The Case for the Fox 5.0

Through the course of hot-rodding history, a few select cars have emerged as icons — the ones that helped shape the path of increased performance developed in backyard garages, local shops, and regional race tracks in towns across the country. Ask any gearhead worth his salt to name the most recognized among these and you’re almost certain to hear the ’32 Ford cited, along with the ’55 Chevy. We’re going to nominate the Fox-era 5.0 Mustang for induction into this hall of fame, not simply because of its performance, but for its role in reigniting interest in grassroots motorsports and all that goes with such pursuits. The 5.0 Mustang made factory performance accessible again, and then spawned a new generation of gearheads, brought them to drag strips and road courses, and taught enthusiasts of all ages not to fear electronic engine management, so that hot-rodding could continue to flourish. Along the way, it reinvigorated the performance aftermarket.

But it nearly didn’t happen. Ford’s Fox platform was developed to replace the aging Falcon architecture that had lived on underneath the Maverick. It debuted underpinning the all-new 1978 Fairmont and