Ford Mustang Indianapolis Pace Car - 3rd Gen (1979 to 1979)

The 1979 Ford Mustang Indianapolis Pace Car is a tribute to the actual pace cars used by Ford to promote the introduction of the Third Generation Mustang during the Indianapolis 500 race. All "Indy Pace Cars" were exclusively produced in Pewter with red and black accents and installed decals. The original MSRP was just over $9,000, and 10,479 were produced. Exterior features included a nonfunctional cowl hood, lower front bumper air dam with Marchal fog lights, and a three-piece rear spoiler. A black-only upholstered interior featured Recaro seats with patterned black and white inserts with leather-wrapped appointments, as well as a commemorative plaque on the dashboard. Two engines were offered, a turbocharged 2.3L inline four-cylinder, or a 5.0L naturally aspirated V8. Power was sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual or an optional automatic paired to the V8. Suspension components were upgraded to the TRX package specification with metric-sized wheels and Michelin tires. The 1979 Ford Mustang Indianapolis Pace Car was only offered for one year, but the Pace Car would eventually reappear as a trim for the SVT Cobra in the SN-95 Fourth Generation Mustang.