In 1983, Ford offered a Mustang Convertible for the first time since 1973. These cars were not designed from the outset as convertibles, but rather left the factory as coupes and were sent to third-party company Cars & Concepts of Brighton, Michigan for conversion.

The sophomore year of the GT Mustang would see the carburetor of the 5.0-liter V-8 upgraded to a Holley four-barrel unit. This raised output to 175 horsepower and 245 pound feet of torque, sent through a new Borg-Warner 5-speed manual transmission and an updated 3.27:1 rear end. Wider Michelin tires helped put power to the road and an enlarged stabilizer bar added to the enhancements. According to Ford, the Mustang GT 5.0 could get from 0-60 mph in under seven seconds. Its 175-hp output made it the most powerful Mustang since 1973.

A turbocharged Mustang returned for 1983, but without the gaudy Cobra graphics. Available on the GT, the 2.3-liter, four-cylinder turbo made 145 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. The base engine continued to be an anemic 88-hp four cylinder, but a mid-range 3.8-liter V6 now made 112hp.

Slight styling revisions included a smoother nose, updated taillights, and a reverse hood scoop. The Ford Blue Oval logo replaced F-O-R-D block lettering for this year.

The presence of the convertible option and the availability of the T-Tops meant Ford no longer had to offer the dated “Carriage roof.” The Ford Mustang was offered in L, LX, and GLX levels. 120,873 Fox body Mustangs were sold in 1983.