1979⁚ The Beginning
The first appearance of a Mustang as a Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500 came in 1979. The car was a special edition 1979 Mustang Cobra, painted in a unique shade of blue with white stripes. It was a limited production model, with only 1,500 units produced. The car was a popular choice among enthusiasts, and it helped to solidify the Mustang’s place in American automotive culture.
1982⁚ The First Official Pace Car
The year 1982 marked a significant turning point in the history of the Mustang as a Pace Car. This year saw the introduction of the Fox Body Mustang, a completely redesigned platform that would go on to dominate the 1980s. And it was this new generation of Mustang that was chosen to pace the Indianapolis 500 for the first time.
The 1982 Pace Car was a special edition model based on the new Mustang GT. It featured a unique paint scheme of white with blue stripes, along with several other distinctive features, including a special Pace Car decal, a rear spoiler, and a unique set of wheels. The car was powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine, which produced 157 horsepower. Only 3,000 units of this special edition Mustang were produced, making it a highly sought-after collectible today.
The 1982 Pace Car was a huge success, both commercially and critically. It helped to generate a great deal of excitement for the new Fox Body Mustang, and it further cemented the car’s place as a symbol of American performance. The 1982 Pace Car was a true icon, and it remains one of the most popular and sought-after Mustang models ever produced.
1983⁚ A Return to the Track
Just one year after the debut of the Fox Body Mustang as the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car, the iconic pony car returned to the track in 1983. This time, however, the focus shifted from a limited-production special edition to a more performance-oriented model. The 1983 Pace Car was based on the new Mustang GT, which featured a more powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 175 horsepower and a revised suspension for improved handling.
The 1983 Pace Car was painted in a striking two-tone color scheme of white with blue stripes, a design reminiscent of the 1979 Cobra Pace Car but with a more modern and aggressive look. It also featured unique badging, including a special Pace Car decal and a rear spoiler. Unlike the previous year’s model, the 1983 Pace Car was not a limited-production vehicle, but rather a standard Mustang GT with a special paint scheme and badging. This made it more accessible to enthusiasts, allowing a wider range of fans to enjoy the thrill of owning a Pace Car.
The 1983 Pace Car was a testament to the Fox Body Mustang’s growing performance capabilities and its ability to hold its own on the track. It was a popular choice among enthusiasts, and it helped to further solidify the Mustang’s reputation as a true performance car. The return of the Mustang to the Indianapolis 500 as a Pace Car in 1983 marked a significant moment in the history of the model, and it paved the way for a series of successful Pace Car appearances in the years to come.
1984⁚ A Special Edition
The 1984 Indianapolis 500 saw the return of the Mustang as the Pace Car, and this time, it was a special edition model that would become a highly sought-after collector’s item. Based on the Mustang GT, the 1984 Pace Car featured a unique two-tone paint scheme of silver with red stripes, a design that stood out from the previous year’s model and captured the spirit of the racing world.
Beyond its eye-catching appearance, the 1984 Pace Car was also equipped with a number of performance enhancements that set it apart from standard Mustang GTs. It featured a more powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor, producing 175 horsepower, and a revised suspension with firmer springs and shocks for improved handling. This combination of performance and style made the 1984 Pace Car a highly desirable vehicle for enthusiasts, and it quickly became a favorite among collectors.
The 1984 Pace Car was produced in limited numbers, with only 1,000 units manufactured, making it a rare and coveted piece of automotive history. The car’s exclusivity and its performance capabilities combined to create a unique and memorable piece of automotive history, solidifying its place as a true collector’s item. The 1984 Pace Car stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Mustang and its ability to captivate automotive enthusiasts around the world.
1987⁚ The Final Fox Body Pace Car
The 1987 Indianapolis 500 marked the last time a Fox Body Mustang would serve as the official Pace Car. This final iteration of the Fox Body Pace Car was a special edition model based on the Mustang GT, featuring a unique two-tone paint scheme of white with blue stripes, a design that evoked the classic muscle car aesthetic of the Mustang. The 1987 Pace Car was a fitting tribute to the legacy of the Fox Body Mustang as a performance icon and a symbol of American automotive heritage.
Under the hood, the 1987 Pace Car was powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 225 horsepower, making it the most powerful Fox Body Mustang Pace Car ever produced. It was also equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, allowing drivers to fully experience the car’s performance potential. The 1987 Pace Car also featured a number of performance enhancements, including a revised suspension with firmer springs and shocks, larger brakes, and a limited-slip differential, designed to improve handling and braking performance. These upgrades ensured that the 1987 Pace Car was not just a stylish tribute to the Mustang’s heritage, but also a capable and exhilarating driving experience.
The 1987 Pace Car was produced in limited numbers, with only 1,000 units manufactured, making it a rare and coveted piece of automotive history. This final Fox Body Mustang Pace Car was a true testament to the enduring appeal of the Mustang and its ability to captivate automotive enthusiasts around the world. It remains a symbol of the Mustang’s rich heritage and its continued relevance as a performance icon.
Legacy and Impact
The Fox Body Mustang Pace Cars, from the inaugural 1979 model to the final 1987 edition, left an indelible mark on both the Mustang’s legacy and the history of the Indianapolis 500. Their presence at the iconic race cemented the Mustang’s status as a symbol of American muscle and performance, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression on automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
The limited-production nature of these Pace Cars, each with its unique design and specifications, made them highly sought-after collector’s items. Their rarity and association with the prestigious Indianapolis 500 race contributed to their significant value and desirability among Mustang aficionados. The Fox Body Mustang Pace Cars played a crucial role in shaping the Mustang’s image, reinforcing its reputation as a powerful and stylish sports car. Their presence at the Indianapolis 500, a race steeped in tradition and history, further enhanced the Mustang’s association with performance, speed, and American automotive heritage;
Beyond their impact on the Mustang’s image, the Fox Body Pace Cars also had a tangible impact on the Mustang’s sales figures. Their limited-edition status and special features created a buzz among enthusiasts, driving demand for the model and contributing to its commercial success. The legacy of the Fox Body Mustang Pace Cars continues to resonate today. Their iconic designs, performance capabilities, and historical significance have ensured their enduring place in automotive history. They remain a testament to the enduring appeal of the Mustang and its ability to capture the imagination of generations of enthusiasts.