The 1979 Mustang Pace Car replica was available to the public at a base price of $9,012 and $9,953 fully optioned. The car was only available as a hatchback (standard trim – non Ghia) and offered a choice of two engines and transmission options. The 302ci 5.0L was carried over from the Mustang II and available with a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. The 5.0L V8 produced 140 hp and 250 ft-lbs of torque. New for 1979 – the Mustang Pace Car was also available with the 2.3L Turbo four-cylinder using the 4-speed manual transmission. This combination provided 131 hp and 142 ft-lbs of torque. All Pace Cars used a 3.45:1 rear ratio 7.5” differential without trac-loc.
The pace car rode on 15.35” (390mm) forged aluminum wheels wearing 190/65R Michelins. Suspension goodies included the rest of the TRX performance package – HD front and rear sway bars plus special shock-valving. Braking was provided by 9.3” front discs (10” on V8 cars) and 9” rear drum brakes. Polished stainless steel tips peeked out from behind.
Recaro seats were standard on the 1979 Pace Car and available in many different trims – the most awesome being the Houndstooth. Nothing said “Farwell 70’s, it was groovy knowing you” quite as well as this seizure inducing pattern.
5.0L w/SROD 4spd manual——-1809
5.0L w/C-4 automatic———-1445
2.3L Turbo 4cyl w/4spd manual-4380
Dearborn Total Assembly Plant—7634