Ford Mustang 1984

To mark the 20th anniversary of the Mustang, Ford released a special Twentieth Anniversary GT model. This featured a GT350 badge were it had been 19 years before.

Unfortunately, although Carrol Shelby had licensed the Cobra name to Ford, the GT350 and GT500 names were not licensed. Ford had to discontinue using the GT350 name, making this a one year only model.

The 20th Anniversary GT was offered with either the turbocharged inline 4 or the 5.0 liter H.O. All cars were Oxford White with Canyon Red stripes.

A total of 5,260 20th Anniversary GTs were built, of which 3,333 were V8 coupes, 1,213 were V8 convertibles, 350 were I4 turbo coupes, and a mere 104 were I4 turbo convertibles.

Both the 3.8 liter V6 and the 5.0 liter V8 H.O. replaced their carbs with a new throttle-body electronic fuel injection system. Although power for the H.O. engine dropped from 175 bhp to 165 bhp, everything else improved from cold starting, to throttle response, to fuel economy.

Eager to rebuild its performance image, Ford introduced its Mustang SVO for midway through the model year as a 1984 1/2 model. Named for its Special Vehicle Operations unit, the SVO Mustang was designed with performance in mind.

Available only as a Black three door hatchback, the SVO came with a modified 2.3 liter Turbocharged Inline 4 with a new intercooler for the turbo which raised power from 145 bhp to a stout 174 bhp. The SVO was quite a performer as the improved Turbocharged engine was coupled to Ford's Traction-Lok differential and a final drive ratio of 3.45:1, which gave it decent acceleration.

Visually, SVOs could be identified by their unique bi-level rear spoilers, their hood scoop, and the "drooped" nose that incorporated no grille. All cooling air was taken from openings below the front bumper. In addition, the SVO Mustang featured a perfected four-bar link rear suspension system.

For hard core enthusiasts, a special option, 41C, was available which not only deleted the radio, but also removed the power door locks, power windows, and air conditioning, saving the buyer US$1,253.00 and nearly 100 lbs. compared to the regular SVO's.