1979 Ford Mustang Indy Pace Car

As with many new generations of a model, the 1979 Ford Mustang was selected to pace the Indianapolis 500. This was the first year for the Fox Body Mustang, which would remain in production until 1993. In this video, AMCM's Owner Mark Pieloch covers this Pace Car's history and its connection to local history.

[@leonardharris3192]

That is a beautiful car!!! Wish i had one!!!!

[@nchance1]

My father had a 1979 Pace Car, with the 2.3L Turbo. Amazing car, he had several problems with the turbo.

[@Bikedueder]

My older Brother bought one of those too. I was 12 at the time, so I loved it of course. Wish I had it now.

[@v1-vr-rotatev2-vy_vx31]

Worked at the Ford dealer back in the day when these cars showed up in our showroom,, Had to do some bodywork on the door,, The only way to get a sticker stripe kit was to order for the entire car,,, Had plenty of The stickers left over after finishing the job..This car Had the four cylinder pinto motor turbo,, Extremely fast...

[@paytongarcia7188]

My grandpa made the TRX wheels for Ford. He was the founder of Western Wheel

[@DJeepbi-he2zf]

I had 1979 pace car in high school with 5.O my father gave me wen to high school in 1980 i wish i still had it. I love it i wish i new the vin#

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

I had 480544 5.0 4 speed and 487131 5.0 automatic. 1st sold to people in Omaha Nebraska and 2nd one sold to a guy in Wisconsin. I got parts off of 480054 which I believe was a 500 Festival car. It suffered 3 accidents and I believe it was scrapped around 1991.

[@mccoma11]

Anyone know what the engine mods were for the 3 track cars? Seems to me I recall reading they added 351w heads...maybe earlier casting C9 or D0? Not sure if they added a 4 barrel, intake, headers/exhaust, etc.

[@48AZ191REUEKEA]

I had one with a stock 302 but swapped in a 351W which fit in fine. I think I had to grind away a little on the DS exhaust for the steering rod. I believe that was the only mod. In my opinion the Windsor has better low end torque vs the Cleveland circle trackers use. The stock exhaust manifolds worked fine. Straight pipe exhaust, no check engine light. I think I had a Holley 600 and the stock 4spd. I don't think the 5 speed was out yet. Wish I still had it. Then I got a Mustang SVO, Trans AM Bandit and Taurus SHO before the mini van family.