1997 Ford Mustang

1997 Ford Mustang GT Convertible — Special-Ordered Black on Black, 23k Actual Miles, 4.6L V8, 5-Speed Manual

The 1997 Ford Mustang GT Convertible occupies a specific and increasingly desirable position in Mustang history. This was the third model year of the SN95's second-generation refresh, and more importantly, it was the second year Ford offered the 4.6-liter single overhead cam V8 in the GT. That engine swap from the pushrod 5.0 to the modular 4.6 SOHC happened in 1996 and marked a genuine shift in the Mustang's engineering direction — from old-school displacement to modern overhead cam technology. The 4.6 SOHC produced 215 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque in 1997, and while enthusiasts debated the transition at the time, history has been kind to the modular engine. It proved durable, tuneable, and capable of enormous power gains with modest modifications.

What makes this particular 1997 Ford Mustang GT Convertible stand out is the combination of a special-ordered black-on-black color scheme, a 5-speed manual transmission, and 23,283 actual miles shown on the odometer. Finding any SN95 convertible with this mileage is unusual. Finding one that was purpose-built in black over a full black leather interior, with the manual gearbox, makes it a genuinely low-production survivor in practical terms. The original buyer went out of their way to configure this car, and it spent the decades since accumulating fewer miles than most vehicles do in two years.

The VIN structure on this car confirms it was built as a GT convertible at the Dearborn Assembly Plant, which produced all Mustangs during this era. The convertible body style added structural reinforcement and a power-operated top to the package, making this a more complex and more expensive build than the coupe.

Key details
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
VIN / chassis: 1FALP45X0VF124916

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

Photos courtesy of Skyway Classics.