While we can all agree that stock survivors are the best way to find a car if you want one that represents a good value, but sometimes minor modifications are acceptable if they’re in good taste and easily reversible. This 1979 Ford Mustang Pace Car features the desirable combination of the 302 V8 and a four-speed manual transmission, along with largely preserved condition and some upgrades that arguably make this a more appealing car. Find the Mustang here on eBay with bidding over $8,000 and no reserve.
The Pace Car has just over 50,000 original miles, so the odds were good this one would be in nice shape. However, the details are right on this car, from the preserved Pace Car graphics and stickers to the period-correct window louvers and dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers. The Mustang has also been modified slightly with a set of aftermarket wheels and new tires, the sizing, and stance of which look perfect on the Mustang.
The standard-issue Recaro interior for the Pace Cars remains in excellent condition, helped by the fact that the fronts were re-upholstered. The back seat doesn’t look quite as nice, and there appears to be some light discoloration in this photo. The seller notes that the pattern is factory-correct but the material is more durable, so the seats should hopefully withstand ingress and egress. The factory radio and shift knob remain in place, along with the OEM steering wheel.
The motor is stock as well, which is fine as the originality of a Pace Car often impacts its value. The aftermarket exhaust is a feature most enthusiasts will love, and the wheels are easily reversible if the look isn’t your style. The seller installed smaller underdrive pulleys to aid in acceleration but has retained the stock parts. This Mustang gives off the right vibes of having owners who made subtle tweaks that almost everyone will enjoy without detracting from the car’s impressive OEM condition.
my first Indy5 was in ’79 & we had a ’78 Vette in the garage.
i recall my dad being disappointed that i wanted to play some scifi video game in an arcade tent that was setup onsite more than check out the cars.
regardless, i really dug the looks of these first year Foxes & the louvers, the Recaros, the galloping ponies, the crazy euro TRX wheels made them cool.
the 130ish hp V8 not so much when our Vette had what, 220?
these still look great today, with the skinny wheel & tire set (and maybe the chopstick thin rear sway bar) being the only things that let them down.
cool chunk of history to enjoy
Wheel and tire swap was pretty common on these, the stockers were metric if I remember right. Always expensive and the tires were out of production for years. Last I heard Coker was making repops but they’re still spendy.
Would love to add this to my collection but at the current price, I’ve already been outbid.
When they came out in 1979 I thought they were corny and wondered why someone would buy one. The last few years I have taken a liking to them. And a 302 and a stick the better combo,in my opinion
It needs these…. https://lmr.com/item/WK-39067452/mustang-trx-wheel-kit-r390-style-16×7-7993-machined?gclid=CjwKCAjw7MzkBRAGEiwAkOXexDSuDlUXuYF6kzN5N_mJb7-9AGmYfbJ0ILNGmkKxrH1IQQECnORS5xoCh4YQAvD_BwE
Plus.. those Recaros look fabulous!
Built before the fabled 5.0 mustang began to overcrowd the dragstrips of the USA and create a very strong aftermarket parts industry, not to mention a few dedicated magazines.
It’ll be on it’s way to a new home this week. Haven’t figured out how to explain this one to the boss yet!
hey! cool chunk of automotive history you got here!
arguably the cleanest & purest sporting Fox available as well as one of the best looking.
nice grab