Ford Mustang (third generation)
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ford |
| Production | 1978–1993 |
| Model years | 1979-1993 |
| Assembly |
Dearborn, Michigan San Jose, California Metuchen, New Jersey Valencia, Carabobo, Venezuela |
| Designer | Jack Telnack (1976) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Pony car |
| Body style | 2-door convertible 2-door coupe 3-door hatchback |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | Ford Fox platform |
| Related |
Ford Fairmont Ford LTD Ford Thunderbird Mercury Capri Mercury Zephyr Mercury Marquis Mercury Cougar Lincoln Continental Lincoln Mark VII |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.3 L (140 cu in) 86 hp I4 2.3 L (140 cu in) turbocharged I4 3.3 L (201 cu in) I6 85 hp 2.8 L (171 cu in) V6 3.8 L (232 cu in) Essex V6 4.2 L (256 cu in) V8 4.95 L (302 cu in) Windsor V8 (marketed as a "5.0" model) |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 100.5 in (2,553 mm) |
| Length | 179.6 in (4,562 mm) |
| Width | 1987–1990: 69.1 in (1,755 mm) 1991–93: 68.3 in (1,735 mm) |
| Height | 1987–1990: 52.1 in (1,323 mm) 1991–93 Coupe: 52 in (1,321 mm) 1991–93 Hatchback: 52.1 in (1,323 mm) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ford Mustang (second generation) |
| Successor | Ford Mustang (fourth generation) |
The third-generation Mustang was produced by Ford from 1978 to 1993. Built on Ford’s Fox platform (and is thus commonly referred to as the "Fox" Mustang), it evolved through a number of sub-models, trim levels, and drivetrain combinations during its production life. It underwent updates for 1987, and for a time seemed destined for replacement with a front wheel drive Mazda platform. However, company executives were swayed by consumer opinions and the rear wheel drive Mustang stayed, while the front wheel drive version became the Ford Probe. Enthusiasts group the generation into two segments: the 1979-1986 cars, with their quad headlight arrangement (manufactured in the United States), and the 1987-1993 cars, with their aero composite headlamped front fascia styling (manufactured in Valencia, Carabobo, Venezuela with exception of the SVT Cobra). Production ended with the introduction of the fourth-generation Mustang (SN-95) for the 1994 model year.
The 1979 model year Mustang was based on the larger Fox platform that was initially developed for the Ford Fairmont and Mercury Zephyr twins that debuted in the 1978 model year. The larger body meant the interior offered more space for four passengers, especially in the back seat, as well as a larger capacity trunk and a bigger engine bay. Body styles included a coupe (notchback) and hatchback. Two trim levels were available and included the base model and the more luxurious Ghia model.
In addition to the base & Ghia trim levels, a Cobra appearance package also made its debut and would continue through both the 1980 & 1981 model years. The all-new 1979 Cobra (17,579 produced) featured black trim and grille area, chrome door handles, stainless steel lock sets & antenna, aluminum roof drip rail, body colored sail panels, black lower body-side paint, colored coordinated dual pinstripes in the wraparound body-side moldings and bumper grooves, an optional snake decal for the hood and Cobra lettering on the doors. There was no rear spoiler on the 1979 models (except on the mid year introduction of the Indianapolis Pace Cars). The 1980 Cobra (5,550 produced) and the 1981 Cobras (1,821 produced) had a makeover in the appearance department as a new front bumper and air dam (complete with fog lights), full length cowl type hood scoop, and rear spoiler were added (all carried over from the 1979 Indy Pace Car). Also included in the '80/'81 Cobra package were colorful body length decals, COBRA hood decal, COBRA side window decals, and a COBRA decal on the rear spoiler. All trim was now "Blacked out", including the door handles, keylocks, antenna, and sail panels.
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