1984 Ford Mustang SVO Is One of the First Ever Built, Rare Unrestored Gem

Some say the Mustang didn't regain its high-performance credentials until 1993. That's when the first SVT Cobra model hit showrooms with 235 horsepower on tap. However, the Mustang returned to 200-horsepower territory in the mid-1980s thanks to both the High Output 302 V8 and the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder.

The 2.3-liter Lima found its way into the Mustang in 1974. Five years later, Ford introduced the turbocharged version. The latter eventually powered one of the coolest Fox-body Mustangs ever produced: the SVO.

Developed by Ford's Special Vehicle Operations, a racing division created in 1980, the Mustang SVO arrived in 1984 to top the nameplate's range in the performance department. Surprisingly, Ford opted to use a four-cylinder mill instead of the 4.9-liter Windsor V8. But it wasn't just any four-banger.

Ford needed a solution that would make the Mustang both fast and nimble. Weight distribution was an issue with the V8, so Ford decided to detune the race-spec Lima used in the IMSA GTP series. Installed longitudinally and pushed further back than the V8, the inline-four featured a Garrett turbocharger, a state-of-the-art fuel injection system, and America's first air-to-air intercooler.

At a whooping 14 psi of boost, which was unheard of at the time, the engine generated 175 horsepower and 210 pound-feet (285 Nm) of torque. It wasn't quite as torquey as the V8 (horsepower was identical), but the four-cylinder was a whopping 150 pounds (68 kg) lighter. Output increased to 205 horsepower and 248 pound-feet (336 Nm) in 1985.

Arguably the coolest Ford of the 1980s, the Mustang SVO was discontinued after the 1986 model year. The company sold only 9,844 units, a number that makes the SVO relatively scarce. The 1984 version you see here is one of 4,508 cars produced that year.

Hailing from Canton, Georgia, this SVO has a couple of cool features to brag about. For starters, it's one of the first ever built, having entered production in November 1983. Second, it's one of those unrestored survivors that's been pampered since new.

A one-owner vehicle until 2022, this Fox-body has always been garaged and covered only 54,000 miles since leaving the dealership. That's an average of less than 1,400 miles per year.

Still finished in the factory Medium Canyon Red Metallic paint, the Mustang appears to be in excellent condition inside and out. Everything looks fantastic under the hood as well. Like any respectable Mustang, this SVO comes with a detailed Marti Report. The paperwork confirms it's one of only 696 examples painted in this color.

If you've been looking for an unrestored SVO in outstanding condition, this notchback is being offered by a classic car dealership for $15,890. That's about $2,000 higher than the average auction price for 1984 SVOs in excellent shape, but the seller is accepting offers.

Speaking of auction prices, 2025 saw a 1986 SVO set a new record for the nameplate at $39,600. The previous benchmark of $33,000 was set in 2023. As of this writing, these are the only SVOs auctioned off for over $30K. How much is this turbocharged 'Stang worth?