1984 Ford Mustang SVO Turbocharged ‘Special Vehicle’
The words “Special Vehicle Operations” connote a top-secret feeling, evoking a sense of mystery and illusion. When the SVO name was coined at Ford Motor Company in 1981, its association went hand-in-hand with one Mustang in particular that the racing division had been engineering behind the scenes. That car soon became known as a performance standout for its time.
The Mustang SVO, sold between model years 1984 and 1987, boasted horsepower numbers similar to the 5.0-liter V8-powered Mustang, but with half the number of cylinders.
Based upon the third-generation “Fox Body” platform, the SVO received some special tweaks. A functional off-center hood scoop added to the aesthetic appeal, and the biplane-style rear spoiler provided aero at the rear.
But most importantly, the SVO was equipped with a 2.3-liter turbocharged and intercooled inline-four, so the SVO had the go to back up its show. Power was rated at 175 horsepower, routed through a 5-speed manual transmission.
The attention to detail that Ford’s engineers put into the Mustang SVO extends not only to the engine bay but to some special interior touches. A “fuel grade” switch on the dashboard allows the driver to adjust the vehicle’s performance level based depending on whether the vehicle is running premium gasoline.
The Borg-Warner transmission came with a standard Hurst shifter. The 85-mph speedometer curiously leaves a lot of unmarked space. Perhaps Ford was giving a subtle suggestion that the car is fully capable of speeds in excess of that number.
