1997 Ford Mustang

1997 Ford Mustang GT Convertible — 4.6L V8, 5-Speed Manual, Custom Two-Tone Interior

The 1997 Ford Mustang GT Convertible sits in an interesting position in Mustang history. It was the third model year of the SN95 generation's mid-cycle refresh, which Ford introduced for 1994 after putting the Fox body platform to rest after fifteen years. By 1997, the GT had settled into a confident, well-sorted package — the 4.6-liter modular V8 had replaced the pushrod 5.0-liter in 1996, and the new engine was already proving itself as a stronger foundation for both daily driving and performance tuning. That transition was not universally celebrated at first, but enthusiasts who drove the two-valve 4.6 back-to-back with the old 5.0 quickly recognized that Ford had built something with a lot more ceiling. The modular engine family would go on to power Mustangs for nearly two decades.

What sets this particular 1997 Mustang GT Convertible apart from a standard example is the combination of options and personalization that make it a more complete car than most. The odometer reads 92,898 miles — real-world use without abuse. The underside photos, which we put on the lift for a full inspection, show solid structure with no major rust concerns, which is consistent with a car that likely spent its life in a dry-weather climate. The floorpan and frame rails are clean and intact. For a nearly thirty-year-old convertible, that matters more than almost anything else.

The 1997 Mustang GT was factory-rated at 215 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque from the 4.6-liter two-valve V8. Paired with the 5-speed manual transmission, it is the specification that most GT buyers wanted. Ford sold both coupe and convertible body styles in the GT trim, with the convertible commanding a premium at the time and continuing to hold a broader audience today.

Key details
Exterior: Rio Red
Interior: Tan And Red
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
VIN / chassis: 1FALP45X9VF161916

Offered by Skyway Classics, 10420 Portal Crossing, Bradenton, FL 34212. Taxes, title and fees not included.

Photos courtesy of Skyway Classics.