THE FOX-BODY FIFTEEN
FOR THOSE WHO GREW UP with MTV instead of AM radio, and a Rubik’s Cube rather than a bag full of aggies and steelies, the Fox-body Mustang is the pony car they often identify with.
More than 40 years since this generation of Mustang was introduced and almost 30 years since it went out of production, these cars are rising steadily in value among collectors and those who either wanted a 5.0-liter Mustang in high school or had one early on, and spent their time searching for Thunderbird Turbo Coupe spare tires, since the lightweight aluminum wheels and narrow tires were ideal for use as front runners at the drag strip.
As was the case with the original era of muscle cars more than 30 years ago, the restoration network for Fox-body cars is just getting off the ground. Several retailers — such as Late Model Restoration — are dedicated to it, while traditional restoration parts suppliers, such as National Parts Depot and CJ Pony Parts, have divisions for the 5.0-liter generation. And those are just a few, as this unique niche in the industry continues to grow.
There are “four-eye” (1979-’86) and “aero” (1987-’93) models, and while they all share the same architecture, there are countless differences that add curiosity, complexity, and, sometimes, confounding challenges when it comes to buying and restoring them. We’ve compiled a quick list of 15 resto tips and hands-on projects to spur on those who want to take these third-generation pony cars for
