Jay Leno recently got behind the wheel of an exceptionally preserved 1993 Ford Mustang GT Convertible owned by comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias. The Fox Body has fewer than 500 original miles, making it feel closer to a showroom car than a typical three-decade-old performance classic.
Iglesias bought the Mustang because it represents the late-1980s and early-1990s cars he admired while growing up. He has developed a particular interest in extremely low-mileage vehicles from that era, partly because they let him experience the cars almost exactly as they were when new.
This example is especially appealing because 1993 marked the final model year for the Fox Body Mustang. It combines a 5.0-liter V8 with a five-speed manual transmission, teal metallic paint, a black interior, and a convertible top.
The car had just 468 miles when it appeared on Jay Leno’s Garage, although Iglesias has no intention of freezing the odometer there. After replacing the original tires, he and Leno took it onto Southern California roads to find out whether a nearly untouched Fox Body still drives like it did in 1993.
A High School Dream Car Preserved For Decades
Iglesias said he has owned the Mustang for a little over a month and had barely driven it because the factory tires were still fitted. Those tires were around 30 years old, so replacing them was the first essential step before putting the car back into regular use.
The comedian explained that this particular shape held strong memories for him, including its appearance in one of his favorite films, Menace II Society. Although he generally does not consider himself a major convertible fan, the Fox Body’s specification was enough to win him over.
Its low mileage mattered even more than the transmission choice. Iglesias said he would have considered an automatic because the opportunity to buy what effectively feels like a brand-new 1993 Mustang was the real attraction.
The 5.0 Still Feels Strong
Under the hood sits Ford’s 5.0-liter high-output V8, also known as the 302-cubic-inch small block. It was rated at 225 horsepower when new and sends power to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
That output sounds modest beside modern Mustangs, yet the older car carries far less weight and delivers its performance with a more direct, mechanical character. Leno repeatedly noted that the car felt stronger than its official figure suggested once they accelerated onto the road.
The Mustang also retains the simple hardware typical of the period, including front disc brakes and rear drums. Power steering, air conditioning, electric windows, and a convertible top gave it enough comfort to function as a cruiser without losing the straightforward feel of an early-1990s performance car.
Almost Completely Factory Original
Iglesias has kept the Mustang largely stock, with the battery and tires among the few practical replacements. The engine bay, interior, bodywork, trim, and drivetrain remain remarkably close to their original condition.
One major addition sits in the trunk: a large, period-inspired sound system built to recreate the kind of audio setup Iglesias wanted in the 1990s. The installation occupies much of the luggage space and adds a playful touch without altering the car’s basic mechanical character.
The interior also impressed Leno with its lack of wear and tight construction. The leather seats, black trim, shifter, steering, and transmission all felt unusually crisp because they have experienced almost no regular use.
It Drives Like A New 1993 Mustang
Once on the road, the Mustang delivered the experience both men expected. The steering had virtually no play, the gearbox shifted cleanly, and the car felt solid in a way few unrestored Fox Bodies still do.
The suspension was the one area that showed its age despite the low mileage. Leno noticed some bouncing over rough pavement and suggested the shocks may have weakened simply from sitting for so many years.
Even so, the car remained fun, responsive, and surprisingly capable during the drive. Leno described it as an early sign of the more sophisticated performance identity the Mustang would continue developing in later generations.
Fluffy Plans To Keep Driving It
Iglesias has become drawn to low-mileage cars because restoration projects can take years and still return with unresolved problems. Buying preserved examples lets him enjoy the vehicle immediately instead of waiting through a long rebuild.
That philosophy means this Fox Body will not remain a static collection piece. Iglesias said he plans to add miles, enjoy the car, and treat it as the high school dream he finally had the chance to buy.
Would you drive a 500-mile Fox Body Mustang regularly, or would its originality make you too nervous to use it? Let us know whether you would preserve it as a time capsule or enjoy it the way Ford intended.