Ford Mustang: 1979-1993

Ford Mustang: 1979-1993

Quick like a fox, but even faster

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).


The V-6 that had been used in the Mustang for some time was replaced with an ancient Ford straight six. Hardly a banner year for performance fans. The 1980 Cobra got a set of spoilers (but with such anemic engine choices they couldn't have done much good). Sales were way down, with a little over 271,000 sold. Not much improved in 1981, other than a 5-speed manual box for the four-bangers and a T-Top option. Fewer customers dropped in than ever.

GT Time
Ford finally caught on in 1982 when a hotter 302 pumping 157 horses was fitted into the Mustang. The Mustang GT looked the part and was decently quick for the time. The turbo got the boot and there were three luxury models (the L, GL and GLX) to replace the Ghia package.

Even more changes were in store for 1983, most notably the long-awaited return of the convertible that could be had in GT or GLX trim. Under the hood the straight six and the 4.2 liter V-8 were canned in favor of a 3.8 liter V-6. Ford made one last try at taming the turbo four-cylinder engine (now with fuel injection), but few ordered it since the 302 was now up to 175 hp and had a five-speed of its own. An odd duck was the SVO Mustang, a limited-edition model with a 175-hp (later 200 hp) intercooled turbo four, a luxury interior and four-wheel disc brakes. But it was too expensive and soon disappeared.

Camaro Comp
Over the next few years horsepower continued to climb, and with fuel injection the 1986 version produced 200 hp. The next year the Capri got the boot, as did the SVO and the V-6 engine. The grille and taillights were revamped, with the GT getting its own look. This version of the Mustang was continued through 1989, with a slightly tweaked power output on the V-8.


Mustang sales had started to slip by the late 1980s. Ford even thought about dropping it, but it got a reprieve. The 1991 and 1992 models were basically the same, with a few special edition models to spice up sales. But Chevy had raised the bar with an all-new Camaro with a potent 350 and a six-speed gearbox, and Ford would not have an answer ready until 1994.

SVT Intro
To deflect attention from its rivals, Ford introduced the first SVT (Special Vehicle Team) Mustang Cobra in 1993. This was a limited-edition Mustang with a hopped-up 302 that was conservatively rated at 235 hp (probably closer to 260-270 hp). It was backed up by a 5-speed box, a revised suspension for better handling, and four-wheel disc brakes. Outside, the Cobras were mildly changed from stock, with special spoilers and taillights from the old SVO model.


An even more rare version was the Cobra R, a highly tuned model intended for road racing. Only 107 were built, and they lacked many interior features and had no power options. Huge brakes gave impressive stopping power, but the engine was the stock Cobra 302. The Cobra was an instant classic and set the tone for the next generation of Mustangs, which would be introduced in 1994.