Four Banger Fun: 1984 Ford Mustang SVO 13K Survivor – GwR Auctioning!

January 11, 2022 Update – After coming across our favorable write-up of his like-new SVO, the second owner decided to give GuysWithRides’ auctions a try to get more national exposure of his rare Mustang!

December 29, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the private seller just lowered their asking price by another three large to $17,900.

December 6, 2021 Update – just three days after they posted their listing, the private seller just lowered their asking price by two thousand from $22,900 to $20,900.

History has a way of repeating itself, even in the automobile industry. Ford’s current strategy of offering two performance versions of the Mustang (your choice of EcoBoost Turbocharged four-cylinder or small-block V8) traces its roots back to 1984 when the company offered either the 5.0L V8 GT or the turbo-four SVO. Within two years, the V8 version won out as consumers preferred the low-bang-for-the-buck GT over the high-priced SVO. With just under ten thousand SVO produced during this model’s short three-year production run, it’s always a treat to spot a low-mileage survivor example such as this 1984 Ford Mustang SVO hatchback originally listed in December 2021 on Craigslist in Addison, Illinois (Chicago).

Featuring a reported 13K original miles, the seller reports their SVO is a two-owner example that comes with the original set of tires.  Currently offered at $20,900 (the original ask was $22,900), comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the second owner has their 1984 Ford Mustang SVO priced between this guide’s #2 “Excellent” estimate of $18,700 and its #1 “Concours” appraisal of $33,200.

The Hagerty Insurance online valuation tool also provides this nice synopsis of the 1984 Ford Mustang SVO model:

“In 1984 Ford’s Special Vehicle Operations, only a few years old, created the Mustang SVO. It featured a unique front fascia with a revised headlight layout, a dual-wing rear spoiler, and a functional, off-center hood scoop. That scoop fed a turbocharged 2.3-liter four with an output of 175 horsepower—the same as the high-output version of that year’s venerable 5.0 V-8.

More than just a new engine and new look, the Mustang SVO also received some chassis upgrades, including larger sway bars, Koni gas shocks, four-wheel disc brakes, and 16-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear Gatorback radial tires. The cabin of the Mustang SVO featured Recaro bucket seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Hurst shifter, and additional gauges for water temp, oil pressure, and turbo boost.

The base engine in the Fox body Ford Mustang continued to be the 2.3-liter inline-4, making 88hp. A mid-range 3.8-liter V-6 made 120hp. A Turbo GT featured the forced-induction 2.3-liter, making 145hp. Two 5.0 V-8 engines were offered. The standard output was 160hp, while the high-output version made 175hp.”

The MotorWeek Retro Review YouTube Channel provides this test drive from back in 1984 when Ford launched the SVO:

If you subscribe to the “they are only original once” philosophy who always longed for a 1984 Ford Mustang SVO when they were new, now is your chance to buy what is essentially a 37-year-old new car.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“This Mustang is an absolute time capsule. I bought from orig owner who bought this gorgeous 1984 Mustang SVO that is 1 of 864 in silver metallic and 1 of 642 with paint and trim code and only 13k orig miles from new. Even has the factory orig tires that were imported from Europe. The original owner had her even Ziebarted when bought new. 1st year of the SVO Mustang. That has the Turbo 4cyl. 175 horsepower with 14lb boost and 210 ft-lbs torque matted with the 5spd manual trans. This SVO comes in the rarest color for this year Silver Metallic with a gray cloth interior with bucket seats with the hand blow-up bolsters. This one is loaded as well. With PW.pl.tilt steering, intermittent wipers.fog lamps with original covers.factory alarm.rear defrost.ac.orig am/fm cassette player.folding rear seats. Hatch pull cover. She runs and drives as new. The interior shows as new both seats show no signs of wear. The original paint is time capsule amazing. The engine compartment is highly detailed. These Mustangs SVO are becoming highly collectible and this one is the one to have to be 1 of 642 and super low 13k miles from new. And I do have a Marti Report as well. Please any questions ill be happy to answer any. Thanks for looking”

Show or go: what would you do with this 1984 Ford Mustang SVO Survivor?  Comment below and let us know!