Arrival

Disassembly

Strip & Metal Fab

Body & Paint

Trim & Detail

Finish

Vehicle information

The third-generation Mustang was produced by Ford Motor Company from 1978 to 1993. Built on Ford’s widely used Fox platform, it evolved through a number of sub-models, trim levels, and drive-train combinations during its production life. It underwent a multi-faceted update for 1987, and for a time seemed destined for replacement with a rebadged import before company executives were swayed by consumer opinions. Enthusiasts group the generation into two segments: the 1979-1986 cars, with their quad headlight arrangement, and the 1987-1993 cars, with their “no-grille” front fascia styling. Production ended with the introduction of the SN95 fourth-generation Mustang for the 1994 model year.

While most of the Mustang internals and externals were carried over in late 1982 for 1983, there were some changes and improvements on the then five-year-old “Fox-platform” model. Both the front nose piece and rear taillights were restyled. A more “aero” look, which was becoming more common on various Ford products of the era, replaced the egg crate-style grille seen the past four years. New taillights with dedicated amber turn signals replaced the similarly styled vertical Ford Fairmont units. Ford added a convertible to the Mustang line in 1982 for model year 1983 in response to the 1982 Chrysler convertibles, this after a nine-year absence. The majority of the convertibles were equipped with the new V6 in GLX form, though 1,001 (993 for US, 8 for Canada) V8 GT models were also produced. The Mustang GT received a four-barrel carburetor and a new intake manifold, bringing power to 175 hp (130 kW). The turbocharged 2.3 L four-cylinder also returned, now fuel-injected, and producing 145 hp (108 kW).