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In the late 1980s and early ’90s, the Ford Mustang convertible was a pop-culture icon, making appearances in everything from films to music lyrics. However, buyers could opt for a far rarer Mustang, the ASC/McLaren convertible like the one recently for sale on eBay Motors in Fenton, Mo.
Bucking Tradition
Why did Ford sell two Mustang convertibles at the same time? The convoluted history begins with the tradition at Detroit Three manufacturers of divided-by-make employee parking. A Ford employee, for example, who drove a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury product could park closer to a building’s entrance than an employee who drove a competing product. For the employee who dared to drive Brand X, this could be a major inconvenience during cold Michigan winters.
One such employee was the wife of ex-Ford engineer Peter Muscat - opens in new window or tab.. Her Mercedes SL - opens in new window or tab. had no real competition in Ford’s lineup in the early ’80s, but she still had to park in the non-Ford lot.
Muscat designed a convertible top - opens in new window or tab. similar to the SL for the then-new third-generation Mustang, one that folded under a hard deck. Since Ford already planned to debut a Mustang convertible in 1983, they steered Muscat to the Lincoln-Mercury division instead. L-M offered a slightly more luxurious, badge-engineered Mustang twin, the Mercury Capri - opens in new window or tab..
Hatchback Conversion
Muscat successfully pitched the idea to Mercury and brokered a deal with American Sunroof Company to convert finished Capri hatchbacks into convertibles. In this era, ASC was the go-to company for convertible conversions, having worked with automakers ranging from GM to Toyota.
At the time, ASC had a partnership with McLaren Engines, the supplier of motors to Bruce McLaren Motor Racing. The multi-faceted McLaren also provided parts for the convertible top’s construction, which required significant alterations to the car’s body.
In 1984, the Capri ASC/McLaren was born, but it was shortlived — Mercury discontinued the Capri in 1986. However, the alliance between Muscat, ASC, and Ford continued, with all development ported to the Mustang.
Key Differences
Ford already had its own Mustang convertible, but there were several key differences between the two. During the conversion, the rear seat was turned into a storage area, making the cars two-seaters. While the standard Mustang soft top was stored under a fabric boot like most convertibles of the era, the ASC/McLaren used an SL-style hard cover. Cutting off the hardtop allowed ASC to give its Mustang a faster windscreen rake with structural reinforcements hidden behind panels.
The ASC/McLaren Mustang also boasted a unique ground effects kit - opens in new window or tab., suspension, upgraded interior, cosmetic enhancements, and special wheels which were Enkei mesh - opens in new window or tab. initially, then directionals. To bring the price down from the more upscale Capris, amenities like a built-in radar detector - opens in new window or tab. weren’t included in the Mustang.
A Mustang Rarity
A little over 1,800 ASC/McLaren Mustangs were built before the relationship was dissolved in 1990. The example listed is number 343 of the 479 built in 1987. With under 32,000 miles on the clock, it’s devastatingly clean.
In a roundabout way, Muscat’s wife did end up getting the drop-top Mustang she wanted. And while casual observers may see the ASC/McLaren as just another Mustang convertible, it’s actually far rarer. At its $28,895 asking price, the ASC/McLaren Mustang might be the least expensive road car you can buy with the name “McLaren” in it.
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