24,169 Actual Mile Mustang GT 4.6L V8 5 Speed

Regardless of outside factors, the Ford Mustang has always remained a wildly popular car. Even the much-maligned Mustang II sold to the tune of 385,993 cars in its first year of production. It would be easy to credit these successes to what Ford designed into the car but the answer may actually have more to do with what they didn't. From the first generation to the Fox platform to the SN-95 cars, nearly every generation of Mustang ever produced has left plenty of room for the buyer to put their own signature on the car. While the results can vary, enthusiasts occasionally create a car like this awesome 2002 Mustang GT. With a nasty demeanor, a clean black leather interior and just 24,169 original miles, this mildly modified thoroughbred can be enjoyed as-is for years to come or serve as the baseline for your own Mustang dream build.

The 2002 model year saw Ford working within their New Edge design theme. For the Mustang, it meant a return to muscle. The first-generation influence is obvious from all sides but the mix of chiseled lines and sharply curved angles allowed the car to maintain its modern identity. This low-mileage GT wears a nicely maintained coat of Mineral Gray, sprayed by the folks at the Dearborn, Michigan assembly plant. The paint is free of notable flaws and sets the perfect background for the black Boss-style side stripes. Paired with the black spoiler and hood center section, the car has an ultra-aggressive demeanor without looking over the top. Even with the aftermarket pieces, overall fit and finish remains first rate. Panel gaps are even all around thanks to the quality of work done on the modern assembly line.

Of course, there's more to an exterior than paint. This GT features a long list of accessories sure to thrill any late-model Mustang fan. The most obvious addition comes in the form of a Roush Stage III-style body kit complete with an integrated side-exit exhaust system. The Roush front fascia plays off the New Edge lines, carrying them lower and wider while providing space for a pair of fog lights. Above the running-pony grille, a bulged hood features a fully functional Mach 1-style hood that draws cool outside air into the engine bay. You probably won't notice a big difference in performance, but hitting the throttle and watching the scoop lean is just plain cool. The hood is held in place by chrome hood pins, just like the cars of the muscle car glory days. At the back end, a flat black gas tank door ties in well with the black Steeda Street Wing mounted to the decklid. Between the three-bar tail lights, a black tail light valance pays homage to the original Boss 302, continuing the performance theme down to the last line of the car.

The Mustang has long been the champion of budget performance cars and much of that has to do with the rock solid base engines Ford fits between the fenders. Pop the hood on this GT and you'll find a low-mileage example of the venerable 4.6L mod motor. This proven mill utilizes two camshafts, free-flowing heads, an aggressive cam profile and a rugged iron block to create an unbeatable combination of smooth cruising and spirited performance. Aside from the Mach 1 hood and aftermarket exhaust, this one remains mostly stock. With 260hp and 302lb ft of torque, “stock” isn't a bad word either. The car starts on the first try, idles well and retains all the good manners installed by the factory. With just over 24,000 miles on the clock, the engine is ripe for modification or a few more decades of casual cruising – the choice is yours!

Get this pony on a lift and you'll find a well-preserved undercarriage with rock solid panels and a few upgrades hiding among the stock pieces. In the center, a Tremec T3650 five-speed manual transmission offers full access to the 4.6's power while the stock 8.8-inch rear puts it to the ground with 3.27 gears. Around that driveline, Ford engineering is on full display. Handling and overall refinement were a central focus for the New Edge cars and it shows in the details such as fully boxed side rails, front and rear sway bars and a slightly wider rear track than the 1994-1998 models. The suspension remains in its stock configuration but sits roughly two inches closer to the ground thanks to lowering springs. An anti-lock brake system that clamped down on four-wheel disc brakes was standard on GT cars, along with power steering. This '02 does have the optional traction control system so you can feel at ease no matter who is driving. At the corners, 17-inch Ford Racing five-spoke wheels wrapped in Cooper tires cap off the car's aggressive look.

Between the doors, an attractive black interior offers a great balance between daily and high performance needs. The leather bucket seats are firm and supportive, showing minimal wear overall. Between them, the center console features a storage space, a pair of cup holders, and most importantly, makes room for the shifter. From the driver seat, a set of white-face Simco gauges keep tabs on the 4.6, monitoring fuel, water temperature, speed, revs, voltage and oil pressure. To the right, controls for air conditioning and the killer six-disc Mach audio system are within easy reach, just above the defroster and traction control buttons. The distinctively-shaped dashboard is in great shape and free of the usual cracks and scratches. From the ground up, all the soft surfaces retain their showroom charm thanks to an easy, well-maintained life. Behind the rear seat, the surprisingly large trunk makes room for one more Ford Racing wheel should you encounter a flat tire.

Even the baddest production Mustangs have been great cars capable of daily driving duties. This 2002 GT doesn't vary from that path whatsoever. From the killer looks to the driver-friendly interior, this is the kind of muscle car you can truly live with. Factor in the low-mileage motor and slick-shifting five-speed and this pony car just keeps looking better. If you always liked the New Edge lines but never found the right one, don't miss out on this '02 GT!