Mustang History: 1980

Mustang sees very little change beyond the addition of P-metric radials and halogen headlights. The Mustang Cobra is altered more significantly with the addition of dual fog-integrated front air dam, hood scoop and rear spoiler, which are likely borrowed from the '79 Indy pace car parts bin. The Cobra utilizes the most powerful powerplant, the four-cylinder turbo. A 4.2L V-8 replaced the 5.0L V-8, but it had 21 fewer horsepower.

Total U.S. Production: 271,322

Ford President Donald Peterson establishes Special Vehicle Operations. SVO is instrumental in developing Ford's role in racing and bringing performance technology to production models.

The Sport Top option, a vinyl roof that looks very much like a convertible, seems to hint that a convertible is in the offing.

Optional Recaro bucket seats offer drivers more support during extreme handling maneuvers.

Engines

• 4.2L 2V V8 119HP D Code
• 2.3L 2V 4-cyl 132HP W Code (turbocharged)
• 2.3L 2V 4-cyl 90HP A Code
• 3.3L 1V 6-cyl 94HP B Code

Production

• Hatchback, standard: 96,497
• Hatchback, Ghia, standard : 20,285
• Coupe, standard: 128,893
• Coupe, Ghia, standard: 23,647
• -Total-: 271,322

Prices

• Coupe, standard: $5,338
• Hatchback, standard: $5,816
• Coupe, Ghia, standard: $5,823
• Hatchback, Ghia, standard: $5,935

Colors

• Black
• Bright Bittersweet
• Bright Blue
• Bright Caramel
• Bright Red
• Bright Yellow
• Chamois Glow
• Dark Cordovan Metallic
• Light Medium Blue
• Medium Blue Glow
• Medium Gray Metallic
• Polar White
• Silver Metallic
• Bittersweet Glow
• Dark Chamois Metallic