1985 FORD MUSTANG SVO
13k Mile, One-Family Owned, California Car
Ownership History
This 1985 Ford Mustang SVO is a 1 owner vehicle and has remained in San Jose, CA since it was purchased in 1985. The SVO was purchased for the owners daughter while she was in high school. It didn’t take long for that to end. Within a year California Highway Patrol came knocking with a large ticket. The car was parked, and the daughter drove a Honda Civic from that day forward. The father held on to the car and drove it on occasion but very infrequently. This time capsule demonstrates the 1980s car scene vividly and is an excellent example of SVO Mustangs.
Overall Condition
As the sub 13k miles would reflect, the overall condition of the SVO is outstanding. The paint shows very few flaws that are mostly limited to the bumper areas. A couple of dings around the vehicle are apparent and the decision was made to forego Paintless Dent Repair for preservation of the original paint (there is concern that PDR can crack older paint when the repair methods are taken out) and leave that decision to the next caretaker of the car. Panels and gaps are as good as they ever were from the factory in the 80’s. The rims are in very good condition and show light wear that are commensurate with the age of the car. The interior condition is very good. Seats show almost no wear, stains or tears. Carpets are clean except for a stain in the right rear footwell. Dash and plastics are all in very good condition with no scratches or cracks. The headliner was recently replaced due to a sagging previous unit. Gauges, stereo, lamps, etc all function as intended. HVAC works although AC likely needs charging. Rear hatch space is in very good condition with no staining on carpets and no significant scratches on plastics. The cargo cover is in place and functions as intended.
Maintenance Records
- Headliner replaced 2/1/25
- New General G-Max 225/50ZR16 Tires (32/22 date)
- Multi-step paint correction 2024 in preparation for sale. (3-step on flat surfaces. 2-step on vertical surfaces)
- Bi-Wing spoiler sanded/repainted in correct textured charcoal color 11/2024
- Oil/Filter changed 9/26/23
- Coolant drained/replaced 9/26/23
- Thermostat changed 9/26/23
- Brake system flush, cleaned master cylinder, clean brakes 9/26/23
- Dropped/drained/rinsed fuel tank, replaced fuel filter 9/26/23
- Replaced filler fuel neck grommet 9/26/23
- Power steering fluid drained and refilled 9/26/23
- Transmission fluid drained and refilled 9/26/23
- Vacuum lines to turbo gauge repaired 9/26/23
- 30,000 mile service performed on 8/14/02
- Fuel tank replacement, fuel pump replacement, PCM replacement among other minor services (Note: Documents mistakenly record mileage at 112,452 due to typo error. Real mileage at that time was 12,452)
- Muffler replaced on 9/24/02
HISTORY – FORD MUSTANG SVO TURBO
In light of the oil crises of the 1970s, the “big three” automakers (Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler Corporation) saw financial losses due to the decline in demand for gas-guzzling muscle cars. Thus, Ford sought to rebrand the acclaimed Mustang and focus on developing the vehicle’s sport oriented side. Therefore, in 1979, the now legendary Fox Body platform debuted. Two years later Ford’s Special Vehicle Operations Department (SVO) was formed and spearheaded by Michael Kranefuss who had previously directed the motorsports racing arm of Ford of Europe. In order to compete with the European sports car market SVO chose the Mustang as the basis and began to tune it. Engineering was led by Glen Lyall while chassis development was led by Bob Negstad. The launch of the SVO Mustang was initially delayed amidst the temporary cancellation of the Fox Body platform, but eventually, in 1983, the car made its first public appearance in Northern California based press events including track time at the Sears Point Raceway. In 1984 the SVO Mustang officially hit the market and was sold until 1986.
Specifications
The 1985 SVO Mustang differs significantly when compared to its V-8 cousin; the most obvious difference being the power plant. Coming in 150 lb lighter than the 5.0 liter V-8, the SVO is powered by an SOHC 2.3 liter Lima Inline-4. The Pinto and Mustang II sourced engine aided weight distribution and handling given its perpendicular placement with regard to the front axle. To bump power figures up, the engine was outfitted with an AiResearch T03 Turbo, an advanced computer-controlled fuel injection system, and an air-to-air intercooler. Aided by 14 lbs of boost the 1985 Mustang SVO put out 175hp at 4400 rpm and 210 lb.-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. Additionally, drivers could adjust the vehicle’s spark advance depending on the fuel being used; boost was also limited to 10 lbs below 2500 rpm. All of this boost and power is controlled with ease and quickness by a Borg-Warner T-5 five-speed manual transmission.
In order to further increase performance the entire suspension geometry of the SVO was reworked. The steering ratio was changed to 15:1 for quicker steering. A 3.73 limited-slip Traction-Lok rear differential. Fully adjustable KONI struts, dampers and shocks were now standard (shocks had three settings ranging from touring to competitive). 4 wheel ventilated disc brakes were an improvement over the disc/drum setup on the GT model.
Performance improvements did not just extend to the chassis. A functional hood scoop brought cold air to the intercooler. Thinner and smoother body lines improved aerodynamics; but the most obvious addition to the body was the bi-plane rear spoiler (the drag coefficient was measured at 0.39).
According to Road and Tracks road test this Mustang SVO achieved a 0-60 time of 7.7 seconds. It crossed the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds at 89 mph in 4th gear. According to the road test the car topped out at 134 mph in 5th gear. The turbocharged engine sees stout acceleration figures, but is able to bring all that speed to a halt with its “very good” brake rating and “excellent” control.
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Regards,
Classic Cars Ltd.
925-846-1451