1979-1993 Ford Mustang

After five years with the Pinto-based Mustang II, the 1979 Mustang brought high performance back to Ford’s famous pony car with more potent engines and a chassis that could handle power and take well to modifications. Built on Ford’s Fox platform, the third generation Mustang continually improved and spawned several special models like the SVO, GT 5.0, Cobra, and Cobra R. Fox-body Mustangs are also sleepers, which is something few cars in the flashy ’80s and ’90s could pull off.
Classic car
Hagerty Price Guide
Average price

$13,700

equal0%
Highest price

$18,200

equal0%
Lowest price

$7,200

equal0%
Body styles
2dr Coupe
3dr Hatchback Coupe
3dr Hatchback
1979
2dr Coupe$18,200
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1980
2dr Coupe$17,200
3dr Hatchback Coupe$7,900
3dr Hatchback-
1981
2dr Coupe$18,000
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback$7,200
1982
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1983
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1984
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1985
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1986
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1987
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1988
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1989
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1990
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1991
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1992
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1993
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
Table displays average prices for #3 Good condition Mustang
Average price

$17,866

-1.9%
Highest price

$30,600

-1.9%
Lowest price

$8,800

-10.2%
Body styles
2dr Convertible
2dr Coupe
3dr Hatchback
1979
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1980
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1981
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1982
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1983
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1984
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1985
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1986
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1987
2dr Convertible$8,800
2dr Coupe$19,400
3dr Hatchback$12,700
1988
2dr Convertible$11,000
2dr Coupe$22,100
3dr Hatchback$14,900
1989
2dr Convertible$11,000
2dr Coupe$25,900
3dr Hatchback$16,400
1990
2dr Convertible$10,300
2dr Coupe$24,700
3dr Hatchback$15,300
1991
2dr Convertible$13,000
2dr Coupe$30,600
3dr Hatchback$18,700
1992
2dr Convertible$13,400
2dr Coupe$27,400
3dr Hatchback$16,300
1993
2dr Convertible$14,800
2dr Coupe$29,800
3dr Hatchback$18,700
Table displays average prices for #3 Good condition Mustang

1979-1993 Ford Mustang 5.0 LX configurations

Average price

$15,117

-2%
Highest price

$20,600

-1.9%
Lowest price

$10,900

-1.8%
Body styles
2dr Convertible
3dr Hatchback
1979
2dr Convertible-
3dr Hatchback-
1980
2dr Convertible-
3dr Hatchback-
1981
2dr Convertible-
3dr Hatchback-
1982
2dr Convertible-
3dr Hatchback$12,700
1983
2dr Convertible$14,300
3dr Hatchback$13,900
1984
2dr Convertible$11,400
3dr Hatchback$10,900
1985
2dr Convertible$15,900
3dr Hatchback$14,200
1986
2dr Convertible$13,000
3dr Hatchback$12,300
1987
2dr Convertible$15,500
3dr Hatchback$13,200
1988
2dr Convertible$17,300
3dr Hatchback$14,600
1989
2dr Convertible$17,500
3dr Hatchback$16,900
1990
2dr Convertible$12,000
3dr Hatchback$11,600
1991
2dr Convertible$18,600
3dr Hatchback$18,600
1992
2dr Convertible$20,600
3dr Hatchback$18,300
1993
2dr Convertible$17,100
3dr Hatchback$17,300
Table displays average prices for #3 Good condition Mustang

1979-1993 Ford Mustang 5.0 GT configurations

Average price

$14,966

equal0%
Highest price

$17,500

equal0%
Lowest price

$13,000

equal0%
Body styles
3dr Hatchback
3dr Hatchback Coupe
1979
3dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback Coupe$17,500
1980
3dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback Coupe$14,400
1981
3dr Hatchback$13,000
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1982
3dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1983
3dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1984
3dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1985
3dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1986
3dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1987
3dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1988
3dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1989
3dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1990
3dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1991
3dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1992
3dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1993
3dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
Table displays average prices for #3 Good condition Mustang
Average price

$44,336

+1.8%
Highest price

$61,700

equal0%
Lowest price

$35,400

+5%
Body styles
2dr Convertible
2dr Coupe
3dr Hatchback
1979
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1980
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1981
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1982
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1983
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1984
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback$39,600
1985
2dr Convertible$46,300
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback$43,800
1986
2dr Convertible$44,300
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback$41,600
1987
2dr Convertible$46,300
2dr Coupe$58,800
3dr Hatchback$43,800
1988
2dr Convertible$48,800
2dr Coupe$61,700
3dr Hatchback$45,900
1989
2dr Convertible$37,400
2dr Coupe$48,200
3dr Hatchback$35,400
1990
2dr Convertible$39,700
2dr Coupe$50,400
3dr Hatchback$37,500
1991
2dr Convertible$37,700
2dr Coupe$48,200
3dr Hatchback$35,500
1992
2dr Convertible$41,700
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback$39,300
1993
2dr Convertible$42,400
2dr Coupe$54,100
3dr Hatchback$40,000
Table displays average prices for #3 Good condition Mustang

1979-1993 Ford Mustang Saleen configurations

Average price

$12,125

equal0%
Highest price

$21,400

equal0%
Lowest price

$8,900

equal0%
Body styles
2dr Convertible
2dr Coupe
3dr Hatchback
1979
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1980
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1981
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1982
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1983
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1984
2dr Convertible$8,900
2dr Coupe$15,400
3dr Hatchback$9,500
1985
2dr Convertible$9,800
2dr Coupe$21,400
3dr Hatchback$12,000
1986
2dr Convertible$9,000
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback$11,000
1987
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1988
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1989
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1990
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1991
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1992
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1993
2dr Convertible-
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
Table displays average prices for #3 Good condition Mustang
Average price

$12,233

equal0%
Highest price

$18,200

equal0%
Lowest price

$7,200

equal0%
Body styles
2dr Coupe
3dr Hatchback Coupe
3dr Hatchback
1979
2dr Coupe$18,200
3dr Hatchback Coupe$8,600
3dr Hatchback-
1980
2dr Coupe$14,800
3dr Hatchback Coupe$7,800
3dr Hatchback-
1981
2dr Coupe$16,800
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback$7,200
1982
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1983
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1984
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1985
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1986
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1987
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1988
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1989
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1990
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1991
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1992
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
1993
2dr Coupe-
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
3dr Hatchback-
Table displays average prices for #3 Good condition Mustang
Average price

$16,100

-10.1%
Highest price

$16,100

-10.1%
Lowest price

$16,100

-10.1%
Body styles
2dr Convertible
1979
2dr Convertible-
1980
2dr Convertible-
1981
2dr Convertible-
1982
2dr Convertible-
1983
2dr Convertible-
1984
2dr Convertible-
1985
2dr Convertible-
1986
2dr Convertible-
1987
2dr Convertible-
1988
2dr Convertible-
1989
2dr Convertible-
1990
2dr Convertible$16,100
1991
2dr Convertible-
1992
2dr Convertible-
1993
2dr Convertible-
Table displays average prices for #3 Good condition Mustang
Average price

$71,500

equal0%
Highest price

$71,500

equal0%
Lowest price

$71,500

equal0%
Body styles
3dr Hatchback
1979
3dr Hatchback-
1980
3dr Hatchback-
1981
3dr Hatchback-
1982
3dr Hatchback-
1983
3dr Hatchback-
1984
3dr Hatchback-
1985
3dr Hatchback-
1986
3dr Hatchback-
1987
3dr Hatchback-
1988
3dr Hatchback-
1989
3dr Hatchback-
1990
3dr Hatchback-
1991
3dr Hatchback-
1992
3dr Hatchback-
1993
3dr Hatchback$71,500
Table displays average prices for #3 Good condition Mustang

1979-1993 Ford Mustang 5.0 SVT Cobra R configurations

Average price

$61,000

equal0%
Highest price

$61,000

equal0%
Lowest price

$61,000

equal0%
Body styles
3dr Hatchback
1979
3dr Hatchback-
1980
3dr Hatchback-
1981
3dr Hatchback-
1982
3dr Hatchback-
1983
3dr Hatchback-
1984
3dr Hatchback-
1985
3dr Hatchback-
1986
3dr Hatchback-
1987
3dr Hatchback-
1988
3dr Hatchback-
1989
3dr Hatchback$61,000
1990
3dr Hatchback-
1991
3dr Hatchback-
1992
3dr Hatchback-
1993
3dr Hatchback-
Table displays average prices for #3 Good condition Mustang
Average price

$13,100

equal0%
Highest price

$14,900

equal0%
Lowest price

$10,900

equal0%
Body styles
3dr Hatchback
1979
3dr Hatchback-
1980
3dr Hatchback-
1981
3dr Hatchback-
1982
3dr Hatchback-
1983
3dr Hatchback-
1984
3dr Hatchback$10,900
1985
3dr Hatchback$14,900
1986
3dr Hatchback$13,500
1987
3dr Hatchback-
1988
3dr Hatchback-
1989
3dr Hatchback-
1990
3dr Hatchback-
1991
3dr Hatchback-
1992
3dr Hatchback-
1993
3dr Hatchback-
Table displays average prices for #3 Good condition Mustang
Average price

$80,425

equal0%
Highest price

$84,800

equal0%
Lowest price

$75,800

equal0%
Body styles
2dr Convertible
2dr Hatchback
3dr Hatchback
1979
2dr Convertible-
2dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback-
1980
2dr Convertible-
2dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback-
1981
2dr Convertible-
2dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback-
1982
2dr Convertible-
2dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback-
1983
2dr Convertible-
2dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback-
1984
2dr Convertible-
2dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback-
1985
2dr Convertible-
2dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback-
1986
2dr Convertible-
2dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback-
1987
2dr Convertible-
2dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback-
1988
2dr Convertible-
2dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback-
1989
2dr Convertible-
2dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback-
1990
2dr Convertible-
2dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback$79,500
1991
2dr Convertible-
2dr Hatchback$75,800
3dr Hatchback-
1992
2dr Convertible-
2dr Hatchback-
3dr Hatchback-
1993
2dr Convertible$81,600
2dr Hatchback$84,800
3dr Hatchback-
Table displays average prices for #3 Good condition Mustang
Average price

$23,500

equal0%
Highest price

$23,500

equal0%
Lowest price

$23,500

equal0%
Body styles
3dr Hatchback Coupe
1979
3dr Hatchback Coupe$23,500
1980
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1981
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1982
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1983
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1984
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1985
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1986
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1987
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1988
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1989
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1990
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1991
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1992
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
1993
3dr Hatchback Coupe-
Table displays average prices for #3 Good condition Mustang

1979-1993 Ford Mustang Indy Pace Car configurations

Average price

$44,300

equal0%
Highest price

$44,300

equal0%
Lowest price

$44,300

equal0%
Body styles
3dr Hatchback
1979
3dr Hatchback-
1980
3dr Hatchback-
1981
3dr Hatchback-
1982
3dr Hatchback-
1983
3dr Hatchback-
1984
3dr Hatchback-
1985
3dr Hatchback-
1986
3dr Hatchback-
1987
3dr Hatchback-
1988
3dr Hatchback-
1989
3dr Hatchback-
1990
3dr Hatchback-
1991
3dr Hatchback-
1992
3dr Hatchback-
1993
3dr Hatchback$44,300
Table displays average prices for #3 Good condition Mustang

1979-1993 Ford Mustang 5.0 SVT Cobra configurations

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1979-1993 Ford Mustang history

Generation Overview

When the first 5.0-liter V-8 Ford Mustang appeared in 1979, many let out a sigh of relief. No matter what engine Ford crammed into the Mustang II, it was still Pinto-based and muscle car cues made it look like a five-foot tall weightlifter. Built on the Fairmont platform, the new angular “Fox” body was no beauty queen but it finally gave the Mustang some performance cred again. It would endure until 1993.

Ford offered the Fox body Mustang in coupe or three-door hatchback versions, with 20 percent more interior space than the previous car and a much more aerodynamic shape than the previous model. A Mustang hatchback was chosen as the pace car for the 1979 Indy 500, and though the wild horse graphics overstated the 302’s modest 140 bhp, about 6000 replicas were sold. An 88 bhp 2.3-liter four-cylinder addressed gas mileage concerns, while a turbo four produced 140 bhp. Ford also offered European TRX metric-size wheels with Michelin tires, which confused tire companies and owners alike.

The V-8 had been reduced to 255 cubic inches in 1980, but Ford re-introduced the 302 V-8 as the 5.0-liter Mustang in 1982, adding a convertible a year later. The company persisted with a turbo program, too, and an SVO Turbo was launched in 1984 to celebrate 20 years of the Mustang. It cost thousands more than the V-8 Mustang, but the 2.3-liter four-cylinder boasted 175 bhp, and was backed by a 5-speed gearbox, tuned suspension with a limited-slip axle, and four-wheel disc brakes. With a ram-air intake, the SVO could do 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 134 mph. It was only available as a three-door hatchback, and had an interesting biplane rear spoiler arrangement.

The V-8 received an upgrade in 1985 when the 5.0-liter Mustang GT offered an HO engine with four-barrel carburetor, roller cams and 210 bhp for $9,885. Sales of V-8s jumped from 36,038 in 1984 to 45,463 in 1985. That same year the SVO received an intercooled turbo which boosted power to 205 bhp and a new front fascia, with flush-mounted headlights.

The 5.0-liter Mustang GT received multi-port fuel injection for 1986, though power dropped slightly to 200 bhp. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard with an overdrive automatic transmission optional, and the model was available as a hatchback or convertible. This would be the last year for the SVO turbo and a total of 9,844 were built.

For 1987 the SVO nose with its flush-mounted headlights was standardized across the range. A new dash was accompanied by major revision of the body with air scoops, rocker panel moldings and front and rear spoilers. The GT’s 5.0-liter V-8 now produced 225 bhp and would continue to the end of the model run in 1993. The IROC Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, however, were generating 275 bhp from their 350 cid V-8s, and Ford made plans to compete with them.

The answer was the 1993 Ford Mustang Cobra, from the new SVT division. Ford GT40 heads were used on the 5.0-liter V-8, with larger valves, stronger springs, high-lift cam, bigger injectors and free-flowing exhaust. Four-wheel disc brakes were fitted, and the gearbox was beefed up. The result was 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, against 5.6 seconds for the IROC Camaro. The Camaro was also slightly quicker through the quarter mile at 14 seconds against 14.4. Ford countered with the Cobra R, essentially a street legal racing version. It was a lightweight, with wind-up windows, no radio, no air conditioning, basic front bucket seats and no rear seat. It had a stiffened floor pan, Koni double shocks, larger radiator, and oil and power steering coolers. Only 107 Cobra R’s were built, and cost $25,692, against 4,993 Cobras, which sold for $18,555.

The Fox body Mustang has long had a certain appeal to many enthusiasts for one simple reason: it’s a sleeper. Other than some of the later GTs with their spoilers and side skirts, and aside from small “5.0” badges, Fox bodies look like bland two-door commuter cars that most people would never guess had a big V-8. It’s something that few cars in the flashy 1980s and 1990s were able to pull off.

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