The LX used the pre-'87 rear spoiler and 10-hole "phone dial" wheels. In 1991, the LX could be fitted with the GT's five-spoke 16x7 wheels. This is an '88.
1987-1990
Just as 1986 was the last year for any major mechanical changes, 1987 was the last year for major styling changes for the Fox Mustang. The GT got a more radical face-lift, and the side ground-effects skirt package gave the car a lower appearance. In the rear, the louvered taillights and new rear spoiler were the most noticeable.
The old GT spoiler was relegated for use on the LX, as were the old GT (10-hole) wheels. A 16-spoke wheel became standard equipment on the '87-'90 Mustang GT.
In 1987, the Mustang GT received a new horsepower rating (advertised at 225). In 1993, however, Ford decided to rate the engine retroactively downward to 205 hp due to a change in its rating system and slight mechanical changes to the vehicles that were said to sap horsepower.
Mechanically identical to a GT, the LX was more sedate-looking. It was also lighter and quicker.
The '87-'90 Mustang GTs became virtually identical, but Ford built the car, and people bought it. One special model, however, was made during this period--the '90 Limited Edition LX convertible. It came in Emerald Green with a white top and white leather interior with Sport seats. The Emerald Green paint extended to the body-side moldings and dual remote outside mirrors. They're known as the 7-Up cars. The 7-Up Bottling Company planned to give away 30 of them at the '90 NCAA basketball finals; it never did, but the name stuck. A total of 4,103 cars were built--1,360 five-speeds and 2,743 automatics.
The 1990 color production chart shows 4,106 Emerald Green convertibles were made, making it the most popular color by far. Medium Red, Medium Titanium, and Titanium Frost were all produced in single digits. Which model is more desirable? The Emerald Green cars, of course.
You're more likely to find a Mustang like this '90 Limited Edition in pristine condition. They were generally well kept because the original buyers often speculated they were getting a collectible Mustang.
1991-1993
The '91-'93 Mustang GTs got new 16x7 five-spoke aluminum wheels, which made it possible to identify them from the '87-'90 GTs.
There were several Limited Edition (or Feature) cars in this period. The '921/2 Limited Edition, also known as a Summer Special, was an LX convertible painted Vibrant Red with white wheels. It was the first Mustang convertible to have a rear spoiler, and also the first with a black Lori cloth headliner. A total of 2,019 units were built.
Two more Limited Edition cars were built in 1993. Similar to the '921/2 Vibrant Red car, they were painted Chrome Yellow and Vibrant White. The Chrome Yellow car had chromed 16x7 five-spoke aluminum wheels. The top color choice was limited to white or black with the Chrome Yellow, and white with the Vibrant White. A total of 1,500 Vibrant White cars and 1,503 Chrome Yellow cars were built.
The notchback Mustangs were popular with the troopers. From a collector's point of view, these cars require more restoration than other Mustangs because they were usually driven hard and rolled up a ton of mileage. This is a restored '89.
The SVT Mustang Cobra was the final special for 1993. It was the first ponycar from Ford's new Special Vehicle Team, and the precursor of some interesting and powerful Mustangs to come. The '93 Cobra's engine was rated at 235 hp, and it had better suspension components, larger wheels and tires, and a cleaned-up exterior. A total of 4,993 Cobras were built.
In addition, 107 Cobra "R" models were built. Like the old '65 Shelby GT350R, the R-model Cobra was supposed to be used in competition. Among other things, it featured a firmer suspension and an interior that lacked A/C, power windows, power door locks, a stereo system, and rear seats.
For 1994, the Fox Mustang got a newly restyled exterior and interior, but it was still based on the tried-and-true Fox chassis. It was referred to as the Fox-4 in Ford press materials. This vehicle lasted through the '04 model year. By then, the Mustang Cobra had an independent rear suspension and a supercharged V-8 engine that was conserva-tively rated at 390 hp, almost double what the old Mustang GT had.
Clearly, the Fox chassis served Ford and the Mustang well.