Ford Mustangs have gained its world-class popularity through the years following its release in 1962. Throughout several generations, the Mustang has cemented its place as the defining standard of what a “pony car” is. Even today, no one can deny its legacy as a muscle car. Take, for instance, how the 2017 Mustang recently won a poll for the Performance Car of the Year.
Given the many Mustang models, one of the older batches is making a comeback. The third generation Mustang, produced by Ford from 1978 to 1993, remains to be a popular choice among car enthusiasts. The demand for performance parts of a 1986 Mustang has been on a steady rise, because a lot of Mustang aficionados are transforming their old school pony cars. Whether it is a GT, LX, or Cobra, a third-gen Ford Mustang will always be a prized project.
The Beauty of the Third-Gen Mustang
Since the third-gen Mustang was in production for more than a decade, Mustang owners and car experts divided the generation into two segments. The cars that came out during 1979 to 1986 sported quad headlights, which would be their defining characteristic. The succeeding models, from 1987 to 1993, had aero composite headlamps. This is one of the third generation’s offerings to car enthusiasts – diversity in style.
In addition to the distinctions between the two batches, many car lovers also chase the third-gen Mustang for its body.
The Fox Mustang
Often referred to as the “Fox Mustang,” the third-gen Mustang used Ford’s Fox platform, hence the nickname. The car company used the specific platform for their compact and mid-sized vehicles from 1978 to 1993. At its core, the Fox platform used a rear-wheel drive and unibody chassis configuration.
Dust Runners, an automotive journal, provides a list explaining why the Fox Mustang is the “best muscle car ever.” Among their seven reasons, the journal cites the third-gen Mustang’s aftermarket performance.
The Fox Mustang’s compatibility with a large selection of parts makes it a hit with car enthusiasts across the world. Overall, the throwback vibe and its classic look are enough to impact its popularity in the history of cars.