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.
Believe it or not, the turbo was selected more often than the V8 in the ’79 Pace Car version. I remember reading that one time, and Google just confirmed it:
Approximately 57% of the 1979 Ford Mustang Indy Pace Car replicas produced for the public were equipped with the turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine.
Out of a total production run of 10,478 units (some sources cite 10,487), the breakdown by engine type was as follows:
2.3L Turbo 4-Cylinder: 5,970 units (~57%)
5.0L V8 (302ci): 4,508 units (~43%)
4-Speed Manual: 2,402 units
3-Speed Automatic: 2,106 units
While the turbo engine was popular at the time due to fuel shortages and Ford’s marketing push, it was often criticized for reliability issues, leading many owners to eventually swap them for V8 engines or retire them to salvage yards.
Information regarding these classic models can be verified through historical archives like those at MustangSpecs or enthusiast resources like Late Model Restoration (LMR).
The Michelin TRX wheels were a metric size, equaled a 15.3 inch American. And they are not cheap, if you can find a set. Someone is remaking the TRX wheel in a normal 15 inch which I believe would be cost effective if you were going to buy 2 or 3 sets of tires. I like the Indy Pace Cars, a V8 4-speed would be nice, they are out there. I have never seen a turbo with a carberator run worth a gosh darn. I’d be putting a EFI turbo out of a Turbo Coupe in there.
Minor correction: the repro TRX wheels are 16 inch. They are very well-done and are popular on early Foxes. They open one to using a variety of 16 inch tires. But an expert can look at them and (because of the slight difference in diameter) can tell they “are a bit different.”
All good points Bob. Though the V8 are more popular for obvious reasons. Modern technology now allows anyone to build a much more powerful turbo variant even with the Two barrel carb. Maybe not in the stratospheric levels of cars today but still equal to or greater than the originals base horsepower.
Carmakers catering to the awful tastes of American car buyers were really into the hideous graphics during this time period. This is a prime example. The Mustang of this period was a sharp car…. when not started up like a cheap hooker. Yeah, I know it’s an “Indy” car, but replica Indy cars of any model always looked ridiculous.
Wow.
Hey bud, I think Top Gear’s on the tele.
This is my Eleanor. I was 7 when these hit the roads. Someone in Little Rock had the pace car edition. I’d take it four eyed, louvered, and with all of the period vinyl graphics. 80s were knocking.
Is that and actual turbo? I don’t see it. or am I just missing it?
The turbo is underneath the carb, in a draw through configuration. The turbine is fed by a crossover exhaust pipe running under the engine from passengers’ side to driver’s side.
I have reproduction 16″ TRX wheels on my ’83 T-Top. Great wheel, and you’re not bound to one single tire size the rest of the cars life. Not to mention you can actually get a replacement tire in almost any tire shop should something happen on the road. The smart choice is to take those horrible factory wheels off, toss ’em in a corner of the garage and forget they exist until you sell the car.
The worn-out drivers side seat upholstery will not be cheap to replace.
These are such special time warp vehicles. If I see one on the road, I always smile and nod.
Thanks for the info jangus. Always good to learn something new.
Can’t remember the last working 1979 turbo Mustang I have seen. Great find.
First year for the fox. Can’t say I remember having actually seen a pace car version but I do remember when they came out. Overall it looks in pretty clean shape minus a few things. A full detailing and buffing might bring the paint back pretty well. Have no idea if anyone is reproducing those body graphics. The seat inserts are pretty wild on the eyes lol. Finding replacement material might be rather tough. Seems like a rather odd placement for the door pull handles being on the lower portion of the door.
Hello Paul. Both the graphics and the upholstery kits are reproduced and available through the supply houses which cater to Fox Mustangs. Seeing one with fresh upholstery is a treat, it is so eye-catching. The low door handle is a famous (infamous) feature on the 1979.
Those front seats were Recaro seats. Very pricy.
No bang for your bucks here but one of the nicest looking fox bodies Mustangs ever. My cousin brought one new. I love the paint scheme on the pace car Mustang.
SOLD for 12K.
15 bids.