Mustang History: 1984

Mustang SVO makes its debut as a future-thinking alternative to the small block V8. Easy to distinguish from the rest of its third generation Fox brethren, the SVO features a grille-less swooping nose, large sealed-beam halogen headlights, an asymmetrical hood scoop and a biplane rear spoiler. The powerplant is a further departure. Utilizing an intercooled 2.3-liter turbocharged overhead-cam four-cylinder, the "machine" realizes 175 horsepower. The '85 and '86 models see increased turbo boost, a revised intake manifold, fuel injectors and exhaust flow take horsepower to 205 and 200 respectively.

Suspension and chassis are given considerable attention as SVO engineers seek balanced performance. Featuring Koni gas-charged shocks, 1.12-inch-diameter antisway bars, forged steel lower trailing arms, four wheel disc brakes and 16-inch wheels with P225/50VR Goodyear Gatorback radials.

Inside, the SVO is extremely well-accommodated. Included are: Hurst shifter, Recaro bucket seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dead pedal, 140 mph speedometer, 8000 rpm tachometer, turbo boost, water-temperature and oil-pressure gauges.

Road & Track lauds the SVO: "This may be the best all-around car for the enthusiast driver ever produced by the U.S. industry."

Also introduced is a 1984 1/2 20th Anniversary G.T. 350 model. The G.T. 350 was available as either a hatchback or convertible, and buyers could opt for either the turbocharged four-cylinder of the 5.0 HO. All were painted Oxford White with a Canyon Red interior, and sported original pony and stripes side emblems and two special 20th anniversary badges on the dashboard. Ford capitalized on the Mustang's past performance by adding tape side stripes with "G.T. 350" markings, an obvious reference to the Shelby days. Carroll Shelby did not approve of the package, since he had sold the rights to the "Cobra" name but not the "G.T. 350 or G.T. 500" names. Ford agreed not to use the name again, but only after the first 5,260 cars were built.

1984 introduced the first Saleen Mustang. The 1984 model would feature aerodynamic body panels and racing suspension components, but Saleen would begin adding engine modifications in following years.

Total U.S. Production: 141,480

Engines

• 3.8L EFI V6 120HP 3 Code
• 2.3L EFI 4-cyl 145HP W Code (Turbo GT)
• 5.0L EFI V8 160HP F Code
• 2.3L EFI 4-cyl 175HP T Code (SVO)
• 5.0L 4V V8 175HP M Code (HO)
• 2.3L 1V 4-cyl 88HP A Code

Production

• Hatchback: 86,200
• Coupe: 37,680
• Convertible: 17,600
• 20th Anniv. VIP Convertible: 16
• 20th Anniv. Hatchback Turbo GT: 350
• 20th Anniv. Hatchback 5.0L GT: 3,333
• 20th Anniv. Ford of Canada (total): 246
• 20th Anniv. Convertible Turbo GT: 104
• 20th Anniv. Convertible 5.0L GT: 1,213
• -Total-: 141,480

Prices

• Convertible: $11,840
• Coupe: $7,089
• Hatchback: $7,260

Colors

• Bright Canyon Red
• Bright Copper Glow
• Dark Academy Blue Metallic
• Dark Charcoal Metallic
• Desert Tan Glow
• Light Academy Blue Glow
• Light Desert Tan
• Medium Canyon Red Glow
• Oxford White
• Silver Metallic
• Black