Car Spot: 86 Ford Mustang GT

A fun car left by the side of the road as yard art

I’m always on the lookout for my next spot and when we’re in the car together it sometimes drives my wife nuts when I find a place to make a U-turn and circle back for some pictures. Since our daughter now lives in Peoria, IL we visit her often from Pewaukee WI. Our last turn before heading south is just before the Illinois River in Lacon, about 30 minutes north of Peoria. There, sitting next to an abandoned filling station is this abandoned 86 Ford Mustang GT this week’s spot.

The Fox body Mustang was introduced in 1979 as the car’s third generation. The then five-year-old platform was given a slight facelift in 83. The front fascia was restyled with a more rounded nose and reshaped grille. New, wider horizontal taillights with dedicated amber turn signals replaced the vertical sectioned units. In 1986 the GT model was the first Mustang to feature a Sequential Electronic Fuel Injected (SEFI) 5.0-liter V8 engine, rated at 200 hp and 285 lb-ft of torque. It could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds and run a quarter mile in 14.7 seconds and was considered one of the best-handling Mustangs of its time, offering a sportier feel compared to previous models. Other features included power-assisted front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Some models had options like KONI shocks and 16-inch wheels.

Ford pumped out 224,410 Mustang units in 1986 but due to its historical significance as the first year of the SEFI 5.0-liter V8, the 1986 Mustang GT is a sought-after model among collectors. It’s a bargain too as in good condition with average specs can be had for just under $11,000.

Sadly, this Mustang was put out to pasture. We’ve made multiple trips over the last year and it has never moved. Not really sure how mold forms on a car that just sits outside but I wouldn’t touch this one without gloves. The interior looks OK though. My wife and I gave this Mustang a special name, the “MoldStang” because the DiscuStang was already taken by David Freiburger and Finnegan on ROADKILL, a TV show that just recently ended on MotorTrend. Who knows, maybe someone will pass this post on and they’ll come and rescue it.

Thanks for stopping by and reading about this week’s spot. Come back next Friday for another one along with some of its history and have a great weekend.