|
The Ford Mustang, which was introduced back on April 17th, 1964, has close to 50 years of collective history beneath its wheels. No doubt, Ford takes pride in stating the obvious: The Ford Mustang never went away. During this time, numerous iconic Mustangs have come and gone. The following are a few special-edition Mustangs that made their way into the Ford Mustang lineup over the years.
The 1980s were an interesting time for Ford. With Japanese vehicles increasing in popularity, Ford’s goal was to create engines that were smaller, yet more powerful in design. Enter Ford’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) team. Founded in 1981, the SVO team was formed to assist Ford with its motorsports programs and to create cutting-edge technology that would be highlighted in special-edition Mustangs. The team’s first production Mustang was the 1984 SVO hatchback. The car, a modified Turbo GT, was a mid-year release, making its way to dealerships in April of 1984.
Turbo Performance
This 4-cylinder turbo SVO Mustang, which weighed in at 2,881 lbs., was powered by a 2.3L turbocharged fuel-injected engine. Ford touted the car in ads as “Built for Driving Enthusiasts by Driving Enthusiasts”. In all, the car could produce 175 hp at 4,400 rpm, which was pretty impressive for the day. In fact, according to reports, the 1984 SVO had a top speed of 134 mph and could do 0-60 mph in just 7.5 seconds. It could do the ¼ mile in 15.5 seconds.
Furthermore, it also featured an air-to-air intercooler which was the first ever to appear in a North American car. The cooler chilled air passing through which made for denser air and a more powerful turbocharger. The car also featured SVO engineer Bob Stelmaszczak’s electronic control to vary boost pressure. Its peak was 14 pounds per square inch. This resulted in a powerful turbocharger that, in addition to its impressive horsepower, could produce 210 pound-feet at 3,000 rpm. Power was transferred to the wheels using a Borg-Warner T-5 five-speed manual gearbox with special Hurst linkage driving to a 3.45 ratio Traction-Lok rear axle.
Improved Suspension and Braking Power
Ford pulled out all the stops when they designed the SVO. In addition to its improved turbocharger, the car featured special Koni gas-filled shock absorbers and struts with adjustable settings. Both front and back featured a cross-country setting as well as a competition setting. There was also a GT setting for the front only. The car also featured “Quadra-Shocks” which was an extra pair of shocks designed to decrease shaking in hard acceleration. Other suspension upgrades included a front antiroll bar which was 1.20 inches thick and a 0.67-inch rear bar designed to reduce sway.
As for stopping power, the SVO featured four-wheel disk brakes. In the back you’d find 11.25-inch-diameter discs and in the front 10.92-inch discs. These were, by far, larger than those found on the standard Mustang. As such, stopping performance was improved. The car rode on P225/50VR-16 Goodyear NCT tires which were housed on 16x7 –inch 5-lug rims.
Inside and Out
Visually, the SVO was different than other Mustangs of the day. In addition to having a wider track, its front fascia, with no grille (a Mustang first), featured a small slot beneath the hood panel. It also featured rectangular single headlamps which were deeply recessed along with built-in fog lamps designed to reduce vehicle drag. Other features included a functional hood scoop and a bi-plane rear wing which increased downforce in the rear. Available exterior colors included: Black, Silver Metallic, Dark Charcoal Metallic, Red Metallic. Notably, the 1984 SVO featured black body trim.
On the inside the charcoal interior boasted adjustable Recaro style-bucket seats. There was also a switch which let the driver select premium or regular fuel depending on what was in the tank at the time. If you were running premium fuel and set the switch to premium, the ignition system adjusted appropriately for optimum performance. There was also a standard 8,000 RPM tachometer which could be viewed over the quick-ratio power steering wheel. The driver’s pedals were also modified to accommodate easy heel-to-toe shifting. There was also a dead pedal intended to improve driver stability in hard cornering.
As for options there were a few. Available options for the 1984 SVO Mustang included:
Air conditioning
Pop-up Sunroof
Leather Seat Trim
Power Windows
Power Door Locks
Cassette Player
Media Response vs. Public Appeal
In all, the Mustang SVO was well received by the media and those in the automotive industry. In fact, at the time some journalists said it was the best handling and most well balanced Mustang ever sold. In spite of the good press it received, the car was anything but affordable.
With a price tag of around $15,585, the SVO Mustang was $6,000 - $7,000 more expensive than the V8 Mustang GT. As such, many buyers opted for the V8 Mustang. That said, the car still has a solid fan base. In fact, it’s been rumored Ford may build another SVO Mustang in the future, this time powered by a new EcoBoost engine.
That said, the car was a technological marvel in its day. True, it wasn’t designed for smoking burn outs. It was designed for all-around performance. There’s no doubt, the SVO Mustang was an impressive ride. It was fast, it drove like it was on rails, and it featured top-of-the-line technology. The car was also good on gas mileage. In fact, 24-26 mpg was the norm in everyday driving conditions.
Of the 141,480 Mustangs Ford produced in 1984, only 4,508 were SVO Mustangs. The following year, in 1985, production was limited even more so with only 1,954 units sold. In 1986, the last year of the SVO, sales picked up when folks found out the car was going away. Production that year reached 3,382 units. Ford had hoped to sell 10,000 of the cars in its first year. Unfortunately, the total run produced only 9,842 Mustangs in 2 ½ years. Today the cars are hard to come by, gracing the garages and driveways of the select few lucky enough to own one.
A turbocharged Ford Mustang? Yes, back in 1984 Ford’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) team decided to add one to the Mustang lineup. The car, which featured a 2.3L four-cylinder turbocharged fuel-injected engine, weighed in at just 2,881 lbs. Ford touted the car in ads as “Built for Driving Enthusiasts by Driving Enthusiasts”. In all, the car could produce 175 hp at 4,400 rpm, which was pretty impressive for the day.
In 2001, the folks at Ford decided to pay homage to a movie classic Bullitt with the late-great Steve McQueen racing down the streets of San Francisco in a 1968 GT 390 Fastback Mustang. The scene, which pitted the good guys in a Mustang against the bad guys in a Dodge Charger Super Bee, is considered by some to be one of the most influential chase scenes in movie history. In honoring the film, Ford offered up a limited-edition Bullitt Mustang. Much like the car in the movie, the 2001 Bullitt was a sleek racer, available in a Highland Green Exterior, just like McQueen’s 1968 counterpart. Buyers also had the option of purchasing a Black Bullitt or one with a True Blue exterior. The car featured a classic Boss 429 style hood scoop, custom side scoops, and special lower body moldings.
Special Features
In addition, the car featured numerous other exterior features that set it apart from other GTs on the road at the time. For instance, the Bullitt Mustang featured special American Racing five-spoke wheels (245/45ZR Goodyear tires), which later became a bit hit in the automotive aftermarket community. The car also featured a brushed aluminum gas filler door and a Bullitt Badge on the trunk lid. Unlike the 2008 Bullitt Mustang, the first Bullitt did feature Ford and GT badging on its exterior. It also featured an ominous looking blacked out grille. In all, old met new as Ford paid homage to a classic Mustang movie car.
"The 1968 fastback Mustang GT 390, driven by Steve McQueen, created an indelible image in the minds of millions of people," said Jim O'Connor, former president of Ford Division. "We have taken some of the passion from the Hollywood film and put it in an exciting new car. Now, we're taking the car on a road show."
Highlights
13-inch Brembo front rotors and red-painted calipers
Special American Racing Torq-Thrust five-spoke wheels
Brushed aluminum gas filler door
Bullitt Badge on Trunk lid
Lowered Suspension (three-quarters of an inch lower than standard GT)
New stainless steel pedal covers positioned to provide better heel-to-toe shifting
Modified Exhaust with 20 percent more air flow than standard 2001 GT and rolled tailpipe tips
Features same 57-mm twin bore throttle body found in the SVT Cobra
Built with Performance in Mind
Under the hood, the 2001 Bullitt Mustang sported the same 4.6L SOHC V8 engine found in other GT Mustangs of the day. That said, improved airflow, and a 57-mm twin bore throttle body, helped to provide more overall power. In all, the 2001 Bullitt Mustang was said to produce 265 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, which was five more horsepower than the standard GT. It also produced 305 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Bullitt also featured a new cast aluminum intake manifold which helped with additional low-range torque. According to reports, the 2001 Bullitt could complete the 1/4 mile in 2-3 tenths of a second faster than regular GT.
While the 2011 Bullitt Mustang was no beast by today’s horsepower standards, it was fast. As such, a fast car needs solid stopping power. The 2001 Bullitt was equipped with dual-piston 13-inch Brembo front rotors and red-painted calipers. Suspension, which included Tokico struts and shocks, was improved out on the open road thanks to its ride height being lowered by approximately three quarters of an inch.
The 2001 Bullitt was not available with a spoiler (or fog lights for that matter), and it featured unique quarter panel molding, special to the model. One of the most noticeable features of the 2001 Bullitt Mustang was its exhaust. With 20 percent better output than a standard GT, the Bullitt’s exhaust was designed to mimic the sound of the original 1968 GT 390 Mustang thanks to a pair of high-flow mufflers.
Interior Features
On the inside, the 2001 Bullitt Mustang was designed to resemble that of the 1968 Mustang. This included a retro 1960s gauge script with white lighting, instead of green which was standard GT gauge lighting of the time. The car sported Dark charcoal leather seats, and brushed aluminum accents. As an added touch, the doorsills featured the words BULLITT.
Production and Price
At the time, the Bullitt Mustang cost approximately $3,695 more than a standard GT, with an MSRP of $26,830.
In all, a total of 6,500 serialized Mustang Bullitts were to be produced. In actuality, the finalized number is around 5,582 units (3,041 Dark Highland Green, 1,819 Black, and 722 True Blue). Each car featured a unique serialized identification label. At the time, the Bullitt Mustang cost approximately $3,695 more than a standard GT, with an MSRP of $26,830.
These days, there are plenty of 2001 Bullitt Mustangs on the road. That said, they continue to be a sought after piece of Mustang history. In 2008, Ford released another Bullitt Mustang, based on the popular S197 platform. The model carried over into the 2009 model year.
Following the launch of the 2001 Bullitt, Ford decided to breathe life into another Mustang classic, the Mach 1. The year was 2003, and the car featured components such as a matte-black hood stripe, black front air-dam extension, a black rear decklid spoiler, predominate rocker panels, body side scoops, and five-spoke wheels. It even featured a classic "Shaker Hood" as well as Mach 1 badging and a flat black chin spoiler up front.
The car’s interior featured dark grey leather seats with 70s style "Comfort Weave" textures. It was also equipped with a classic gauge cluster, which harkened back to the days of the classic Mach 1, as well as a machined aluminum shift ball. The car was so popular that Ford offered another limited run for the 2004 model year.
When it comes to the Ford Mustang, several iconic models conjure up images of the car’s impressive history. The Boss 302, the Cobra Jet, and the Mach 1 are just a few that come to mind.
Fresh off the launch of their 2001 Bullitt Mustang, Ford decided it was time to pay homage to the classic Mach 1 Mustang, which originally debuted in the 1969 model year. As such, Ford’s design team began work on a re-imagined Mach 1 Mustang. The car, which would be built to modern specifications, would serve as a tribute to all the original Mach 1 Mustangs out on the road. It was no small task by any means.
Highlights
Total Produced (Coupe Only): 9,652
Torch Red - 2,513
Azure Blue - 2,250
Black - 1,611
Dark Shadow Grey - 1,595
Zinc Yellow - 869
Oxford White – 814
Old Meets New
One of the most noticeable exterior accessories was the car’s classic "Shaker Hood".
The new Mach 1, which featured styling cues from the original Mach 1, was limited to only 9,652 units, and touted components such as a matte-black hood stripe, black front air-dam extension, a black rear decklid spoiler, predominate rocker panels, body side scoops, and five-spoke wheels. In keeping with tradition, the car was offered in the following exterior colors: Oxford White, Black, Torch Red, Zinc Yellow, Azure Blue and Dark Shadow Gray.
The new Mach 1 was easily identifiable out on the road thanks to its Mach 1 badging on the rear and its flat black chin spoiler up front. Of course, the most noticeable exterior accessory was the car’s classic "Shaker Hood".
Beneath its hood, the Mach 1 sported a 4.6L DOHC modular engine, which was originally created for Ford’s SVT Cobra Mustang. The “R” code all-aluminum engine was equipped with high-flow four-valve cylinder heads, a dual-bore 57mm throttle body, and a cast-aluminum intake manifold. The car’s exhaust manifolds were port matched to the heads, and it featured custom Mach 1 mufflers, tuned for an impressive rumble when putting one's foot to the floor. In addition, the car was available with either a Tremec sourced 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic.
A Performance Pony
In all, the 2003 Mach 1, which was equipped with a solid rear axle with a 3.55 final ratio, was capable of producing 305 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm and 320 lbs.-ft. @ 4,200 rpm. No doubt, output was impressive.
The car featured independent, modified MacPherson struts with separate springs on the lower arms and a stabilizer bar up front. It was equipped with gas-pressurized Tokico shock absorbers with horizontal axle dampers in the rear.
Stopping power was achieved thanks to a set of 13-inch Brembo vented rotors in the front and single piston 296 mm x 18 mm vented rotors in the rear. In addition, the 2003 Mach 1 Mustang came equipped with ABS brakes.
Power met the pavement via a set of Magnum 500 polished 17 x 8-inch Heritage 5-spoke wheels riding on Goodyear 245/45ZR17 Eagle ZR45 tread.
As for its performance qualities, the 2003 Mach 1 was fast. Motor Trend Magazine reported a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds, with a best quarter mile time of 13.88 seconds at 101.9 mph.
Classic Interior Accents
On the inside, the 2003 Mach 1 featured dark grey leather seats with 70s style "Comfort Weave" textures. It was also equipped with a classic gauge cluster, which harkened back to the days of the classic Mach 1, as well as a machined aluminum shift ball. Other goodies included optional stainless steel pedals, a finished shift boot trim ring, and door lock posts.
In all, the 2003 Mach 1 Mustang was a hit with enthusiasts around the world. So much, in fact, that a 2004 model would be produced as well.
At the time of its release, the editors of Automobile magazine summed it up well by saying, "We think the world is a poorer place for the loss of the Chevy Camaro and the Pontiac Firebird (at least their V-8-engined varieties), but the Mustang team is carrying on admirably and offering the pony car torch-carriers some unbridled joy."
No doubt, the re-imagined Mach 1 Mustang paved the way for other tributes, such as the 2008 Bullitt Mustang, the modern day Boss 302, and the S197 Cobra Jet.
Californians have a special place in their heart for the Ford Mustang. Take the GT/CS for example. The car, which returned to the Ford Mustang lineup in 2011 after the 2007-2009 run, is a modern day version of the limited-edition 1968 GT/CS. CS standing for “California Special.”
The GT/CS Package includes California Special badging, Tri-Bar Pony Badge, 19-inch x 8.5-inch Machined Painted Wheels, and more. The 2011 model was only available with a black interior, and was not available with a rear video camera or over the top racing stripes.
The package, 402A, includes California Special badging, 19-inch x 8.5-inch Machined Painted Wheels, and more. It will become available in the summer of 2010.
Unique Chrome Billet Grille with Body Color Surround and Tri-Bar Pony Badge (w/o Fog lamps)
Unique side stripes
Unique Lower Fascia with Fog lamps
Unique 19"x8.5" Machined Painted Wheels
Unique Decklid Badge with name in Faux Gas Cap
Unique I/P Appliqué Finish Panel
Unique Door Panel "Carbon" Inserts
Unique Front and Rear Leather Seats with "Carbon" Inserts
Premium carpeted front floor mats with embroidered logo
Rear "Diffuser-Style" Lower Fascia
Pedestal Spoiler
Decklid Tape Appliqué
Side Scoops
The car is only available with a black interior, and is not available with a rear video camera or over the top racing stripes.The Mustang Club of America is the largest Mustang club in the world. It makes sense, then, that Ford would offer up a special Mustang Club of America Mustang for its die-hard enthusiasts.
This package, which was first offered for V6 Mustangs in the 2011 model year, features a custom billet grille, fog lights integrated into the front fascia, and custom Mustang side stripes. Additional goodies included 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and blacked out decklid.
The package (203A), which will be available for both the coupe and convertible, is reported to cost less than $1,000, plus the price of the new 2011 V6 Mustang.
Features include:
Unique painted (Dark Stainless) Billet Grille with Tri-Bar Pony Badge
Front Lower Fascia with mounted fog lamps
Unique tape side stripe
Unique decklid tape applique (between Tail Lamps)
18"x8" Sterling Gray Metallic Painted Aluminum Wheels
P235/50WRx18 BSW A/S Tires
Premium Carpeted Floor Mats with Pony Logo
Automatic headlamps
Rear decklid spoiler
_________________
|
Login
FAQ
Search
