KNOW THIS GENERATION.
Inspect strut towers, floor and torque-box attachment points, evidence of collision repair, and wiring changes. Verify engine swaps, tuning, and emissions equipment before relying on a factory specification.
The 1979 redesign replaced Mustang II. The GT returned in 1982, a convertible returned for 1983, and the SVO offered a turbocharged alternative during 1984–86. The 1987 update brought a cleaner nose; SVT closed the era with the 1993 Cobra and Cobra R.
TAKE IT ONE CHECK AT A TIME.
Checks are temporary and reset when you reload. Print the page to take notes beside the car.
ORIGINAL, RESTORED, OR MODIFIED?
These are different purchase decisions. An original car needs evidence of provenance. A restored car needs evidence of workmanship. A modified car needs a documented combination of compatible parts, tuning, and supporting systems. A desirable badge cannot answer those questions on its own.
Compare the vehicle with its period Ford reference, then use the applicable manual for technical checks. For modern cars, check NHTSA recalls separately; a VIN decode does not show an individual car’s open recalls.