The Ford Mustang stands out as one of the most sought-after muscle cars today. Due to its popularity, the collectible versions often include either extremely powerful, rare early editions or modern race-ready models that were produced in limited numbers.

However, there are still unique models that remain underappreciated and are waiting for fans to discover. We’ve curated a list of intriguing older Mustangs that we believe will gain recognition among collectors over time, particularly for those who are willing to explore the less conventional aspects of the muscle car community.

1969-1973 Ford Mustang Grande

You might not be familiar with the Mustang Grande. This is because fewer people associate “Mustang” with “luxury,” particularly during the late 1960s when the Grande debuted.

The concept of the Mustang Grande was straightforward: enhance the basic coupe with comfort features to create a perception of an upscale experience and charge a higher price. While it didn’t sell tremendously well—never reaching more than 25,000 units during an era when the Mustang was in high demand—its distinctive wood accents, vinyl roof, and patterned cloth seats made it stand out from the typical Mustang.

With unique exterior trims—a more subdued version of the sleek two-door style—and availability of high-performance engines, this Mustang stands out from the multitude of high-performance variants at car shows. Uniqueness often translates to collectibility, and there’s nothing about the Grande that prevents it from being as much fun as any other Mustang from its era.

1979 Ford Mustang Indy 500 Pace Car

Pace Cars for the Indy 500 are popular among collectors, with various models like the Pontiac Trans Am, GMC K10, Chevrolet Corvette, and even the Ford F-150 having taken on this special role over the years.

What makes the 1979 Ford Mustang Indy 500 Pace Car stand out in the collector’s market? For one, it marked the debut of the Fox-body Mustang, which went on to become the longest-running generation of this iconic car. Additionally, it represented a significant revival of the Mustang brand after a lackluster period on the uninspiring Pinto chassis throughout most of the 1970s.

Ford produced both four-cylinder and V-8 versions of the Indy 500 Pace Car model. Although both variants came close in horsepower—within 10 hp of each other due to emission regulations—the V-8 variant offers significantly more torque and an overall enhanced driving experience. With around 10,000 units produced, finding one of these cars shouldn’t be too difficult.

1982-1993 Ford Mustang SSP

The Ford Mustang Special Service Package, known as SSP, was a term used by police agencies looking to improve speed enforcement. Originating from a request from the California Highway Patrol for a vehicle capable of pursuing offenders at high speeds, the SSP was based on the Mustang coupe, featuring enhanced cooling and electrical systems along with a accurately calibrated speedometer to monitor speeding violations.

All SSP models are equipped with a 5.0-liter V-8 engine, with power levels varying by model year. Buyers had the choice between manual and automatic transmissions. By the later years, horsepower peaked at 225, with a total of around 15,000 SSPs produced during its production run. However, many of these vehicles were heavily used, leading to a scarcity of well-preserved examples, resulting in an increase in their value among collectors.

1984-1986 Ford Mustang SVO

Surprisingly, during the mid-80s, the top-performing Mustang in the lineup featured only half the cylinder count of the legendary 5.0-liter version. The Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) edition of the Mustang came with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, initially producing 175 hp (increased to 205 hp from mid-1985), which allowed it to compete with the V-8 GT. Besides its impressive power figures for a four-cylinder, the Mustang SVO was also lighter than the GT model, enhancing its acceleration and handling abilities, aided by Koni shocks and reinforced anti-roll bars.

The Mustang SVO also featured improved steering, bushings, and tires compared to the GT, making it arguably the most formidable Mustang of its time. At the time of its release, the public was skeptical about associating the Mustang with a sophisticated turbocharged powertrain, leading to its general underappreciation. However, today, the SVO is recognized as an excellent value for collectors.

1984 Ford Mustang GT350 Turbo

The 1984 Ford Mustang GT350 Turbo is a lesser-known model among true enthusiasts, created to commemorate the Mustang’s 20th anniversary. This model served as a part of the turbocharged movement in the ’80s Mustang lineup, aiming to blend performance and style for the company’s milestone celebration.

Celebrating the legacy of the Mustang that never quite ignited the passion it aimed for.

Many GT350 models have been overlooked and don’t live up to the high-performance reputation of their iconic predecessors. However, the Turbo version stands out as a commendable exception, boasting a rarity factor: just 7 percent of the nearly 5,300 GT350 Mustangs produced came equipped with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

While it didn’t possess the intercooled intensity of the contemporary SVO, it delivered a respectable 145 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. Remarkably, this hard-to-find Fox body has yet to pique the interest of serious collectors. If possible, aim for a convertible version, as Ford produced only 100 units.

1990 Ford Mustang 7-Up Convertible

What’s a car manufacturer like Ford supposed to do when a last-minute cancellation stops them from producing 30 special edition Mustangs for a March Madness giveaway in the spring of 1990? They ramp it up, ultimately creating more than 100 times the original number, sending them out to dealers while claiming it was all part of the plan!

The “7-UP” Mustang made a splash as a green convertible with a white roof, powered by a standard 5.0-liter V-8. This special edition quickly became popular among buyers who appreciated its distinctive color scheme and solid specifications from the LX trim. Over time, the bubbly Mustang has earned a special spot in the Fox-body community, becoming a sought-after collectible convertible.

1994-1995 Ford Mustang Cobra

The Cobra brand was brought back in the early ’90s as the Fox body era came to an end. However, many casual Mustang fans may not realize that a lot of the high-performance features from that model transitioned into the SN95-generation Mustang that followed it.

Why is this important? At the time, the original line of SN95 Mustangs faced criticism for the limited power of their 4.6-liter overhead-cam engines, which has affected their market perception. However, the 1994-1995 Mustang Cobra surprised many with its 240-hp 5.0-liter pushrod V-8. Coupled with the modern Mustang’s enhanced brakes, suspension, and platform, this combination delivered a unique driving experience. Despite their charm, these models remain somewhat underrated, overshadowed by the more prominent 32-valve Cobras that followed.

1995 Ford Mustang GTS

Looking for a more understated option that might also be budget-friendly from the SN95 lineup? The Ford Mustang

The GTS was a simplified, one-year version of the coupe designed for enthusiasts who prioritized speed over comfort features that could add unnecessary weight.

The GTS had the same mechanical specifications as the GT from that model year, featuring a 5.0-liter V-8 engine, a five-speed manual transmission, and upgraded suspension. However, visually, the GTS stood apart from the GT, lacking details like a rear wing and fog lights. Buyers had the option to add features like power windows and locks, but those seeking a budget-friendly performance vehicle likely preferred to keep it simple. Additionally, the GTS was exclusively available for the 1995 model year before being discontinued.

2001 Ford Mustang Bullitt

The Bullitt Mustang has since established itself as a prestigious member of Ford’s special-edition series. However, its debut in 2001 marked a significant new direction for the brand. Although the Mustang was famously linked to the epic car chase in Steve McQueen’s 1968 film “Bullitt,” this model was the first time Ford openly acknowledged that connection, paving the way for several other commemorative editions in the years that followed.

Most of the enhancements to the 2001 Ford Mustang Bullitt were visual, designed to evoke the look of the legendary 1968 model. This included a distinctive Dark Highland Green paint finish (with black and blue variations available), as well as an aluminum fuel cap replacing the traditional external fuel door. The engine was upgraded to produce 265 hp, courtesy of a refined intake and throttle body, and a louder exhaust system provided an aggressive sound. Enhanced braking systems and upgraded shocks further ensured peak performance. Just over 5,500 units were made, solidifying its reputation as a collectible among New Edge Mustangs.

2003-2004 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT

Is it outrageous to think of the 2003-2004 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT as a potential future classic? After all, isn’t the Mustang, famously dubbed the “Terminator,” already a prized vehicle among collectors?

A quick survey of the current market shows these impressive supercharged cars are fetching prices between $25,000 and $35,000. Given that they boast an impressive 390 hp right off the assembly line, making them the most powerful modern Mustangs until the Shelby GT500 arrived later on, this price seems surprisingly low. Considering their capacity to exceed 500 hp with some adjustments—alongside their six-speed manual transmission and agile independent rear suspension—these Cobra SVTs continue to be relevant contenders in the muscle car discussion, even after two decades.

There appears to be ample opportunity for collectors to snag one of the most powerful Mustangs ever made—at least until more people catch on to their collector potential.

Mustang Models that are Expected to Appreciate in Value

• Ford Mustang Grande (1969-1973)
• Ford Mustang Indy 500 Pace Car (1979)
• Ford Mustang SSP (1982-1993)
• Ford Mustang SVO (1984-1986)
• Ford Mustang GT350 Turbo (1984)
• Ford Mustang 7-Up Convertible (1990)
• Ford Mustang Cobra (1994-1995)
• Ford Mustang GTS (1995)
• Ford Mustang Bullitt (2001)
• Ford Mustang Cobra SVT (2003-2004)