1987 Ford Mustang Specs & Details
As the ninth year of the Fox Body rolled around, plans for a new Mustang were already underway. But, Ford
enthusiasts rebelled when word leaked that the company’s next-gen pony car would be a Mazda-based front-driver. That
vehicle would become the Ford Probe, and the Fox Body Mustang would live on for several years.
In the meantime, Ford made substantial changes to the Mustang’s looks. The automaker borrowed from the SVO and
European cars to update the front end with single aerodynamic headlights, wrap-around turn signal indicators, and a
flush nose. These updates gave the 1987 Mustang a wider appearance up front.
The GT, in particular, was given a beefier look thanks to a more aggressive body kit. Sort of like that skinny high
school kid who returns from summer break with pecs and biceps. And, most notably, the GT gets the iconic “cheese
grater” taillights that symbolize the later years of the Fox Body. While not as muscular-looking as the GT, the LX’s
body-color bumpers and wide black bodyside molding give the starter Mustang a solid and cohesive appearance. This
base trim kept the horizontal tail lamps from the previous year.
But, unlike earlier Fox Body refreshes, the Mustang gets a thoroughly redesigned interior. The pod-style instrument
cluster gives the cabin a very driver-focused vibe, while the center console provides easy front-passenger access to
the audio system and climate controls. Even the door panels get updated.
Arguably, some of the most significant changes for the 1987 Mustang are absences. Specifically, the SVO and its
dynamic turbocharged engine are taken out of the lineup. In addition, the 3.8-liter Essex V-6 is also deleted. So,
the Mustang no longer has a middle ground when it comes to power. That leaves just the 2.3-liter inline-four, which
now gets electronic fuel injection, and the 5.0-liter V-8. A horsepower increase only comes to the V-8, which now
cranks out 225 ponies and 300 lb-ft of torque.
Ford’s march towards simplification undoubtedly helped keep the Fox Body around until the next generation hit the
street. But, this meant there were only two Mustang variants: LX and GT. The hatchback and convertible were
available in both trims, while the notchback coupe was LX-only. Notably, the 5.0 was available across the lineup,
making the lighter-weight notchback and V-8 combination a sweet spot for many Mustang enthusiasts. Even today, an LX
coupe with the 5.0 is highly sought after.
1987 Ford Mustang Specs
| Engine |
HP |
TQ |
| 2.3L I-4 |
89 |
120 |
| 5.0L 2V HO V8 |
225 |
300 |
| Model |
Engine |
| LX |
2.3L I-4 |
5.0L 2V HO V8 |
| GT |
5.0L 2V HO V8 |
| Color Name |
Color Code |
| Black |
1C |
| Light Gray |
1K |
| Scarlet Red |
2D |
| Medium Cabernet |
2H |
| Medium Shadow Blue |
3R |
| Medium Yellow |
6H |
| Bright Regatta Blue |
7H |
| Dark Shadow Blue |
7N |
| Sand Beige |
8L |
| Dark Clove Brown |
8Y |
| Oxford White |
9L |
| Dark Gray |
9R |
1987 Mustang Articles
Check out other 1979-1993 Mustang Specs: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
