Original and Current Prices of the 1979 Ford Mustang
How has the value of the classic Fox-Body Mustang changed?
1The Dawn of the Fox-Body Era
1979 marked a major transformation year for the Mustang. Switching to Ford's 'Fox' platform, the car became significantly smaller and earned the 'Fox-Body' nickname. This generation found its place in the classic 'rad' cars category spanning from the late 1970s to the 1990s. Certain models are particularly sought after by automobile enthusiasts.
2What Did It Cost in 1979?
The base model two-door Mustang had a starting price of $4,494 when new in 1979. It came equipped with a 2.3-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine - quite different from the large-displacement V8s of the early 1970s. Options included V6 and 302 cubic-inch V8 engines. This was also the first year factory-turbocharged Mustangs became available.
3Performance Specifications
The 1979 Mustang's 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produced an impressive (for its time) 147 horsepower. Ford's 1979 brochure listed its 0-55 mph acceleration at 'eight to nine seconds' - using this measurement instead of the more common 0-60 mph. For comparison: a modern Toyota RAV4 Plug-In accelerates 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds.
4Current Market Value
Prices for 1979 Mustangs haven't reached the exaggerated levels of some other classics yet. According to CarGurus sales data from March-June 2026, prices typically range between $27,000-$29,000. However, exceptions exist: an Indy Pace Car Edition with only 110 miles sold for $38,500 on Bring a Trailer.
5The Collector's Market
Well-preserved examples can command significantly higher prices compared to daily-driven models. Yet for many collectors, the point of owning an old Mustang is to drive it, so high-mileage models retain value too. The relative rarity of 1979 Mustangs on the market also contributes to their value.
6Design Legacy
The 1979 Mustang was quite different from its predecessors and successors. It showed the American muscle car world that turbocharging and smaller engines were a viable path forward. Ford's continued use of a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine in modern Mustangs proves this tradition persists.
7Model Variations
Among 1979 Mustangs, special editions tend to be the most valuable. Limited production models like the Indy Pace Car Edition command much higher prices than standard versions. Additionally, low-mileage examples with original equipment hold particular importance for collectors.
8Future Value Projections
Automotive experts predict values for 1979 Mustangs will continue rising in coming years. Being the first year of the Fox-Body generation and the first with turbocharging makes these cars historically significant. Considering general trends in the classic American muscle car market, well-preserved examples are expected to keep appreciating as investments.
Original article: SlashGear — 1979 Ford Mustang'ın Orijinal ve Günümüz Fiyatları