79 Mustang Pace Car Interior: A Detailed Look
The 1979 Mustang Pace Car is a true icon of American automotive history, and much of its appeal lies in its distinctive interior. This special edition Mustang, chosen to lead the pack at the Indianapolis 500, boasted a unique design that set it apart from its contemporaries. From the comfortable seating to the intricate detailing, the 79 Mustang Pace Car interior was a testament to Ford’s commitment to style and performance. A closer look reveals a blend of sportiness and luxury, designed to appeal to enthusiasts who appreciated both power and aesthetics. The 79 Mustang Pace Car interior is highly sought after by collectors and restorers alike.
The interior of the ’79 Mustang Pace Car was more than just a place to sit; it was a carefully crafted environment designed to enhance the driving experience. Here are some of the key features that made it so special:
- High-Back Bucket Seats: Providing excellent support and comfort, these seats were upholstered in a unique silver leather and black vinyl combination.
- Special Steering Wheel: A three-spoke sport steering wheel with a brushed aluminum finish added to the car’s sporty appeal.
- Unique Dash and Console: The dashboard featured special instrumentation and trim, while the center console housed essential controls and storage.
- Pace Car Badging: Subtle yet distinctive “Pace Car” badging adorned various interior elements, reminding occupants of the car’s prestigious role.
Restoring the interior of a 79 Mustang Pace Car can be a rewarding but challenging endeavor. Finding original parts can be difficult, but there are resources available to help enthusiasts bring their classic Mustangs back to their former glory.
- Sourcing Original Parts: Many interior components are no longer in production, making it necessary to search for used or reproduction parts.
- Matching Original Colors and Materials: Achieving an authentic restoration requires finding materials that closely match the original colors and textures.
- Expert Craftsmanship: Properly installing and fitting interior components often requires specialized skills and knowledge.
The value of a meticulously restored 79 Mustang Pace Car interior significantly increases the vehicle’s overall worth, making the effort well worthwhile.
| Feature | 1979 Mustang Pace Car | 1979 Standard Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | High-back bucket seats with silver leather and black vinyl | Standard bucket or bench seats with cloth or vinyl |
| Steering Wheel | Three-spoke sport steering wheel with brushed aluminum | Standard two-spoke steering wheel |
| Badging | “Pace Car” badging on various interior elements | No special badging |
| Trim | Unique silver and black trim accents | Standard trim accents |
Ultimately, the enduring appeal of the 79 Mustang Pace Car interior lies in its combination of sporty design, luxurious materials, and historical significance. It’s a testament to a golden era of American automotive design, and a cherished detail for classic car enthusiasts around the world.
The 1979 Mustang Pace Car is a true icon of American automotive history, and much of its appeal lies in its distinctive interior. This special edition Mustang, chosen to lead the pack at the Indianapolis 500, boasted a unique design that set it apart from its contemporaries. From the comfortable seating to the intricate detailing, the 79 Mustang Pace Car interior was a testament to Ford’s commitment to style and performance. A closer look reveals a blend of sportiness and luxury, designed to appeal to enthusiasts who appreciated both power and aesthetics. The 79 Mustang Pace Car interior is highly sought after by collectors and restorers alike.
Key Features of the 1979 Mustang Pace Car Interior
The interior of the ’79 Mustang Pace Car was more than just a place to sit; it was a carefully crafted environment designed to enhance the driving experience. Here are some of the key features that made it so special:
- High-Back Bucket Seats: Providing excellent support and comfort, these seats were upholstered in a unique silver leather and black vinyl combination.
- Special Steering Wheel: A three-spoke sport steering wheel with a brushed aluminum finish added to the car’s sporty appeal.
- Unique Dash and Console: The dashboard featured special instrumentation and trim, while the center console housed essential controls and storage.
- Pace Car Badging: Subtle yet distinctive “Pace Car” badging adorned various interior elements, reminding occupants of the car’s prestigious role.
Restoring a 79 Mustang Pace Car Interior
Restoring the interior of a 79 Mustang Pace Car can be a rewarding but challenging endeavor. Finding original parts can be difficult, but there are resources available to help enthusiasts bring their classic Mustangs back to their former glory.
Challenges in Restoration:
- Sourcing Original Parts: Many interior components are no longer in production, making it necessary to search for used or reproduction parts.
- Matching Original Colors and Materials: Achieving an authentic restoration requires finding materials that closely match the original colors and textures.
- Expert Craftsmanship: Properly installing and fitting interior components often requires specialized skills and knowledge.
The value of a meticulously restored 79 Mustang Pace Car interior significantly increases the vehicle’s overall worth, making the effort well worthwhile.
Comparative Table: 1979 Pace Car Interior vs. Standard Mustang Interior
| Feature | 1979 Mustang Pace Car | 1979 Standard Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | High-back bucket seats with silver leather and black vinyl | Standard bucket or bench seats with cloth or vinyl |
| Steering Wheel | Three-spoke sport steering wheel with brushed aluminum | Standard two-spoke steering wheel |
| Badging | “Pace Car” badging on various interior elements | No special badging |
| Trim | Unique silver and black trim accents | Standard trim accents |
Ultimately, the enduring appeal of the 79 Mustang Pace Car interior lies in its combination of sporty design, luxurious materials, and historical significance. It’s a testament to a golden era of American automotive design, and a cherished detail for classic car enthusiasts around the world.
Beyond the Basics: Deeper Questions About the Pace Car Interior
But have we truly explored every facet of this iconic interior? What subtle nuances might we have overlooked?
Questions for the Discerning Enthusiast:
- Were there variations in the interior depending on the production run, or were all Pace Cars created with identical appointments?
- How did Ford ensure the durability of the unique silver leather, and what are the recommended maintenance procedures for preserving its integrity today?
- Did the 79 Mustang Pace Car interior influence the design of subsequent Mustang models, and can its design cues be seen in later generations?
- Considering the historical context, did the interior reflect broader trends in automotive design and consumer preferences of the late 1970s?
Could researching original Ford documentation, if it exists, reveal additional insights into the design choices and manufacturing processes of the Pace Car interior? Did the “Pace Car” badging differ in font, size, or placement across different interior components? What specific cleaning products and techniques are most effective for reviving the silver leather without causing damage or discoloration?
And finally, considering the rarity and collectibility of the 1979 Mustang Pace Car, does a perfectly preserved 79 Mustang Pace Car interior significantly impact its auction value, potentially exceeding the value of other well-maintained examples with more common interiors?
