Maxmotive is excited to present this highly original unrestored 1979 Ford Mustang Pace Car. During the 1970s, there wasn’t much for Mustang performance fans to brag about. But in 1979, Ford kick-started the future Fox-body boom with a special midyear model that commemorated the Mustang’s selection as the official pace car for the Indianapolis 500. To take advantage of the honor, Ford introduced a run of Indy Pace Car editions, each matching the actual pace car with Pewter Metallic paint, black lower body treatment and orange, red and black graphics. Only 10,487 were built, including 5,970 with the turbocharged 4-cylinder just like this unrestored example with only 42,860 miles. Highly original, the low-mileage Indy Pace Car still has its original paint, pace car graphics, interior and 4-speed transmission, as well as a believed to be matching-numbers 2.3L turbo engine.
Showing what could be done with the Mustang’s new Fox-body platform, Ford updated the pace car with a large air dam with driving lights, a hood with non-functional cowl scoop, and a rear spoiler, all of which would find their way onto future Mustangs. Ford also upgraded the interior to include Recaro bucket seats with mesh headrests, and black and white, patterned, cloth upholstery.
The car has been recently serviced and the carburetor and turbo induction system have been rebuilt, and reproduction Michelin TRX-spec tires were installed in 2021. Documentation includes the original window sticker, Deluxe Marti Report, build sheet and receipts. See more pictures of this beauty at Maxmotive.com
