Mustang History: 1981

Sales begin to flatten with 182,552 Mustangs built for the 1981 model year. This is performance-oriented four-cylinder turbo bows out. Hardware improves with a new rear axle. This new Traction-Lok system makes launching the Mustang all the more enjoyable, as drivers have less wheel-hop to contend with.

1981 would mark the first year in Mustang history that hatchback models outsold coupes. The trend continued through the end of the Mustang's third generation in 1993.

Total U.S. Production: 182,552

Borrowing again from the Cars & Concepts-modified '79 Mustang pace car, an optional T-Top is offered.

5,327 V8 Mustangs are sold as the venerable 302 reaches its nadir for horsepower output.

Engines

• 4.2L 2V V8 120HP D Code
• 2.3L 2V 4-cyl 88HP A Code
• 3.3L 1V 6-cyl 94HP B Code

Production

• Hatchback, standard: 77,399
• Hatchback, Ghia, standard: 14,273
• Coupe, standard: 77,458
• Coupe, Ghia, standard: 13,422
• -Total-: 182,552

Prices

• Coupe, standard: $5,897
• Hatchback, standard: $6,566
• Hatchback, Ghia, standard: $6,786

Colors

• Black
• Bright Bittersweet
• Bright Red
• Bright Yellow
• Dark Brown Metallic
• Dark Cordovan Metallic
• Medium Blue Glow
• Medium Pewter Metallic
• Midnight Blue Metallic
• Pastel Chamois
• Polar White
• Red
• Bittersweet Glow
• Light Pewter Metallic