History and Information about the 1979 Ford Mustang
The 1979 Ford Mustang was a big deal for the iconic pony car. It came after the Mustang II era in the 1970s. Ford introduced a new Mustang based on the Fox platform, like the Ford Fairmont and Mercury Zephyr.
This new Mustang had a sleek, aerodynamic look. It was designed by Jack Telnack. It had a unique polyurethane nose, rectangular headlights, and an egg crate-style grille.
The 1979 Mustang also brought new engine choices. These included a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder and the famous 5.0L V8. This set the stage for the Mustang’s comeback in the 1980s.
This year was a big change for the Ford Mustang. It aimed to update the pony car for new times while keeping its classic appeal.
The 1979 Mustang: A Watershed Year for Ford
The 1979 Ford Mustang was a big change for the classic pony car. It used Ford’s new Fox platform. This made it lighter by about 200 pounds than the Mustang II before it. It also had a longer and taller chassis, which made it perform better and handle better.
Introducing the Fox Platform
The Fox platform was first seen in the Fairmont and Zephyr models the year before. When it came to the Mustang, it changed the game. It made the Mustang lighter and stronger, giving drivers a better ride.
Sleek and Aerodynamic Styling by Jack Telnack
Jack Telnack, the chief designer, gave the 1979 Mustang a big update. He made it look more European. The car got a sleek, aerodynamic look with cool features like an aero polyurethane nose, rectangular headlights, an egg crate-style grille, and a raked windshield. These changes made the 1979 Mustang more efficient and fun to drive.
The 1979 Mustang was built on the Fox platform. It had sleek and aerodynamic styling thanks to Jack Telnack. This made it a key moment in the pony car’s history.
Performance and Power: Engine Options
The 1979 Ford Mustang had many engine choices for different drivers. It had a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder and a famous 5.0L V8 engine.
The 2.3L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
The 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine was great for those wanting efficiency and power. It made 132 horsepower. This engine was powerful and fun to drive, thanks to the turbocharger.
The Iconic 5.0L V8
The 5.0L V8 engine was the real star of the 1979 Mustang. It made 140 horsepower. This engine helped make the Mustang a legend in the 1980s.
Customers could choose between manual or automatic transmissions for these engines. This let them make the Mustang their own. The 1979 Mustang had engines for everyone’s taste.
History and Information about the 1979 Ford Mustang
The 1979 Ford Mustang was a big deal in the pony car world. After the Mustang II’s success, Ford wanted a new Mustang that was modern. The 1979 model had a longer, taller, and stronger chassis.
The 1979 Mustang looked sleek and aerodynamic. Jack Telnack designed it to look modern and streamlined. This made the Mustang stand out and improved its performance.
Under the hood, the Mustang had powerful engines like the 5.0L V8. This engine became famous in the Mustang line. There was also a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine for those who wanted better gas mileage.
The 1979 Ford Mustang was a key part of Mustang history and the pony car world. It combined modern looks, better performance, and various engines. This made it a big hit and helped the Mustang become an American icon.
The Iconic Cobra and Pace Car Editions
The 1979 Ford Mustang was more than just a car. It came in special editions that made it a legend. The 1979 Mustang Cobra and the 1979 Mustang Indianapolis 500 pace car replica were two standout models.
1979 Cobra: Black Accents and Hood Scoop
The 1979 Mustang Cobra package made the car look bold. It had black accents and a non-functional hood scoop. This edition was for those who wanted a Mustang with a performance edge.
Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Replica
In 1979, the Ford Mustang was the official pace car for the Indianapolis 500. Ford made a special “Indy 500” Pace Car edition to celebrate. It had a unique paint job, a front air dam, and a rear spoiler.
These special editions, the 1979 Mustang Cobra and the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car replica, made the 1979 Ford Mustang unforgettable.
Reviving the Mustang GT for 1982
In 1982, Ford brought back the iconic Mustang GT model. It had been gone since 1969. The return was a big deal, showing the pony car’s performance comeback.
The 1982 Ford Mustang GT had a powerful 157-horsepower engine. It was a big jump in power from before. With a Tremec 4-speed manual transmission, driving it was thrilling.
The Mustang GT looked different with its own style. It had a front air dam, rear spoiler, and a smaller hood scoop. These features made it look bold and fast.
The Mustang GT revival in 1982 was a big deal. It helped the Mustang get back to its performance roots. Fans were excited, and Ford’s new pony car got great reviews.
- Re-engineered 157-horsepower High Output 302 cubic inch (5.0L) V8 engine
- Tremec 4-speed manual transmission
- Distinctive styling cues:
- Front air dam
- Rear spoiler
- Smaller hood scoop
The 1982 Ford Mustang GT was a big step for the Mustang. It set the stage for its future as a high-performance car.
Design and Styling Highlights
The 1979 Ford Mustang was a big step forward in design and style. Jack Telnack led the design team. He made the Mustang look more like European cars, making it stand out.
Aerodynamic Polyurethane Nose
The 1979 Mustang had a special nose made of polyurethane. This made the car look better and helped it move more smoothly through the air. It had a drag coefficient of 0.44, the best ever for a Mustang.
Egg Crate-Style Grille and Raked Windshield
The Mustang also had an egg crate grille and a windshield that looked like it was leaning forward. These features made the car look sleeker. They also made the Mustang look and perform better.
Together, these features made the 1979 Mustang look modern and classy. This design helped the Mustang stay popular for years.
Production and Sales Success
The 1979 Ford Mustang was a big hit, with 396,936 units made in the U.S. This was more than the year before. It was the most made since the early days of the Mustang in 1965-1967.
Customers could choose from many body styles, engines, and trim levels. This meant the Mustang could be for anyone, from those who wanted a daily driver to those who loved speed.
The Mustang’s strong sales and production numbers made it a key model in its history. Ford made sure the Mustang met many people’s needs in 1979. This made the 1979 Ford Mustang a true symbol of American cars.
The 1979 Mustang was loved by many and was a versatile car. Its success showed it was a model that many people wanted. It became a part of car history, loved by fans and everyday drivers alike.
Source Links
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Mustang_(third_generation)
- https://shnack.com/history/1979
- https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1979-ford-mustang-a-fresh-start/
The 1979 Ford Mustang was a big deal for the iconic pony car. It came after the Mustang II era in the 1970s. Ford introduced a new Mustang based on the Fox platform, like the Ford Fairmont and Mercury Zephyr. This new Mustang had a sleek, aerodynamic look. It was designed by Jack Telnack. It…