Used 1983 Ford Mustang for sale in Bastrop, LA

The Fox-body platform served the Mustang well from 1979 until 1993. In 1983 two new models were added to the lineup-the Turbo GT and a convertible. With the exception of the convertible top, all Mustang convertibles were produced in-house at the Dearborn plant. This was done so that Ford could keep tight control on quality. Convertibles started life as notchback coupes that were sent to a small area in the manufacturing plant where they were converted. Workers cut off the roof and reinforced the A-pillars, cowl and quarter panel areas. The cowl side and dash panel were reinforced. For added measure side members were added just above the rocker panels, a thicker taillight panel was installed and a cross member was added between the rear wheel arches. Extra side members were fitted at floorpan height (they intrude into the interior about an inch). New rear quarter-panels were installed, then welded to a drain trough that catches runoff from the stylish, fitted top. A crossmember between the rear wheelhouses and a heavier-gauge back panel added torsional stiffness, and these are tied into the floorpan with a diagonal arrangement for even greater strength. Finally, caps for the torque boxes were riveted in place. An outside company-Cars & Concepts-handled the convertible conversion. In 1983, the Mustang convertible offered more structural integrity in bending and torsion than a front-wheel-drive car.

The end result was a seamless conversion that looked as if Ford had designed the car to be a convertible from the onset. Initially the convertible was only available in GLX trim with a steep base price of over $12,000 and then released a GT model priced at about $13,500 in mid-year. Ford had estimated that they might sell approximately 7,000 ragtops in 1983 however this was a gross underestimation

Some similar conversions show their poor quality when nearly new, but Cars & Concepts' attention to detail continues to pay off on a 25-year-old car.( It proved to be a popular choice. In 1983, that year's crowning touch was the first Mustang convertible since 1973. For the collector, 1983 is probably a wise decision-after all, there can be an advantage to low production. It is a year of "firsts." First year for the Turbo GT, first year for a four-barrel carb on the 5.0 GT engine, and first year for the convertible.

Fox 1984 GLX Mustang Convertible color 3L Midnight Blue Metallic, had only 341 manufactured of the 121,873 Mustangs built in 1983! (Ref: There were 24,436 (20% of Mustangs) convertibles that year. That would mean only 1% of the convertibles in 1983 were Midnight Blue Metallic or less than 1% (.28%) of the Mustangs build that year. The extra body preparation payed off. Those who drive 1983 Mustang convertibles comparable it to European sports coupes and sedans.(

1983 FORD MUSTANG PRODUCTION NUMBERS

Model Units Sold: 2dr Coupes 33,201. 3dr Hatchback, 64,234. and 2dr Convertible 24,438.

This Midnight Blue GLX Mustang has been modified to include a pace car hood scoop that is mounted on a 1979 Mustang hood, a 1982 Mustang GT lower front bumper air dam and front bumper cover were installed to compliment the 1983 Mercury Capri fenders. These fenders and hood add a bold and dynamic flare that the standard Mustang does not have. The rims are a set of 1988-1990 Mustang Turbine wheels and complete the muscle car look. The interior is blue. The new updates include: vinyl white upholstery, blue carpet, white top & boot, tinted windshield, exhaust, trunk seal/gaskets, emblems, battery, serpentine belt, and paint (Primer/color/clear). Blue dash pad is in great shape, sun visors are original. Original 3.8L V6 motor (0>60 in 12.6 Sec, 1/4 Mile in 18.9 Sec) , automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, A/C (needs recharged), radio was not installed to allow new owner the option of vintage style or upgrading.