This is a rare and unique car. Ifyou'relooking for an original car (other than the decal on the bottom of the doors & the engine modifications for more power) thatwill make you feel unique this is the one. It drives as good as it looks and you will get many compliments from other drivers. Almost everything has been replaced or inspected and found to be in great working condition. According to what records I can find there were only 450 of these made and this was number 247 of 450. I have a lot more pictures if you would like them. If you have any questions please call me at 803-600-7526 or geralds.digital.camera.repair(at sign)gmail.com.ENGINEThe ASC/McLaren Mustangs were equipped with the 5.0-liter (302-cu.in.) V-8 and timing could not have been better. Ford recognizing increased competition from Chevy's Camaro made adjustments to the existing electrically fuel-injected engine that boosted output from the previous year's 200 hp to 225. This was achieved by installing a larger intake plenum and a 60-mm throttle body revised Ford truck cylinder heads and 9.0:1 compression forged pistons. For all intents and purposes the engine installed standard in every Mustang GT changed very little during this four-year span.

What to watch for:During the 1988 model year Ford made a running change to the high-output 5.0 when a mass airflow sensor--used for fuel metering--replaced the previously employed speed-density system; however this only affected cars sold in California. This change was then made to all 5.0 H.O. engines for the 1989 model year. On paper it may seem a minute gesture in the name of efficiency but the mass airflow sensor has made it easier for owners to make performance modifications without sacrificing drivability as this system is less sensitive to manifold vacuum readings. Even if you have found an '87 edition performance alterations can be made with ease thanks to an expansive aftermarket network. It should be noted that even modified the 5.0 engine has long proven itself as a durable unit able to withstand most punishing conditions and driving styles.

TRANSMISSIONAs with the Mustang GT the ASC/McLarens were offered with a Borg Warner T-5 five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. It was a unit that had been introduced to the Mustang in 1983 and was further upgraded in subsequent years; the '87-'90 versions are of the "World Class" variety. The four-speed automatic overdrive (AOD) transmission was offered as an option. Both are reliable units that last for many miles of standard driving and both can be upgraded for more severe duty if necessary.

CHASSISStarting in 1979 the Mustang had been constructed on the unit-body Fox platform featuring - with minute variations - a 100.5-inch wheelbase. Supporting the McLaren version was a stock Mustang GT independent front suspension system consisting of struts performance springs and a 1.3-inch anti-roll bar. At the opposite end was the Mustang's Quadra-Shock system comprised of two vertically installed gas shocks working in unison with two conventional gas shocks horizontally mounted to the differential--the durable 8.8-inch Traction-Lok--to prevent unwanted twisting and wheel hop; an 0.83-inch anti-roll bar was also included. The Mustang GT's power front disc/rear drum brake system was standard equipment.

Significant deviations from the factory GT chassis began with the elimination of the stock Mustang wheels. ASC/McLaren carried over its use of the honeycombed mesh cast-aluminum 15-inch wheels from the earlier Capri program which were supplied by Italy's Motorsport Wheel Company. They were shod with directional Goodyear VR radials. For the 1989-'90 models the same tires were installed on new directional five-slot Enkei wheels from Japan.

The other significant change has to do with the unit-body structure. With the removal of the Mustang LX's fixed top structural rigidity was compromised a condition that was rectified with the installation of reinforced rocker panels. This was a deviation from practices employed during the Capri program which added bracing below the rear cowl.

What to watch for:The 1987 and up Mustangs featured revised front-end geometry with new strut housings. Strut travel was also increased. Combined it provided the Fox platform with greater cornering stability. Additionally the aftermarket industry has been providing suspension and brake upgrades for many years. Although owners of truly rare cars tend to maintain stock characteristics it's still possible to find an example with such upgrades installed.

BODY & INTERIORContrary to what one may think Ford did not send incomplete body-in-white LX coupes to ASC/McLaren. Each was complete including the aforementioned 5.0 engine and GT underpinnings. Henry Huisman who worked at ASC and is now the owner of Paradise Automotive--supplier of NOS reconditioned and used ASC/McLaren parts in Odessa Florida (www.ascmclaren.com)--tellsus they were also fitted with the GT front fascia from the factory.

"Once they took delivery of the car they cut the top off and removed the interior in order to fit their own manually-folded top and power metal tonneau cover. Like the Capri they pulled the windshield back about 20 degrees which necessitated the installation of side windows unique to these cars. They also added side skirts taillamp covers and a rear spoiler and removed the stock emblems" explains Henry.

Once the exterior modifications were completed the cars were then painted a variety of special colors which varied from one year to the next. "Ford shipped the cars usually finished in silver or black so in most cases the door sticker--which would have the paint code--will not match what ASC/McLaren ultimately applied. The underside of the hood should still exhibit the original Ford color" cautions Henry.

Interiors were also extensively modified. With the rear seat removed additional storage was made available à la Corvette below the stowed top and corresponding cover. The front seats were given extra padding and re-covered in embroidered leather; door panels and the armrests were also redesigned. Standard Mustang GT instrumentation remained however.

Standard features included power steering tinted windows and even air conditioning later in the series; however options such as a Whistler radar detector and Recaro bucket seats were few. The Recaros were dropped after 1988 mostly due to the fact few buyers selected the $1500 option.

RESTORATION & PERFORMANCE PARTSLow production throughout its history and the ultimate suspension of the conversion program during the 1990 model year left behind an extensive collection of ASC/McLaren-specific NOS parts which has been serving the needs of owners and restorers alike since. Coupled with a vast network of OE and aftermarket performance parts suppliers restoring one of these rare two-seaters--or administering acceleration and cornering enhancements--is far easier than what one might expect from such a low-production specialty model.

EngineProviding plenty of grunt for the sporty ASC/McLaren was a standard-issue Mustang GT high-output 5.0-liter engine rated for 225 hp which was an improvement of 25 horses implemented in time for the 1987 models. No performance mods were made by McLaren.

BrakesStock Mustang GT equipment including a power front disc/rear drum system was used during all four years of ASC/McLaren conversion production. Rear disc conversions are available as are stock systems from earlier SVO and later Cobra Mustangs.

TransmissionNo surprises here as each of these unique custom-built Mustangs was equipped with a Borg Warner T-5 five-speed manual as standard equipment. A four-speed overdrive automatic was a $515 option through 1989 but cost a lofty $595 in '90.

InteriorA standard Mustang interior was converted into a custom--and true--two-seater complete with embroidered leather bucket seats lengthened center console custom armrests and rear stowage compartments. Stock Mustang instruments were retained.

ChassisOn the surface no modifications were made to the standard Mustang chassis. GT equipment meaning the stock performance suspension system was bolted into place at the Ford factory. Only the rocker panels were reinforced by ASC/McLaren.

BodyInterior aside the body received the bulk of the alterations. Each started life as an LX notchback coupe before the top was cut off the windshield tipped back and a custom top and metal tonneau cover added along with side skirts and taillamp covers.ENGINE

CodeCu.In.HorsepowerTorqueComp.Bore & StrokeM302225 @ 4000 RPM300 @ 3000 RPM9.0:14.00 x 3.00TRANSMISSIONS

CodeType1st2nd3rd4th5thRev.Available25-spd man.3.35:11.93:11.29:11.00:10.675:13.15:1Std. '87-'8925-spd man.3.35:11.99:11.33:11.00:10.675:13.15:1Std. '89-'90T4-spd auto.2.40:11.47:11.00:10.667----2.00:1OptionalDifferential

YearTransmissionStandard RatioOptional Ratio1987-'905-speed man.2.73:13.08:11987-'904-speed auto.2.73:13.27:1Brakes

Standard Rotors: FrontStandard Drums: RearOptional Rotors: Rear10.84-inch diameter9 x 2.00 inchesN/A1987:"LX" Option Code 240-A:"Special Value Climate Control Group"Included:-Air Conditioning / Am Fm Electronic Stereo Cassette & PremiumSound / Tinted Glass / Power Lock Group {Pwr. Door Locks TrunkRelease and Fuel Door}. Deleted from this group were the SpeedControl & Tilt Wheel which moved onto the OPTION list.Listed Options a' la carte:-Automatic Transmission with 3.23:1 Axle RatioSpeed ControlTilt Wheeland MANDATORY Power Windows.Not Available on the D32 but normally in the 240-A Group was theGraphic Equalizer.Interiors were: Regatta Blue / Scarlet Red / Titanium Grey or Sand Beige