1979 - 1993

Third Generation Fox Platform

The 1979-1993 Mustang    

The third-generation Mustang was produced by Ford from 1978 until 1993. Being built on Ford’s Fox platform, it is commonly referred to as the Fox-body Mustang. It evolved through a number of sub-models, trim levels, and drivetrain combinations during its production life. Enthusiasts group the generation into two segments: the 1979–1986 cars, with their quad headlight arrangement, and the 1987–1993 cars, with their aerodynamic composite headlamps and front fascia styling.   The Ford Mustang was chosen as the Official Pace Car of the 1979 Indianapolis 500. Ford commemorated this event with a mid-year "Indy 500" Pace Car version (10,478 produced).     The Cobra appearance package also made its debut in 1979 and would continue through both the 1980 and 1981 model years.  Additionally the new Mustang SVO appeared first in 1984 and was produced through 1986.  In 1990 Steve Saleen tweaked the mustang into a “Law Enforcement Specialty Vehicle”,  which was used by various police forces around the country including the Florida Highway Patrol. Production ended with the introduction of the fourth-generation Mustang (SN-95) for the 1994 model year.