1998 Ford Mustang Roush Stage II Coupe

There are a few names synonymous with performance mustangs; Saleen, Steeda, Shelby, and the house that Jack built…Roush.  Jack is no “Johnny-come-lately”…he's had a long history in the automotive world beginning as a quality control engineer for Ford in 1964.  His performance enterprise began in 1976, developing parts and hardware which soon led to performance engines and a long list of race victories in a myriad of motorsports.

For consignment, a little piece of Roush and Mustang history!  This is a first-generation Roush Mustang built for the public and of the three “stages” available, this is a Stage 2 rendition.  Production continues of Roush vehicles, so these early examples serve as an historic reference point for aftermarket “tuners” and would be a rare and welcome sight at Ford shows, Roush gatherings, and general car shows.  And with a mere 62,474 title verified actual miles, this car has lots of love to give!

Exterior
The Stage 2 kit includes cosmetic changes, and the exterior is where this really shines.  The Roush-specific body kit includes extension of the front fascia, cladding along the rocker, (more on that in a second!), and an IMSA-inspired valance around the back bumper.  The rear wing is also special – a sculpted, undulating masterpiece of aerodynamics.  But for “cool factor” it's hard to beat the side-exit exhaust.  The rocker cladding is smoothly notched to allow the exhaust tips to show on both sides, just in front of the rear wheels.  This is also race-inspired and gives the car a distinct stance.  Speaking of stance, this car sits low, riding on a set of 18-inch Roush wheels and low-profile tires.  The wheels show some weathering and would benefit from a coat of paint.  Clear coat and fading issues on some upper surfaces including the wing will need some attention and the cladding has kissed a few curbs, but otherwise this is a very straight car with some unique trimmings.

Interior
With the exception of the coveted Roush medallion on the dash, it's a standard Mustang GT inside and it's in great shape.  The tan and black plastics have held up beautifully.  The shifter and its boot, often the sight of early wear and tear, look fantastic.  The herring-bone cloth bucket seats, front and back, really tell the story of this car's relative low mileage.  Some minor wear on the leather-wrapped steering wheel is present and predictable.  The stock radio and CD player looks right at home and the carpet below the mats is faded but in good condition.  The headliner looks factory fresh!

Drivetrain
The Stage 2 from Roush included an underdrive pulley, some air filtration improvements, and a timing advance kit.  This adds 25hp to the standard 4.6 liter SOHC V8.  Backed by a 5-speed Tremec T45 manual transmission, the motor has a bit of giddy-up with 250 horsepower…adequate to move the 3,227-pound car with confidence.  A Steeda air intake has been added and terminates at a K&N-style cone filter.  The power goes to the back wheels via 3.27 gears housed in an 8.8” Ford rear end and is halted by power disk brakes front and rear.

Undercarriage
The dominant feature underneath is that unique exhaust system.  The consignor states this one has recently been replaced and is a Steeda brand system stemming from previously installed headers.  The Bilstein shocks are still present…along with the coils…both of which were Stage 2 additions.  Roush's 30mm stabilizer bar is under there too and no doubt aids in stabilizing turn-ins.  Beyond that, there's some surface rust present and some paint overspray in the gas tank area, indicating that rear valance may have been painted at some point.

Drive-ability
Ho hum, another Mustang?  Wrong!  This one sounds and feels just a little bit special.  The 4.6 has always been a good, (and widely used,) engine and that little bump from Roush really wakes it up.  The exhaust rumbles and the side exits make it easier to hear…we only wish we had a tunnel on our track!  Handling is precise and we can imagine what a fresh set of, (summer/track), tires could do for this car!  The Tremec does what Tremecs do…clean, crisp shifts with longer throws and short uptakes.  With enough revs, we figure you could easily chirp this pony into second gear.  Overall, a great little car from a legendary builder.

An early iterations of builder/manufacturer efforts may very likely be on the rise of collectability.  While they're not the most technologically-advanced of the builds, they represent a genesis of ingenuity and experimentation…and for companies like Roush that are still around and still producing cars, the holy grails will be those first mules…and here we have a first generation Roush Mustang that runs great and has much of the original add-ons that made it special.

1FAFP42X8WF232087

1-USA
F-Ford Motor Company
A-Passenger Car
F-Manual Belts, Front Airbags
P42-GT Coupe
X-4.6L V8 225hp
8-Check Digit
W-1998
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
232087-Sequential Unit Number

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