The 1979 Mustang began a new generation of Mustangs that followed the Mustang II's. And no, Ford did not add III onto the end of the new generation of Mustangs. Everyone knew Mustang had been around for 15 model years and that the pony car was incredibly popular when it was introduced yet had some tougher times during the '70s due to changes in federal requirements and the general public's tastes. However, everyone was certainly interested in what the Mustang would be like in its new generation. Few people imagined that the 1979 Mustang would begin a new generation that would have such a long life not to mention find its way into the police force or develop a cult like following.
The 1979 Mustang seemed to be off to a good start. It was not only accepted by the public with much anticipation but also named the Indianapolis 500 official pace car for the second time in its history. With a production of 369,936 it appeared the 1979 Mustang was a major success and would be climbing back on top of popularity in the sports car market.
1979 Mustang Lineup
Powertrain and Performance
The 1979 Mustang was designed with a completely new chassis. This chassis was shorter and was the same one used on the Ford Fairmont "Fox" that was released in 1978. This chassis had a uni-body structure like past Mustangs but there was very little else that even resembled other Mustang generations.
The new generation Mustang's front suspension was a modified MacPherson strut system that was completely new. It boasted a mounted spring that actually separated the strut and the rear end was supported by a new link and coil rear spring suspension. This suspension system was introduced in 1979 and would stay in place an amazing 24 years until the 2003 model year.
The engine options that were available on the Mustang II in 1978 were also available on the 1979 Mustang. These included the 2.3 liter SOHC with 88 horsepower, the 2.8 liter Cologne V6 with 109 horsepower and then the 4.9 liter V8 with a respectable 140 horsepower. It should be noted that although the V8 had 4.9 liters Mustang called it 5.0 liters. In addition to these three engine options a turbocharged version that also sported 140 horsepower was available although it had a major lag in boost and was not as reliable as Ford had hoped. Later in the 1979 model year Ford introduced the 3.3 liter OHV with 94 horsepower. All of the engines were available with standard four speed manual transmissions. Three speed automatic transmissions were also available on all engines.
The wheelbase of the new 1979 Mustang was 100.4 inches and it was 179.1 inches long. This is shorter than the original Mustang's 108 inch wheelbase that was 181.6 inches in length yet larger than the Mustang II that was four inches shorter in wheelbase and length than the '79.
More than 150,000 more Mustangs were sold in 1979 than in 1978 so it was obvious to Ford they got something right. There was still no convertible available and one would not be available until 1983.
Exterior
While the exterior of the new Mustang was really stylish and full of angles it was not like the Mustang designs that came before. Four chrome wrapped square headlights were situated to the sides of the flatter grille and six taillight segments were used instead of three. The rear end sported thick taillights that continued through to the corner panels. Also, the sides of the new Mustang did not sport the side scallops the vehicle was known for. The fenders were flared and the grille still sported the egg crate style. The resulting look was a sporty vehicle that could hold its own.
The Indy pace car replica had a styling all its own and although only 6,000 were produced it was one of the most popular Mustangs of 1979. The hood scoop and rear spoiler were all unique to the replica and it was painted pewter and black with orange accents. The replica pace cars were available with the turbo four or the V8 and both included the TRX wheels and tires.
The Mustang Cobra was available in 1979 after being carried over from the Mustang II. It sported the traditional Mustang egg crate grille. The louvers on the rear window were the same color as the exterior and the rest of the lower exterior was black. The hatchback Cobra also boasted a fake hood scoop.
The exterior colors available were black, tangerine, bright blue, silver metallic, bright red, red glow, bright yellow, polar white, dark jade metallic, medium vaquero gold, light chamois, medium gray metallic, light medium blue, medium chestnut metallic, and medium blue glow.
The tu-tone exterior color combinations were all black, silver metallic with medium gray metallic, and light medium blue with bright blue.
Interior
The 1979 Mustang had much more interior space than all the rest of the other Mustangs. The reason for the increased space was due to the cockpit being positioned more upright and doors that were flatter that provided additional hip and shoulder room for passengers.
Final Thoughts
The 1979 Mustang was incredibly popular with the consumers especially after the Mustang II. Many additional models were produced in 1979 and the entire public seemed enchanted with the new Mustang, especially the replica pace cars. Ford was relieved at its success and the future was looking up once again for the Ford Mustang.
