The redesigned 1987 Mustang had a style that defined the modern muscle-car. The changes were as much about aero efficiency as they were about looks. The beloved four-eyed headlamps were replaced with single-piece Euro lenses. The bumper cover was completely redesigned. The GT nose incorporated a full valence, and the extended hood fitted even with the bumper gap to greatly improve coefficient of drag.
The 1987 5.0 V8 retained the Speed Density sequential multiple-port fuel injection (SEFI) but horsepower and torque numbers were up. Ford used a different head, the E7TE-6049-PA / E5TE-6049-PA which provided a much better combustion area. Horsepower was now rated 225 @ 4,400 RPM and 300 ft-lbs of torque were available at 3,000 RPM.
The Mustang was available as a coupe, hatchback and convertible in LX trim. GT trim was available only for hatchback and convertible. Ford sold over 64,000 5.0L Mustangs in 1987 – mostly GT hatchbacks. Units produced: LX 5.0 coupe/4,888, hatchback/9,642, convertible/2,073, GT hatchback/37,056, convertible/10,451.
| Performance Statistics | ||||
| 1987 | Horsepower | Torque | 0-60 | 1/4 Mile |
| 2.3L 4 Cyl | 90 @ 3,800 rpm | 122 @ 2,600 rpm | n/a | n/a |
| 5.0L EFI V-8 | 225 hp @ 4,400 rpm | 300 @ 3,000 rpm | 6.3** | 14.7 @ 94 mph |
| **Car and Driver (6/87) 3.08 optioned Traction-Lok. Top speed 137mph. | ||||
| Production Numbers | Retail Prices | ||
| 2dr Coupes: 3dr Hatchback: 2dr Convertible: Total: |
43,257 94,441 32,074 159,145 |
Coupe LX: Hatchback LX: Convertible LX: Hatchback GT: Convertible GT: |
$8,271.00 $8,690.00 $13,052.00 $12,106.00 $14,945.00 |
In 1987 the Mustang received a redesigned interior. Paddle switches flanked both sides of the instrument cluster. Improvements included power-adjustable lumbar support with adjustable thigh and side bolsters, reclining seat backs and 4-way adjustable headrests.
Some notable options were available in 1987. It was the last year a T-top was offered ($1,618 GT / $1,798 LX,) a flip-up sunroof ($355) and louvers were available from the factory. The premium sound system was a $168 option, but if you wanted to go full ‘Risky Business’ the graphic equalizer cost another $218.
The pimp-red interiors just keep coming in the 80’s. This is a scarlet red interior of the 1987 Mustang GT. Pimping aint easy.
| Available Exterior Colors | Interior Trim Colors | ||||
| Paint | Code | Color | |||
| Black | 1C | Blue | |||
| Bright Regatta Blue | 7H | Sand Beige | |||
| Dark Sable | 8Y | Scarlet | |||
| Jonquil | 6H | Smoke | |||
| Medium Cabernet | 2H | Oxford White / Blue | |||
| Medium Scarlet | 2D | Oxford White / Scarlet | |||
| Medium Shadow Blue | 3R | Oxford White / Smoke | |||
| Oxford White | 9L | ||||
| Sand Beige | 8L | ||||
| Shadow Blue | 7B | ||||
| Smoke | 1K | ||||
| Smoke Poly | 1D | ||||
| 1987 Mustang VIN Decoder | ||
| Example: 1FA|B|P|40|M|6|H|F|100001 – Ford Motor Company B – Restraint System P – Passenger Car 40 – Body Code (See below) M – Engine Code (See below) 6 – Check Code H – Year (H=1987) F – Plant (Dearborn) 100001 – Consecutive unit number |
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| Engine Codes: A – 2.3L EFI 4cyl 88hp M – 5.0L EFI 8cyl 225hp HO |
Body codes: 40 – 2dr LX 41 – 3dr LX 42 – 3dr GT 44 – 2dr Convertible 45 – 2dr GT Convertible |
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| Location: Stamped on the plate which is riveted to the driver’s side of the dash, visible through windshield; the certification label is located on the rear face of the driver’s door. | ||
The 1987 Mustang LX was available as a grocery getter and as a sleeper.