Top 5 Mustangs That are a Good Investment

Many enthusiasts view their cars, especially Mustangs, as investments that they can profit from in the future. However, if you're buying it to modify and enjoy, you're never going to get the money back that you put into it. While the most popular Mustangs are cool, they're just not affordable in the current market. Cars like the Boss Mustangs and Shelbys have gone so far up in price that they're not feasible for many enthusiasts.

But if you're still interested in buying a Mustang as an investment, there are plenty of affordable models that are likely to become more valuable down the road. Here are our picks for five best investment Mustangs.

5: 1990-1993 Limited Edition Mustang Convertibles

Coming in at #5 are the 1990-1993 Limited Edition Mustang Convertibles. The first Limited Edition convertible was the 7-Up Edition Mustang. They were originally designed for a 7-Up giveaway promotion - thus earning them the nickname "7-Up Cars." These cars are a collector's dream - deep emerald green body with a white interior, five-speed manual or automatic transmission, and GT turbine wheels! Ford ended up making around 4,000 of these cars. They're affordable and make a great addition to any Mustang enthusiast's garage.

In 1992, Ford once again offered a limited LX convertible Feature Car. Commonly known as the Summer Edition, this convertible Fox Body was available in Vibrant Red with a white interior. The rear luggage rack was replaced with a rear spoiler and it came with beautiful white wheels. These cars were available with a five-speed automatic transmission. Ford made around 2,200 of these cars, so scarcity definitely comes into play when determining their value.

For 1993, you have two potential options. You had the Canary Yellow or Vibrant White paint colors to choose from. The Vibrant White usually had a white interior and white wheels to go along with the white paint, thus earning the nickname of the "Triple White" Fox Body. The Canary Yellow car, on the other hand, was the only factory Mustang to ever come with chrome ponies. Both cars got rid of the luggage rack for a rear spoiler and were unique in their own way. Ford made just over 3,000 of them, and you can't go wrong with either.

While the convertible Fox Bodies are as popular as their hardtop brothers, they make great cruisers and their value is sure to increase over time.

Related: Check out our guide for buying a Fox Body Mustang for tips on finding great prices.

4: 1979 Indy 500 Pace Car

The fourth spot goes to the 1979 Mustang Indy 500 Pace Car. This was when the Fox Chassis first showed up in a Mustang, and now these collectibles are rising significantly in value. Whether it be '93 Cobras, Saleen Mustangs, or SSP's, you'll be hard-pressed to find one for a few thousand bucks.

In my opinion, the Pace Car is still undervalued given that only 10,000 were produced about 40 years ago. Of those cars, half had the 5-liter engine and half had the turbo 2.3 liter engine. With so few of these vehicles left intact due to damage or destruction over time, it's likely there are not many pristine examples on the road today, making them more valuable than ever! Because of this, their value should go up significantly over the next few years.

If you look around a little, you can find a nice, driver-quality Pace Car for around $4,000-$5,000. If you're looking for an almost show-quality one, that'll run you a little over $10,000. Compared to the prices of other desirable Fox Bodies, the 1979 Indy 500 Pace Car is a steal. If you're interested in Fox Bodies, check out our wide selection of parts to help you restore and maintain your dream car.

3: 2007-2009 Ford Shelby GT500

Coming in third is the Ford Shelby GT500 from 2007 to 2009. Although the modern versions of these vehicles have garnered more attention due to their improved horsepower and impressive designs, I believe that this generation has been unjustly overlooked.

When the Ford Mustang GT500 was first released in 2007, it caused a stir among car enthusiasts. Its 5.4 liter supercharged engine boasted 500 horsepower, making it the most powerful Mustang ever up to that point. Initially planned to be marketed as an SVT Cobra, Ford and Shelby partnered to revive the iconic GT500 moniker for the very first time in nearly 40 years. That made the launch a monumental occasion for both Ford and automotive fans alike.

These cars sold well, so they're not exactly rare. You can find an '07-'09 Shelby in really nice shape for less than $25,000. If you don't mind slightly higher mileage, you can get your hands on one for as low as $20,000. For that money, you're getting 500 horsepower, the Tremac TR-6060 transmission, and the iconic Shelby name. You can't go wrong with that combination, and their value will definitely increase over time.

2: 2003-2004 Mustang Cobra

Coming in at number two is the iconic Mustang Cobra from 2003-2004. While these vehicles may still be expensive, they're a great value and their cost will only continue to rise.

When the 2003 Cobra arrived on the scene, it was a game changer. It was the most powerful Mustang ever made and definitely the best Cobra ever made. It boasted a 390 horsepower, supercharged 4.6L V8 with a Tremac T-56 transmission and independent rear suspension. Combined with its great looks, the car became an instant classic.

Ford sold almost 24,000 of these cars in two years, so they're not exactly rare. However, finding a really clean example is getting harder and harder because of lot of these cars were driven hard, heavily modified, and raced. These cars make great street cars and it is possible to find some deals out there if you're looking for one.

Some of the rarer colors like Mystichrome and Competition Orange are going to be really expensive, but convertibles and regular colors with decent mileage can be found in the high teens. Special editions like the Terminator Cobra will also command top dollar and should increase in value over time.

1: 1994-1995 Mustang Cobra

Number one is going to be the 1994-1995 Mustang Cobra. I know this might seen like a crazy pick, but hear me out. The '93 Cobra's have skyrocketed in price over the years. Cars that need full restorations are selling for anywhere from $10,000-$15,000 and good quality driver cars are in the twenties. If you want a low-mileage example, especially one in a sought-after color like teal, you can expect to pay somewhere between $40,000-$50,000.

Compared to those cars, the 1994-1995 is a bargain. You get basically the same engine (except for the intake) and some basic packaging differences. You also get better brakes, five-lug hubs, a bigger interior, and more. Whether you like the looks of the SN95 or not, they're a great value for what you get. Between the two years, they made around 11,000 in total.

As I'm sure you know, the '93's are selling for six figures right now, but you can find a nice '95 Cobra R in the $30,000 range. This is great value for the money, and I'm confident that the entire 1994-1995 lineup will definitely go up in price.

Find A Mustang Investment That Makes Sense for You

When buying these old Mustangs, it's important to remember that you're going to lose money on them 9 out of 10 times. Old cars break down and have problems that require fixing with parts that might not be readily available. You should buy one of these cars because you love it, not because you want to make a quick buck. But, if you recognize those risks and still want a Mustang to invest in, you can't go wrong with any of the ones on this list.