The Fox-platform Mustang, introduced in 1979, marked a new era of Mustang performance. Mustangs with powerful V8s and turbocharged engines became popular on the streets, while hot-rodded Ford ponies dominated drag strips. However, it’s important to remember that the Mustang also maintained its reputation as a sporty yet economical commuter car during this era. This meant that many Mustangs were sold with base engines and affordable price tags.
In 1987, the Mustang was available in three body styles: a notchback two-door sedan, a convertible, and a three-door hatchback. Except for 1979 and 1980, the hatchback consistently outsold the notchback throughout the 1979-1993 Fox era. With over 2.5 million Mustangs sold during this period, the hatchback proved to be a popular choice among buyers.
The 1987 Mustang LX came with a 2.3-liter “Pinto” four-cylinder base engine, delivering 90 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque. This particular car in a North Carolina self-service junkyard features the base engine.
On the other hand, the 1987 Mustang GT boasted a 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 225 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Those looking for a lightweight sleeper Mustang had the option of buying the LX notchback and equipping it with the V8 engine, adding $1,885 to the car’s sticker price ($5,294 in 2024 dollars).
While the LX hatchback had a slightly higher price tag than the trunk-equipped ’87 Mustang, this specific car has additional costly options. It’s equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, adding $515 to the overall cost ($1,447 now). Additionally, it features air conditioning, which ranged in price from $788 to $1,028 depending on the package ($2,213 to $2,887 today).
One noticeable modification to this car is the set of cast aluminum wheels, typically associated with the V8 engine package. It’s likely that these wheels were swapped in after the original purchase. The center caps for the wheels are still present.
Considering its age, this 37-year-old car is in relatively good condition compared to other Fox Mustangs commonly found in junkyards. While it’s relatively easy and affordable to convert these cars into hot rods by installing a Windsor V8 engine and manual transmission, this particular car somehow evaded such modifications. Some enthusiasts might find hot-rodding a Fox LTD or Cougar to be more exciting.
In terms of design, 1987 brought a significant facelift to the Fox Mustang. The old sealed-beam “four-eyes” headlights were replaced with a grille reminiscent of the ones seen on Tauruses and Thunderbirds. Ultimately, the Fox Mustang’s production ended in 1993, unless one considers the Fox-derived 1994-2004 SN95 Mustangs as true descendants.
Interestingly, Ford did not produce many television commercials promoting the Mustang LX during this time. Instead, they focused their marketing efforts on the flashier Mustang GT. Though a new Mustang was beyond the financial reach of many, owning a sporty Ford fastback with a Windsor V8 engine and Competition Orange paint was a dream come true for some, including the author, who was a broke college student in 1987.
In conclusion, the Fox-platform Mustang of the late ’70s and early ’80s paved the way for a new era of Mustang performance. While it was known for its powerful engines and hot-rodding potential, it also remained true to its origins as an economical and sporty commuter car. The LX hatchback, with its base engine and affordable price tag, was a popular choice among buyers. This particular 1987 Mustang LX in the North Carolina junkyard showcases some costly options, including an automatic transmission and air conditioning. Despite its age, the car is in better condition than expected, avoiding the fate of being transformed into a hot rod. The Fox Mustang’s design underwent a significant facelift in 1987 before production ended in 1993. While the Mustang LX may not have received as much attention in advertisements during this period, it still held appeal for those looking for a sporty and affordable ride.