How Ford Used the 1979 Indy Pace Car to Launch the Fox Body Mustang

Ford used three 1979 Indy 500 pace cars to showcase the new Fox Body Mustang, giving audiences a first look at a lighter, more aerodynamic redesign built on Ford’s then-new platform. The pace cars featured a performance-tuned 302 V8 delivering about 270 hp, helped by Roush engineering, and contributed to strong first-year Fox Body sales while cementing the Mustang’s racing-influenced image. Replicas and nostalgia around the era continue to boost the model’s legacy and value.