Ford Mustang 3rd Gen. Origin
Following the success of the second generation of the Ford Mustang, Ford began production of the third generation of the Mustang in 1979 and continued production until 1993. The redesigned and glossy 1979 Mustang was the first Mustang to be produced on the new Fox platform.
As a result, it is commonly referred to as the “Fox body Mustang,” and its release marked the beginning of the third generation of the Mustang.
The Mustang, like the first generation, is accompanied by a Mercury sister model, the Mercury Capri. The 1979 Mustang was taller and longer than the Mustang II, but it weighed about 200 pounds less.
The new Mustang was initially available as a two-door notchback and a three-door hatchback coupe, with a convertible following in 1983. Stay with me until the end of this video to learn even more fascinating information about this incredible car.
Ford Mustang 3rd Gen. Overview
Throughout its production run, the Fox body Mustang was offered in a variety of trim levels, drivetrain combinations, and sub-models. It was improved in 1987 and appeared to be replaced by a front-wheel-drive Mazda. Although consumer opinions influenced company executives and the rear-wheel-drive Mustang was retained, the name of the front-wheel-drive model was changed to the Ford Probe. The enthusiasts club divided the generation into two parts: cars with quad headlights from 1970 to 1986 and cars with aerodynamic composite headlamps and front fascia styling from 1987 to 1993. The SN-95 fourth-generation Mustang for the 1994 model year marked the end of production.
Body styles included a coupe (also known as a notchback), convertible, and hatchback. Engines and drivetrains were carried over from the Mustang II, including the 2.3L I4, 2.8L V6, and 4.9L V8 engines. The cumbersome 2.8L enhanced I4 was available at the time of the initial manufacturing start-up and then returned after being improved for the mid-year launch of the 1983 turbo GT. Due to scarcity, the 2.8L V6 engine was replaced with the 3.3L I6 engine for the 1979 model year. The engine was finally replaced in 1983 by a modern 3.8L V6. After 1979, the 302 cubic inch V8 was discontinued, and the 4.9L V8 was replaced by a smaller 4.2L V8.
The third-generation Mustang featured two distinct front-end styling options. From 1979 to 1986, the front end was angled back with four rectangular headlights, dubbed “four eyes” by fans. For the 1987 to 1993 model years, the front end was redesigned to reflect the current, rounded-off “aero” pattern of the Ford Taurus, which applied the headlamps and slick grille-less nose. With a one-of-a-kind GT350 model that features a white exterior, a red interior, and red lower-bodyside rocker stripes. The front fascia of the 1985 Mustang was changed.
Ford Mustang 3rd Gen. Production
The first year of sales totaled 370,000 units, with 1980 showing 271,332 sales as the second year of sales. The volume didn’t do much until 1986 when sales moved to 224,410 for the model year.
Before that, it didn’t do much at all. 1988 was another solid year, breaking the 200,000 unit per year barrier. The Mustang from the third generation was made until 1993 when the Mustang from the fourth generation took its place.
Ford Mustang 3rd Gen. Price
After taking a look at the production and getting an overall feel for this sweet ride, let’s move on to the pricing. The market was not kind to the third-generation Mustang, especially in 1991, when the base Mustang price surpassed $10,000. The improvements made in those final few years did not do much to stop the car’s gradual decline, leading up to the product’s final year of production in 1993. The current market price for a third-generation Mustang is $21,006.
