Ford Mustang: 1979-1993

Hard-core Mustang enthusiasts tend to think of the Mustang II era as the "dark ages" of Mustang history. Slow, gaudy and sloppily assembled, it did not live up to the image set by the earlier cars. When the all-new 1979 Mustang hit the showrooms, few could have guessed that it would one day return Ford's little pony to the top of the performance ladder.


Based on a shortened Fairmont chassis (internally named the "Fox" platform), the new car was lighter and aerodynamically superior to its predecessor. The suspension was all-new, with McPherson struts in front and coil springs in back. Handling was initially just adequate, but the system was capable of being developed and was soon improved. The wheelbase was stretched about four inches, which made the new model much roomier than before. There was also a Mercury version wearing the old Capri badge.

Not the Same 'Stang
The body was a compete departure from Mustang practice, with an angular, slightly wedgy body and four square headlights in a plain-Jane grill. No side scoops, no chrome horse in front, this was an all-new car. The same four, six and eight-cylinder engines were used as before, with the addition of a turbocharged 4-banger that developed 140 hp (same as the 302 V-8 version). The little motor was lighter and resulted in better handling, but the turbo was unresponsive and troublesome, and never caught on.


The Ghia luxury package was once again available on the coupe, while the fastback hatchback could be ordered with a Cobra trim package topped with a fake hood scoop. There was even an Indy Pace Car package. Once again there was no convertible, but the other models were well received with 369,939 sold the first year.

Gas Crunch Woes
Unfortunately, the gas crunch was still in the minds of corporate planners, and in 1980 the Mustang was made to suffer with a downsized V-8. Many Mustang fans wanted even more power, but the beancounters shrunk the 5.0-liter V-8 to 4.2 liters. It gave up 21 horsepower in this questionable bargain, making the unloved turbo the hottest engine in the lineup (but still few bought it).