With the introduction of the all-new third-generation Mustang in 1979, things were heading in yet another positive direction for Ford’s pony car, all except in terms of optional over-the-top performance options as could be found on some of the sixties and early seventies examples. However, association with any type of racing is always good publicity for any vehicle, and in 1979, the Mustang was chosen as the Indy Pace Car for the first time since 1964. Ford also offered a replica to the public, such as this one here on eBay in Prior Lake, Minnesota. The current lone bid of $100 is understandably short of reserve, but it can also be yours today for the buy-it-now price of $12,000.
A total of three Mustangs were prepared to pace the Indianapolis track in 1979, each featuring a Jack Roush-prepared 302 that included several higher-performance Ford parts, helping push horsepower for this trio of cars to around 260. Unfortunately, that’s not what the public got for their replicas, as the consumer-edition 5.0 only provided just over half that number in ’79. The other engine choice was the turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-4, which is what can be found under the hood here, and it received a factory HP rating of 131. Fortunately, selecting the 4-cylinder also included a mandatory 4-speed manual transmission, with the seller stating that this one is running and driving, with the car’s only specified need being a new set of tires.
The seller indicates that he’s only the second caretaker here, having purchased this Mustang from its original owner just last year, who is reported to have taken very good care of it since new. Even though these weren’t factory racers, Ford did a good job of making them appear fast, including installing a front spoiler with integrated fog lights. Special two-tone paint was also added, along with plenty of graphics everywhere. The exterior is said to have oxidized a bit here, and the decals have some cracks, but for all the time that’s passed, this one still looks pretty sweet overall.
Few specific details are provided about the interior, but the only substantial cosmetic issue seems to be the driver’s bucket, which shows some wear and a handful of small tears in the material. The dash and gauges are in decent shape, and thankfully, the undercarriage photos appear to show solid floors and a rust-free platform. For those seeking a notable Fox-era pony, I’m not sure if it makes more sense to make a bid here and see what happens, or go ahead and hit the immediate-gratification button. What do you think?
Good job Mike. I think the V8’s are more popular, but some may prefer the technology-focused (for its day) period-correct turbo 4. (To think that turbos are now mainstream.) Coker has the tires; they aren’t cheap, but given the price of tires in general, I don’t think they are that expensive. The more expensive proposition might be getting the upholstery reworked.
I’ve always thought that, with the pewter paint and the black offset and colorful stripes, they looked good. This one appears to have been well-kept. Lots of these were saved, pick the best one you can find.
Bet you’d enjoy a rip in Roush’s version Bob. He made all his modifications well known to everyone who was interested. The 302 is truly a gem of a motor.