In the Ford Mustang’s well-documented history as one of the world’s most iconic muscle cars, the Fox Body Mustang is often a heavy talking point. Why? Well, the third-generation model built between 1979 and 1993 is one of - if not the most, distinctive ‘Stangs ever because of its polarizing design and unique approach to performance.

The Fox Body Mustang went through three different sub-generations during its 14-year run, and after a few underwhelming initial years, Ford finally hit the mark with the 1986 Mustang GT, a well-performing yet not overly expensive pony car capable of holding its own against the likes of the Chevy Camaro IROC-Z, Buick Grand National, and The Pontiac Trans AM.

At the time, all competitive rivals were doing their best to provide thrilling muscle options whilst also complying with strict fuel and emissions regulations that followed the devastating fuel crisis, and the 1986 Ford Mustang GT was one of the few that did things right. Let’s get into the details.

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The 1986 Ford Mustang GT’s V8 Was Perfect

1986 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 5-Speed 2-Door Coupe
Via: BringaTrailer

When we say that the ‘86 Mustang GT’s powerplant was perfect, we don’t mean it in the sense that it outperformed every single rival. In reality, it was just what the doctor ordered during a time when ultra-powerful engines simply weren’t viable anymore, and it managed to deliver reasonable performance whilst also complying with regulations, resulting in a daily-drivable pony car with relatively good gas mileage and a tempting price tag.

The 1986 Fox Body Mustang GT came with a sole engine option: a 5.0-liter OHV V8 that was capable of producing 200 horsepower and a healthy pull of 285 pound-feet of torque. Even though it dropped 10 hp from the 1985 model, Ford’s new incorporation of an advanced multi-port direct fuel injection system translated to a 20-pound-foot boost in torque that was available from 3000 rpm. This translated to a greatly-improved acceleration time, aided by either a 5-speed Borg-Warner T-5 manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission that helped boost the RWD machine from 0-60 mph in just 6.3 seconds. 1986 drag strip enthusiasts were also pleased to learn that, for the first time in years, the Mustang GT was once again capable of running the quarter mile in less than 15 seconds (14.7 to be exact).

So, the 1986 Ford Mustang GT’s new engine was undoubtedly the best mill the model had seen in years, and it’s no surprise it outsold almost all other third-gen Mustang models with a total sales volume of over 224,000 units, of which more than 50,000 were GTs.

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The 1986 Ford Mustang GT Handled Well Too

1986_Ford_Mustang_GT_5.0_T-top
via Wikimedia.commons

Now, Ford knew full well that even though regulations were inevitably going to limit the 1986 Mustang GT’s power output, they definitely weren’t going to hinder its handling capabilities, and it received some pretty awesome hardware as a result. It featured front independent coil-sprung suspension with a 26.5 mm anti-roll bar, and rear semi-floating solid-axle coil-sprung suspension with gas-pressurized hydraulic shocks and a 23.0 mm anti-roll bar.

The ‘86 Mustang GT’s rack-and-pinion hydraulically-assisted steering was extremely responsive and aggressive, with a short 2.46 lock-to-lock turning cycle. To perfectly round off the Mustang GT’s handling resume, Ford also equipped it with a limited-slip diff, sticky Goodyear Eagle VR60 tires, and power-assisted hydraulic 10.1-inch vented front disc brakes along with 9.1 x 1.8-inch rear drum brakes.

Leaving numbers and mechanical terms aside, the 1986 Ford Mustang GT was simply one of the best-handling Mustangs to date, feeling more like a sports car than an actual purebred straight-line-only muscle machine.

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Exterior And Interior Styling Of The Fox Body 1986 Mustang GT

1986 Ford Mustang GT
Ford

Some love it while others hate it, but if you take the 1985 Fox Body Mustang GT at face value without comparing it with the timeless ‘Stangs of old, it’s actually pretty handsome. Up front, it features a mildly molded hood that feeds into a pointed bumper with discrete grills and pushed-in quad headlights. Down the flank, the Fox Body becomes clear, complemented by flared fenders and plastic-clad rear door and quarter panels. Lastly, from the rear, it boasts sexy vented rear window louvers, as well as a mild decklid wing and dual long-piped exhaust outlets. It was available in three configurations - Notchback, Hatchback, and convertible.

From within, the ‘86 Mustang GT’s cabin was well-built and attractive, featuring a two-level dash with a large multi-gauge driver’s display, a two-piece passenger dash, a three-spoke steering wheel, and cloth-padded doors along with cloth sports seats. Optional features came in the form of a sunroof, power side windows, a premium sound system, air conditioning, and a few other miscellaneous amenities.

Boiling things down, the 1986 Ford Mustang GT will forever be a historic Ford pony car because of its heroic adaptation to a difficult time. It might not be the fastest Mustang ever, nor the most beautiful, but it’s still an amazing performance car in its own right.

Source: Ford, Hemmings