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 42,000 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 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 Marchal 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 (with matching rear upholstery); the interior also featured engine-turned instrument panel appliques, a console and Deluxe seat belts. To aid handling, the suspension was the specially tuned, top-of-the-line TRX version with TRX metric wheels and Michelin low-profile tires. Standard amenities included Ghia sound insulation, power steering and front disc brakes, the Light Group, intermittent wipers and a premium sound system, plus the tuned exhaust system that also added twin chrome exhaust tips. Recently serviced and tuned at the current owner’s Ford dealership, this unrestored 1979 Ford Mustang Pace Car Edition has also been professionally detailed. 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.
