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| "Mustang GTS, when less really means more." |
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| "Mustang GTS, when less really means more." |
Mustang enthusiasts are familiar with the SN-95 Mustang Cobra and the speciality vehicles produced by Saleen, Steeda, Roush and a few others. Some are even aware of the turbocharged 4 cylinder SVO Mustangs of the mid 80s. True rarity of these cars is not dictated by how many people are aware of their existence or how much money is needed to put one into an owners garage. Rarity is based on uniqueness and production numbers. The Mustang GTS is a prime example of these qualities.
What exactly is a Mustang GTS? To make it simple, think of it as a throwback to the old Mustang LXs of the pre-SN-95 era. GTS' came standard with the basic equipment that made a Mustang a GT. This included the HO 302cid pushrod V-8 powerplant, Borg-Warner T-5 manual transmission and a Traction-Lok axle. Obvious external characteristics of a GTS are the absence of a rear decklid spoiler, lack of fog lamps in the front airdam and 16"x7" 5 spoke SN-95 pony rims. Factory original GTS' will have the "Mustang GT" logo embossed on the rear bumper cover, as is the case on standard GTs, and "Mustang GT" badging on the front fenders. Dual 2.25" stainless steel tail pipes exit the back.
Inside the passenger compartment the GTS Mustang shares the same amenities as the base V-6 Mustang. Seats are cloth and only the drivers side is 4-way power adjustable. Windows and door locks are manual. Only the driver and passenger side mirrors are powered. Air conditioning and an AM/FM stereo cassette player are standard. Visor mirrors are non-illuminated, as opposed to illuminated like the GT and convertible Mustangs. The instrument pod is the only interior amenity borrowed from the GT (7000rpm redline tach, 150mph speedometer, fuel, volt, oil, and temp gauges.) Note: A few people have told me their GTS came with a manual driver's seat. While I do not fully dispute this I find it highly unlikely the car came equipped as such. All Mustangs, even the V-6, came standard with a 4-way power adjustable driver's seat, according to documentation for the 1994 and 1995 model years. I suspect this was for cost purposes. Unless Ford took the front Mustang seats from a different car line, which is doubtful, there was little reason for them to make a manual driver's seat. It would have required modifying an existing seat with manual bracketry and controls, making it less cost effective. If someone can provide me with documentation stating otherwise I'll gladly change the information on this site.
As a side note, all options on V6 models were also available on the GTS. These options are easily broken down into two categories.
Package Group One Package Group Two power windows, power door locks, remote decklid release cruise control, dual illuminated visor mirrors, AM/FM stereo cassette player with premium sound 4-wheel antilock brakes, an AODE transmission*, and remote keyless entry* were also options. Customers were able to order GTS' from the factory with as little or as many options as they wanted. Options were also available at the dealer, on request of the purchaser.
Ford did away with the GTS designation in 1996, replacing it with the 248A package. This package continued to be offered until the end of the 1998 model year. As of late, Ford does not plan to offer a stripped version of the current Mustang GT.
| Total: | 6,370 |
| w/T5: | 4,848 |
| w/AODE: | 1,522 |
| Canary Yellow: | 344 |
| Vibrant Red: | 25 |
| Rio Red: | 777 |
| Laser Red: | 1,123 |
| Sapphire Blue: | 96 |
| Bright Blue: | 197 |
| Deep Forest Green: | 1,002 |
| Teal: | 217 |
| Opal Frost: | 312 |
| Black: | 1,430 |
| Crystal White: | 847 |
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| Drivetrqin Type- | Rear-wheel drive |
| Body Type- | Unitized |
| Front Suspension- | Modified MacPherson strut, tubular stabilizer bar, nitrogen gas hydralic struts |
| Rear Suspension- | Quadra-link coil spring system, tubular stabilizer bar, nitrogen gas hydralic shocks |
| Steering- | Power rack and pinion, 14.7:1 ratio |
| Brakes- | Power 4-wheel disc w/ optional ABS |
| Tires- | 225/55ZR 16 Firestone Firehawk SVX All Season |
| Fuel Capacity- | 15.4 gallons |
| Wheelbase- | 101.3" |
| Length- | 181.5" |
| Height- | 52.9" |
| Width- | 78.1" |
| Front Tread- | 60.1" |
| Rear Tread- | 58.7" |
| Front Head Room- | 38.2" |
| Rear Head Room- | 35.9" |
| Front Leg Room- | 42.6" |
| Rear Leg Room- | 30.3" |
| Front Shoulder Room- | 53.6" |
| Rear Shoulder Room- | 52.1" |
| Trunk Volume(cu. ft.)- | 10.8" |
| Passenger Capacity- | 4 |
If an error or a point has been glossed over, please feel free to e-mail the author. Credit will be given to those with additions.
Last updated 04.09.07 @ 10:00.
Capacities and dimensions obtained from 1994 Ford Mustang Brochure. All other information courtesy of the author. All content is 1998 by Corey B. Quan unless otherwise noted. Duplication, in part or in whole, is strictly forbiddne without the written consent of the author. * Special thanks to Steve for sending me the info on the AODE and keyless entry as additional GTS options. Extra special thanks go to Peter Sessler, author of The Mustang Red Book, for sharing GTS production numbers.
