1979 Ford Mustang Pace Car 5.0 V8 from North America
Summary:
Great collector car, V-8 power, 4 speed OD
Faults:
When I hit 1,000 miles on it, would not stay in 4th gear.
Random popping out of 4th gear. Covered under warranty; was repaired by the dealer a week later. I drove the car in 3rd gear until parts came from Detroit.
Thermostat stays open, making engine run cooler than normal in cool weather. Power door lock's internal rubber mounts wear out after 20 years. Had weak brakes at that time too; rear brake boosters had to be replaced.
Sun roof leaks at times, the drain holes (4 of them in the sun roof corner) have become plugged, allowing water to collect and then leak over driver's left leg.
The car has 89,700 miles on it now, and still runs and drives great.
TRX tires have been replaced in 2009 with 15 inch chrome wheels and Kumo tires. That made the car look even better.
General Comments:
The car turns a lot of heads, and have had several people want to buy it from me.
The engine still runs like new. I have gotten as high as 30 MPG driving at a constant 60 mph. Gotten as low as 16 MPG driving hard.
I had installed a rear louver right after I got the car, which makes the rear of the car look much better.
I got the car from a dealer in 1980 for $800 less than the sticker price, and have had offers for the same price that I paid for it new.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th May, 2012
5th Jun 2012, 16:00
The 70s were trouble prone. Better to find a nice Fox body cheap, and get a 302 V8 from the 90s.