the current caretaker is asking $9,500.   Researching the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his Mustang priced between the #2 “Excellent” appraisal” of $16,000 and the #3 “Good” estimate of $8,300.

Excerpt from the Hagerty Insurance website summarizing the ’83 Mustang:

“In 1983, Ford offered a Mustang Convertible for the first time since 1973. These cars were not designed from the outset as convertibles, but rather left the factory as coupes and were sent to third-party company Cars & Concepts of Brighton, Michigan for conversion.

The sophomore year of the GT Mustang would see the carburetor of the 5.0-liter V-8 upgraded to a Holley four-barrel unit. This raised output to 175 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque, sent through a new Borg-Warner 5-speed manual transmission, and an updated 3.27:1 rear end. Wider Michelin tires helped put power to the road and an enlarged stabilizer bar added to the enhancements. According to Ford, the Mustang GT 5.0 could get from 0-60 mph in under seven seconds. Its 175-hp output made it the most powerful Mustang since 1973.

Slight styling revisions included a smoother nose, updated taillights, and a reverse hood scoop. The Ford Blue Oval logo replaced F-O-R-D block lettering for this year.  The presence of the convertible option and the availability of the T-Tops meant Ford no longer had to offer the dated “Carriage roof.” The Ford Mustang was offered in L, LX, and GLX levels. 120,873 Fox-body Mustangs were sold in 1983.“

Here’s a 1983 Ford Mustang commercial showing off the prowess of the ’83 5.0L model and noting how many law enforcement agencies ended up adding coupe versions in their highway patrol fleets:

We love this wonderfully optioned Mustang and the fact it is a virtually unmolested example right down to the odd metric sized four-lug aluminum wheels that can only be fit with Michelin TRX tires that Coker tire now supplies.  The only non-stock item we notice is the aftermarket air cleaner, so we hope the owner has that still available.   This is a great alternative to the vastly more common and arguably less attractive later LX editions.  The complete documentation might even make this example a nice AACA preservation class contender that also gains you entry into the RADwood event of your choice.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“This is a real nice super clean mustang with the gt performance package 5.0- 4v hp and 308 traction lock rear end and a Tremec 5 speed trans , power steering and power disc brakes, power top, orignal paint and interior and top, stock alum wheels and nice tires , low miles only 77 k this car runs and drives great and rare gt options please call only ( 440-305-i42i ) or ( 440-506–23o2 )also have original window sticker, nice nice car“

Do you have a Fox Body Mustang story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!