Fox Body Mustang. From Indy Pace Car to Cop Notchbacks to 7-Up Fiasco. Serial owner drops facts. Why it matters for OEMs to have long lived nameplates and loyal fans.
About this episode
Exploring the legacy of the Fox Body Mustang, Joe Black shares his extensive experience as a serial owner of 17 Fox Bodies. The discussion covers the evolution of the Mustang from its inception in 1964 to its various iterations, including the unique 7-Up edition and cop-spec SSP models. The episode highlights the importance of long-lived nameplates for car manufacturers and how they foster loyal fanbases. With anecdotes about personal ownership and insights into the Mustang's cultural impact, this episode is a deep dive into a beloved automotive icon.
Serial owner of 17 Fox Body Mustangs (plus several Panther Police Interceptors) breaks down some highlights of this growing modern classic as it nears age 50. Ford holds on as Mustang fever goes through fat years and lean years. Honda, Toyota, GM, Mopar, Porsche, VW, Mercedes, Nissan and even Tesla learn lessons from an OG carmaker.
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Ford Mustangs
"...he's had more Fox body mustangs than I've had cars, I think, if I had Italian up. 17 Fox bodies. Oh, that's amazing. 79 to 93. So I'm going to assume our audience knows what that means, a Fox body Mustang."
The Fox Body Mustang is a version of the Ford Mustang that was made between 1979 and 1993. It's popular for its sporty look and performance, and many people enjoy customizing them.
The Fox Body Mustang refers to the fourth generation of the Ford Mustang, produced from 1979 to 1993. This generation is known for its lightweight design and performance potential, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and modifiers.
Audi Fox
"Yeah, pretty much an Audi Fox. Yeah, sure."
The Audi Fox is a small car made by Audi that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. It was known for being affordable and practical for everyday use.
The Audi Fox is a compact car produced by Audi from the early 1970s to the early 1980s. It was known for its simple design and practicality, appealing to budget-conscious consumers.
baby boomers
"...Leigh Iacocca was a visionary. He saw that these these baby boomers were who were born starting in 46."
Baby boomers are people who were born right after World War II, between 1946 and 1964. They are important because they had a big impact on things like car buying when they grew up.
Baby boomers refer to the demographic cohort born during the post-World War II baby boom, approximately between 1946 and 1964. This generation significantly influenced various aspects of society, including consumer behavior and automotive trends.
Ford Falcon
"...a car that, you know, the Mustang was like a Ford Falcon, right? With a pretty body on it."
The Ford Falcon was a car made by Ford a long time ago that was known for being light and not too expensive. It was popular in the 1960s and helped Ford create other famous cars like the Mustang. People talk about it because it's a classic car that many still appreciate today.
The Ford Falcon was a mid-size car produced from 1960 to 1970, known for its lightweight design and affordability. It played a crucial role in Ford's lineup during the 1960s and influenced the development of later models, including the Mustang. The Falcon is often discussed for its classic appeal and as a representation of American automotive history.
Ford Ltd
"...u when you said a Ford, you didn't have to say a Ford LTD or a right. I mean, it was a Ford was a Ford."
The Ford LTD II was a big car that Ford made in the late 1970s. It was popular because it had a lot of room inside, making it good for families. People mention it when talking about older American cars that were common back then.
The Ford LTD II was a full-size car produced from 1977 to 1979, serving as a successor to the Ford LTD. It was known for its spacious interior and was a popular choice for families during its production run. The LTD II is often discussed as a representation of the full-size American sedan era.
427 big block
"Give me a 427 big block."
The 427 big block is a powerful type of engine made by Ford. It's known for being very strong and was often used in fast cars in the 1960s.
The 427 big block refers to a large displacement V8 engine produced by Ford, known for its high performance and power output. It was commonly used in muscle cars and performance vehicles during the 1960s.
Ford Galaxies
"...the galaxies and yet nowadays, I mean, very few of those Ford galaxies were saved, but we see Mustangs from that era all the time."
The Ford Galaxie was a large car made by Ford that people used to drive a lot. It was popular in the 1960s and 70s, but not many of them are still around today.
The Ford Galaxie was a full-size car produced by Ford from the late 1950s to the early 1970s. It was known for its spacious interior and was popular during the era of large sedans, but many were not preserved over time.
Shelby Cobra
"...they want those Shelby Cobra, two Mustangs and the ones that they thought were pretty ugly..."
The Shelby Cobra is a famous sports car from the 1960s, known for being fast and powerful. It's a classic car that many enthusiasts admire.
The Shelby Cobra is a high-performance sports car that was produced in the 1960s, known for its powerful V8 engine and lightweight design. It's often celebrated for its racing pedigree and iconic status in automotive history.
Ford Fairmont
"And Ford had come out with this Fairmont, which was a. Also a Fox body."
The Ford Fairmont is a car that Ford made in the late 1970s. It was the first car built on a specific platform that many other cars were also built on.
The Ford Fairmont was a compact car produced by Ford in the late 1970s. It was notable for being the first vehicle built on the Fox platform, which was used for several other models, including the Mustang.
Fox body
"Also a Fox body. Yeah, because it was the first Fox body, right?"
The Fox body is a type of car design that Ford used for many of its vehicles in the late 70s and 80s. It made the cars lighter and helped them perform better.
The Fox body refers to a platform used by Ford for several of its cars, including the Mustang and Fairmont, from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. It is known for its lightweight design and versatility.
chrome bumpers
"...they had these huge chrome bumpers that legislated by our government to put these five mile per hour bumpers on cars. And they all looked, they just looked like tanks, the Malaysia era."
Chrome bumpers are the shiny metal parts on the front and back of older cars. They were popular in the past but could get rusty and were heavy.
Chrome bumpers were commonly used in cars before the 1980s, often giving vehicles a shiny, reflective surface. However, they were heavy and could be prone to rust and damage over time.
five mile per hour bumpers
"...to put these five mile per hour bumpers on cars. And they all looked, they just looked like tanks, the Malaysia era."
Five mile per hour bumpers are designed to protect cars from small accidents at low speeds. They help prevent damage when you bump into something slowly.
Five mile per hour bumpers were designed to withstand impacts at low speeds without significant damage to the vehicle. This regulation was introduced in the U.S. to improve safety and reduce repair costs.
integrated bumpers
"...and here was a car that had integrated bumpers, you know, polyurethane, pretty clean European lines."
Integrated bumpers are built into the car's design, making them look smoother and more modern. They are often made from flexible materials that can handle small hits better.
Integrated bumpers are designed to blend seamlessly with the car's body, providing a more modern and aesthetically pleasing look. They are often made from materials like polyurethane, which can absorb impacts better than traditional bumpers.
muscle car
"So you let me guess, you're a muscle car guy. Pretty much. Were all yours V8s?"
Muscle cars are powerful cars that are usually made in America. They often have big engines and are built for speed, especially in a straight line. They became popular in the 1960s and 1970s.
Muscle cars are high-performance vehicles, typically American-made, characterized by powerful V8 engines and a focus on straight-line speed. They gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s and are known for their distinctive styling and aggressive performance.
V8 engine
"Were all yours V8s? All my muscle cars have been V8s."
A V8 engine is a type of engine that has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. This design helps the car produce more power and run more smoothly, which is why it's often used in fast cars.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in a V shape. This design allows for more power and smoother operation compared to smaller engines, making it a popular choice in performance and muscle cars.
spoilers
"...it had all the Steve saline, you know, spoilers on it and fender flares and all this other stuff."
Spoilers are parts added to cars to help them stay on the ground better when going fast. They help the car handle turns more easily and look sporty.
Spoilers are aerodynamic devices attached to cars to reduce lift and improve stability at high speeds. They can enhance the car's grip on the road, especially during cornering.
V6
"And it only had a V6 in it. So that would have been like a 2.8 liter. Yeah. And I just, you know, and it was automatic..."
A V6 engine has six cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's a common engine type that offers a balance between power and fuel efficiency, making it popular in many cars.
A V6 engine is a six-cylinder engine with the cylinders arranged in a V configuration. This design allows for a more compact engine while still providing a good balance of power and efficiency.
2.8 liter
"So that would have been like a 2.8 liter. Yeah. And I just, you know, and it was automatic..."
A 2.8 liter engine means the total space inside all the engine's cylinders adds up to 2.8 liters. Generally, bigger engines can produce more power, but they might use more fuel.
The term '2.8 liter' refers to the engine's displacement, which is the total volume of all the cylinders in the engine. A larger displacement typically means more power, but it can also affect fuel efficiency.
pace car
"Pace car in 1979. And I remember somebody in our neighborhood had a replica or somebody in our town had a replica, which was, it was black on the lower half."
A pace car is a car that drives in front of the race cars to control their speed at the beginning of a race or when there's a caution. It helps keep everything safe until the race can start again.
A pace car is a vehicle that leads the field of competing cars at the start of a race and during caution periods. It helps to set the speed and control the pace of the race until the green flag is waved to signal the start or restart.
turbo
"...they also offered that car on a four cylinder with a turbo. All the way up to a 302, which was not a lot of power, but yeah."
A turbo is a part that helps an engine produce more power by pushing extra air into it. This lets the engine burn more fuel and go faster without needing a bigger engine.
A turbo, or turbocharger, is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing for more fuel to be burned and thus increasing power output. This technology is commonly used in performance cars to enhance engine efficiency and power without significantly increasing engine size.
302
"...All the way up to a 302, which was not a lot of power, but yeah. So it was enough power to get around the Indianapolis 500."
The 302 is a type of engine size, specifically a 5.0-liter V8, often found in Ford cars. It's known for providing a good amount of power without being too big or heavy.
The 302 refers to a 5.0-liter V8 engine that was popular in various Ford vehicles, particularly in the Mustang. It is known for its balance of power and efficiency, making it a favorite among performance enthusiasts.
Indianapolis 500
"...to get around the Indianapolis 500. With a tailwind."
The Indianapolis 500 is a famous car race that happens every year in Indiana. Cars race around a big track for 500 miles, and it's one of the biggest events in racing.
The Indianapolis 500, also known as the Indy 500, is an annual automobile race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious events in motorsport, featuring open-wheel cars racing over 500 miles.
Ford Mustang II
"Cause they had to have a, you know, a warmed up version. Wasn't it cobra? They had the, uh, the Mustang two, like the glorified Pinto, which had a cobra version."
The Ford Mustang II is a smaller version of the original Mustang that was made in the 1970s. It was built to be more fuel-efficient and shared parts with another car called the Pinto, which some people didn't like.
The Ford Mustang II was a compact version of the classic Mustang produced from 1974 to 1978. It was designed to meet new fuel economy standards and was based on the Pinto platform, which led to mixed reviews among enthusiasts.
Shelby name
"...there was also lawsuits back and forth because it's using the Shelby name at the time. And then also remember Shelby also went to Mopar..."
The Shelby name comes from a famous car designer and racer, Carroll Shelby. It's often used on cars to show they are high-performance or special editions.
The Shelby name is associated with high-performance vehicles, particularly those modified by Carroll Shelby, an iconic figure in American automotive history. His name has been used on various models, often to evoke a sense of performance and heritage.
Dodge Omnis
"...ey had a Shelby over there for the, for like the omnis or whatever they were. Yeah."
The Dodge Omni was a small car made by Dodge that people liked in the 80s because it was easy to drive and had a hatchback design. It was one of the first small cars in the U.S. and helped make small cars more popular. People mention it because it was different and fun for its time.
The Dodge Omni was a compact car produced from 1978 to 1990, known for its front-wheel-drive layout and practicality. It was one of the first hatchbacks in the U.S. market and contributed to the popularity of small cars during the 1980s. The Omni is often discussed for its role in shaping the compact car segment and its unique design.
Omni
"...they had a Shelby over there for the, for like the omnis or whatever they were."
The Omni was a small car made by Chrysler in the 1980s. It was popular for being affordable and easy to drive.
The Chrysler Omni was a compact car produced in the 1980s, known for its practicality and affordability. It was part of Chrysler's effort to compete in the small car market during that era.
Ford versus Ferrari
"So that's why, you know, if you've ever seen the movie Ford versus Ferrari. That's a great movie."
'Ford versus Ferrari' is a movie about the competition between the Ford car company and Ferrari in a famous car race. It shows how the two companies tried to outdo each other and the friendships that formed during this rivalry.
'Ford versus Ferrari' is a film that dramatizes the true story of the battle between the Ford Motor Company and Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. It highlights the engineering and racing rivalry, as well as the personal relationships between key figures like Carroll Shelby and Lee Iacocca.
Shelby America
"...of course now they have Shelby America in Las Vegas. ..."
Shelby America is a company that makes special, high-performance versions of Ford cars, especially Mustangs. They are known for their speed and racing heritage.
Shelby America is a company that specializes in high-performance modifications and vehicles based on Ford models, particularly the Mustang. It was founded by Carroll Shelby, a legendary figure in automotive history.
Ford Mustang Gt
"...at the time, Ford was going to bring the GT back Ford Mustang GT, which meant it was the hot version from the, fr..."
The Ford Mustang GTD is a special version of the Mustang that is built for speed and performance. It's designed for people who love driving fast and want a car that handles really well on the track. People talk about it because it's an exciting option for Mustang fans.
The Ford Mustang GTD is a high-performance variant of the iconic Mustang, designed to deliver enhanced power and handling. It represents Ford's commitment to performance and innovation within the Mustang lineup, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a more track-focused experience. Discussions about the GTD often center on its advanced features and competitive edge in the sports car market.
horsepower
"But it had all of 157 horsepower, which sounds laughable now. You're better than me. Cause then I, I wouldn't remember that horsepower, but I remember it."
Horsepower is how we measure the power of an engine. More horsepower usually means a car can go faster or perform better.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, with higher horsepower typically translating to better performance.
Fox bodies
"I think what the Mustang has got up to 275 eventually with the Fox bodies. But that was a jump from the year before when the hottest one you could get was a 4.2 liter with a, I think they said 120 horsepower."
Fox bodies are a type of Ford Mustang made between 1979 and 1993. They are known for being lighter and can be modified for better performance.
The term 'Fox bodies' refers to a specific generation of the Ford Mustang produced from 1979 to 1993. These cars are known for their lightweight design and performance potential, making them popular among car enthusiasts.
Ford Mustang Cobra
"...the only reason why I sold it was for a 96 mystic cobra. And that's the one that changes colors..."
The 1996 Ford Mustang Cobra is a special version of the Mustang sports car that has a powerful engine and a unique paint that changes color. It's a popular car among enthusiasts for its performance and style.
The 1996 Ford Mustang Cobra is a high-performance variant of the Mustang, known for its powerful engine and sporty design. It features a unique color-shifting paint known as 'Mystic', which changes colors depending on the angle of light.
Chevrolet Camaro
"Even Chevrolet, you know, with the Camaro, they fits and starts. They've, that's, it's now in a stall period again, they've stopped making them."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a popular sports car that has been around since the late 1960s. It's known for being fast and stylish, often compared to other cars like the Ford Mustang.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and sporty design. It has gone through several generations since its introduction in 1966, competing primarily with the Ford Mustang.
Ford Taurus
"...ve back in the nineties. And I was with the Ford Taurus. Oh, the Ford Taurus, when they ended that Ford ..."
The Ford Taurus was a family car that many people drove in the 80s and 90s because it was roomy and comfortable. It was very popular for a long time, but eventually, Ford stopped making it. People mention it to remember how important it was for families back then.
The Ford Taurus was a mid-size car that gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s for its spacious interior and innovative design. It was one of Ford's best-selling models and played a significant role in shaping the modern sedan market. Discussions about the Taurus often reflect on its impact on family cars and its eventual decline in production.
Honda Prelude
"...ind out if you can revive a model name like, like prelude is coming back. Right."
The Honda Prelude was a two-door car that was fun to drive and looked cool. It was made by Honda for many years and is remembered for being sporty and stylish. People talk about bringing it back because it has a lot of fans who loved it.
The Honda Prelude was a sporty coupe produced from 1978 to 2001, known for its innovative design and performance. It holds significance as one of Honda's early forays into the sports car market, blending practicality with a fun driving experience. Discussions about reviving the Prelude often revolve around nostalgia and the potential for Honda to tap into the growing interest in sporty vehicles.
Honda Accord
"...ght. I mean, Honda's been good about keeping the Accord and the civic name going for, I think you can, a..."
Honda Civic
"...onda's been good about keeping the Accord and the civic name going for, I think you can, as long as you ..."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people like because it's dependable and saves on gas. It's been around for a long time and has a good reputation for being a smart choice for drivers. People often talk about it because it's a popular car that many families use.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been in production since 1972, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and versatility. It has become one of Honda's most successful models and is often discussed for its role in popularizing compact cars in the U.S. market. The Civic's enduring popularity is a testament to Honda's ability to adapt and innovate over the years.
Buick Century
"...s. I know this is going off topic a bit, but the century Buick had that name for years. But Toyota has al..."
The Buick Century was a car made for many years that people liked because it was comfortable and easy to drive. It was often chosen by families and older people who wanted a reliable car. People talk about it because it has a long history and is part of Buick's story.
The Buick Century was a mid-size car produced by General Motors from 1936 to 2005, known for its comfort and smooth ride. It has a long history and was popular among families and older drivers for its reliability and spaciousness. The Century is often mentioned in discussions about classic American cars and the evolution of the Buick brand.
Ford Maverick
"like Dart, yeah, didn't quite work out. Somehow Maverick, right? There's another Ford gun, baby."
The Ford Maverick is a small truck that Ford started making again recently. It's popular because it's affordable and can be used for many different tasks, like carrying things or driving around town. People are excited about it because it's a new option for those who want a truck without spending too much money.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck that was reintroduced in 2021, designed to appeal to a new generation of drivers looking for versatility and efficiency. It stands out for its affordable price and hybrid option, making it a practical choice for urban dwellers and those needing a small truck. The Maverick's return signifies Ford's commitment to the growing compact truck segment.
McLaren
"...is it because the name McLaren was on there? No, cause I'd like that name being on there. I mean, I mean, it's still Ford, you know what I mean? See these McLaren's stuff like that."
McLaren is a famous car brand from the UK that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They also race cars in competitions like Formula 1.
McLaren is a British automotive manufacturer known for producing high-performance sports cars and supercars. They are renowned for their engineering excellence and involvement in motorsports, particularly Formula 1.
Dodge Avenger
"...ang, I should say. You know, if you have a Dodge Avenger that's 12 years old, good luck finding parts for..."
The Dodge Avenger was a car that looked sporty and was made in two different times, first in the 90s and then again in the 2000s. Some people liked it, but it had some problems with reliability and finding parts later on. People talk about it to remember its unique style and the issues it faced.
The Dodge Avenger was a mid-size car produced from 1995 to 2000 and then again from 2008 to 2014, known for its sporty design and performance-oriented features. While it had a loyal following, it faced challenges with reliability and parts availability, especially in its later years. Discussions about the Avenger often highlight its mixed reputation in the automotive community.
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