1984 Ford Mustang
The 1984 Ford Mustang marked 20 years of the Mustang with the GT350 20th Anniversary edition and introduced the turbocharged SVO.
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1984 Mustang GT350 20th Anniversary edition, fitted with a rare dealer-added Dominator package. Photo: Sicnag via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
Overview
The 1984 Ford Mustang celebrated the Mustang’s 20th anniversary and introduced one of the most advanced Fox-body models, the SVO. Following the 1983 Ford Mustang, the lineup now included the base L, the luxury LX, the GT and Turbo GT, and the new SVO hatchback, with coupe, hatchback and convertible bodies.
The SVO was developed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Operations group. It used an intercooled, turbocharged 2.3-liter four rated at about 175 horsepower, a unique front fascia with two large headlights, a dual-plane rear spoiler, and upgraded brakes and suspension. It was expensive, starting at roughly $15,596, and fewer than 4,000 were built for 1984.
The 5.0-liter V8 was offered in two forms. The four-barrel High Output version came with the five-speed manual and was rated at about 175 horsepower, while a new fuel-injected version rated at about 165 horsepower was paired with Ford’s new four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. To mark 20 years of the Mustang, Ford also built about 5,260 GT350 20th Anniversary cars in Oxford White with red stripes and a Canyon Red interior.
Total production reached 141,480 cars, up from 1983. With the SVO, the 20th Anniversary GT350 and the 5.0 GT, 1984 is one of the most interesting Fox-body years for collectors. For more background, see the third-generation Mustang history, or go back to where it all started with the 1965 Ford Mustang.
1984 Mustang timeline
- 1982Earlier development
- 1983Previous model year
- 1984Featured model year
- 1985Continued evolution
Engine options
| Engine | Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel / induction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L (140 cu in) Lima | Inline-4 | Approx. 88 hp | 1-barrel carburetor | Standard engine | |
| 2.3L (140 cu in) Lima Turbo | Turbocharged inline-4 | Approx. 145 hp | Fuel injection, turbocharged | Turbo GT engine | |
| 2.3L (140 cu in) SVO Turbo | Turbocharged, intercooled inline-4 | Approx. 175 hp | Fuel injection, turbocharged and intercooled | SVO only | |
| 3.8L (232 cu in) Essex | V6 | Approx. 120 hp | Fuel injection | Optional V6 | |
| 5.0L (302 cu in) H.O. | V8 | Approx. 175 hp | 4-barrel carburetor | With five-speed manual | |
| 5.0L (302 cu in) | V8 | Approx. 165 hp | Central fuel injection | With four-speed automatic overdrive |
Specifications at a glance
Production
- Coupe37,680 (26.6%)
- Hatchback86,200 (60.9%)
- Convertible17,600 (12.4%)
Dimensions
Original colors
Color research in progress.
Performance
Buyer’s guide highlights
- Inspect the floor pans, torque boxes, strut towers and rear frame rails for rust.
- Verify an SVO or GT350 20th Anniversary car with documentation, since both are often copied.
- Check SVO turbo, intercooler and boost control carefully, and ask for maintenance records.
- Confirm the engine and transmission match the VIN and build information.
- On convertibles, check the top, seals and floors for leaks and rust.
- Buy on condition and originality, since SVO and anniversary-specific parts can be hard to find.
1. Start With Rust and Structure
Check the floor pans, torque boxes, strut towers, rear frame rails and cowl on any 1984 Ford Mustang. Look closely for accident damage, since many Fox-body cars were driven hard.
2. Authenticate Special Models
The SVO and GT350 20th Anniversary edition are the most collectible 1984 cars. Check the VIN, trim tag and paperwork, and look for model-specific parts such as the SVO front fascia and dual-plane spoiler or the anniversary car's Oxford White paint, red stripes and Canyon Red interior.
3. Inspect Turbo Cars Carefully
SVO and Turbo GT engines should be checked for smoke, oil leaks, boost problems and overheating. Maintenance records are especially important on these cars.
4. Confirm the V8 and Transmission
The carbureted 5.0 H.O. came with the five-speed manual, while the fuel-injected 5.0 came with the automatic overdrive. Make sure the combination in the car matches its paperwork.
5. Check Convertibles and Interiors
Inspect convertible tops, frames and seals for leaks, and check seats, dashboards and door panels for cracks and wear.
6. Buy the Best Example You Can
Original, documented special models are worth paying more for, while regular LX and GT cars remain affordable entry points.
Values
1984 Ford Mustang values vary by model, with documented SVO hatchbacks and GT350 20th Anniversary cars bringing the most interest from collectors.
Market references are research guides, not appraisals. Actual value depends on condition, originality, documentation, drivetrain, options, location and current buyer demand.
