A remarkably preserved 1992 Ford Mustang 5.0 LX notchback recently sold for an astounding $149,000. Found in Sewell, New Jersey, this green beauty still wears its factory plastic coverings and boasts a mere 131 miles on the odometer – making it potentially one of the lowest-mileage examples of its kind in the US. While the exterior shines like new, the hefty price tag begs the question: is nostalgia truly priceless?
This Fox-body Mustang was originally listed by NJ Truck King and, as evidenced by an intact window sticker still stuck to the passenger side window, it rolled off the assembly line with a sticker price of $16,274 in 1992 (approximately $37,600 today when adjusted for inflation). To put that into perspective, that’s roughly what you’d pay for a brand new Mustang EcoBoost Premium. Yet, NJ Truck King was asking almost four times that amount – more expensive than a brand-new Porsche Carrera.
What drives this extreme valuation?
The car’s ultra-low mileage is undoubtedly a major factor. It’s likely untouched by time and wear like most used Mustangs from the era that typically sell for between $20,000 and $40,000, despite having significantly higher mileage. The dealership highlights the original window sticker, keys, owner’s manuals, and title as supporting documentation of its pristine condition.
However, the listing provides minimal detail about the car’s mechanical history. Although it hasn’t been driven much, prolonged periods of inactivity can negatively impact engines. The buyer will likely need a thorough inspection, fluid replacement, and potentially even rubber hose replacements to ensure everything is in top working order after decades of sitting.
Underneath its showroom-fresh exterior lies the classic Fox-body Mustang package: a potent 5.0-liter V8 engine generating 225 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear wheels. This powerful combination contributed to the Mustang’s enduring popularity in the early ‘90s.
Despite the eye-watering price tag, the Mustang sold quickly. This anecdote underscores the potent force of nostalgia in the collector car market. For certain buyers, owning a meticulously preserved time capsule like this Mustang is worth an extravagant sum.
