The Legendary Mustang Fox Body Makes A Comeback With A New Mission

Revamped Fox Body: A Digital Restomod by HotCars’ Rostislav Prokop Challenges Modern Sports Cars.

The Ford Mustang has gained widespread notoriety and acclaim as an iconic American vehicle ever since its debut in the 1960s. Although the Mustang has undergone various design changes throughout its existence, one of its most standout appearances was its Fox Body style during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Despite their distinct appearance compared to more recent models, the Fox Body Mustangs are still highly respected vehicles for their time. Rostislav Prokop, a digital artist at HotCars, honors the third generation of this pony car by creating a customized version that can still compete with modern high-performance cars.

In our contemporary era, vehicles such as the latest Nissan Z sports car are incorporating elements of classic design, serving as a homage to the past while also offering updated features and capabilities. Interestingly, the Mustang of recent years has adopted this same approach, drawing inspiration from throwback styles, a trend also seen in the present Dodge Challenger and Charger models.

The majority of the restomod’s design features a contemporary take on the original 1980s styling. Both the taillights and headlights now incorporate LED technology, giving them a sleeker and more modern appearance. The front lower lights also have a halo design, maintaining the recognizable look of the Fox Body while updating it for a more present-day aesthetic.

Blacked-out rims have a striking resemblance to the ones found on original Fox Body Mustangs, enhancing the car’s classic aesthetic. The body layout remains mostly unaltered from its stock counterpart. However, there is a wider and more sleek shape adopted in the car, incorporating modern safety measures that tend to give newer vehicles a larger appearance compared to those of previous eras.

The golden hue of the exterior coating and deep-shaded windows create a striking contrast, paired with bright yellow brake calipers, resulting in a sleek and up-to-date color combination.

The core and essence of each Mustang lies within its engine, and this revamped classic car is no exception. However, even in its most powerful factory Cobra iteration, the original Fox Body Mustang only produced a maximum of 235 horsepower. In today’s standards, that simply won’t suffice for a 5.0-liter V8 engine.

In order to honor the heritage of the Fox Body Mustang, a suitable choice for a restomod engine would be the Gen-4 5.0-liter Coyote engine found in the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Boasting an impressive 500 horsepower and taking into account the lightweight build of the Fox Body, this powerhouse should have no trouble competing with some of the speediest muscle cars of 2024.

If you’re in the market for a Fox Body to use in your own restomod project, pricing can vary greatly. The asking price for a well-maintained, fully-equipped Fox Body Mustang can reach up to six figures, but there are also less desirable versions available for as low as $8,000-$10,000. The key factor that determines the cost of a Fox Body Mustang is the specific model, as there were various trims and limited editions produced. Let’s take a look at the most popular trims and special editions of the Fox Body Mustang and their current values based on the Hagerty Valuation Tool:

In the year 1979, the debut of the Fox Body Mustang captivated many, becoming an instant sensation. Enthusiasts were drawn to its fresh European-inspired design and the reintroduction of the 5.0 V8 engine by Ford, despite its underwhelming 140 horsepower output. Potential buyers had three options to choose from – the basic model, the luxurious Mustang Ghia, and the sporty yet primarily aesthetic Cobra. According to Hagerty, one can obtain a base or Ghia version from 1979 in good condition for less than $10,000, making it one of the most affordable muscle cars. However, if you desire the Cobra variation, be prepared to spend a bit more.

Ford entered an unexpected collaboration with McLaren in 1980 to create the impressive Mustang McLaren M81, a limited edition model that stands out as one of the most remarkable versions of the iconic Mustang. The M81 was equipped with a professional 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, enhanced and rebuilt by McLaren, along with notable improvements such as a advanced suspension system, wider fender flares, sleek hood scoops, comfortable Recaro bucket seats, and stylish BBS wheels. With only a mere 10 units ever produced, the M81 holds its position as one of the scarcest muscle cars in existence, making it no surprise that it was sold at $82,500 during a Mecum auction in 2023.

In 1982, Ford made the decision to discontinue the Cobra appearance package in their Mustang lineup and replace it with the GT model. This change was intended to revive the performance aspect of the Mustang series and marked the comeback of the popular “5.0” V8 engine, which had been eliminated in 1979 due to emission regulations. Along with the reintroduction of the V8 engine, the GT also received upgrades such as a high-performance camshaft, a double-roller timing chain, and a two-barrel Holley carburetor. These enhancements resulted in a power increase to 157 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. As of late, the 1982 Mustang GT has been gaining recognition among collectors, as evidenced by its rising values according to Hagerty.

Prior to developing its own high-performance supercars like the impressive Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo, Saleen focused on tuning American vehicles. One of Saleen’s most notable tuning projects was the Fox Body Mustang. With a starting horsepower of 175 in 1984, the Saleen Mustang continuously gained power until the end of the Fox Body Mustang line in 1993, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a powerful ride. Because of their superior performance and limited availability, Saleen Fox Body Mustangs can come with a hefty price tag.

During the 1990s, Ford established the SVT division with the purpose of developing high-performance variants of their well-known vehicles. The initial focus of this division was the Fox Body Mustang, and it immediately proved its worth by producing two highly desirable models: the Mustang SVT Cobra and the more powerful Cobra R. With a potent 5.0-liter V8 engine delivering an impressive 230 horsepower, the SVT Cobra became one of the fastest versions of the Mustang since the 1970s, justifying its steep price.

Similar to all traditional muscle cars, the potential for investment greatly relies on numerous factors such as the year of the model, type of engine, level of trim, alterations made, and most importantly, its condition. The Fox Body Mustang, as a whole, is not as highly sought after as the initial generation Mustangs and this is reflected in its values.

Upon inspection of the Hagerty Valuation Tool, it becomes evident that numerous models and unique variations of the Fox Body Mustang have seen an increase in worth. Therefore, it is currently a top choice for those seeking to invest in American classic cars, as its value has the potential to skyrocket in the future. Let’s take a look at the substantial value growth of various versions of the Fox Body Mustang in excellent condition over the past year, according to the Hagerty Valuation Tool.

Many individuals have a strong affinity for the Ford Fox Body Mustangs for several compelling reasons. One of these is undoubtedly its distinctive and unparalleled design, which sets it apart from other muscle cars and even other Mustang models from the past and present. Even in the present day, there is no other vehicle quite like it.

The Fox Body Mustang was known for being significantly lighter than its competitor, the Chevrolet Camaro, during its peak. This feature not only made it an ideal choice for drag racing but also greatly enhanced its handling abilities on road courses.

During its era, the Fox Body Mustang boasted a mighty 5.0-liter V8 motor. While previous versions of the Fox Body Mustang were struggling with limitations due to the 1970s oil shortage, newer models churned out a solid 225 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque in its factory state. This robust Windsor V8 also proved to be highly receptive to alterations and enhancements.

There are a variety of reasons that contribute to the enduring popularity of the Fox Body Mustang, but one of the most prevalent is undoubtedly nostalgia. Countless enthusiasts have fond memories of owning these cars in their formative years or of knowing someone who did. It is this sentimentality that drives up their value as demand for them remains high.

The Ford Fox Body Mustang is gradually gaining value, however, the base models remain reasonably priced. Prices are elevated for V8-powered Mustangs, as well as limited edition and high-performance versions such as the Saleen Fox Body Mustangs, the various ASC/McLaren-tuned Mustangs, and the SVT Cobra and ‘R’ iterations.

Although the 1993 Ford Fox Body Mustang SVT Cobra R sold for a staggering $128,000 at auction, the basic 1986 model of the same car is valued at an average of $15,000. The more modern ‘Aero-nose’ Fox Body with its distinctive angled headlights only fetches about $25,000 on average at auction.

The Ford Fox Body Mustangs are renowned for their distinctive appearance, breaking away from the traditional designs of previous models. Its unique style is a strong reflection of its time period.

Nostalgia is a significant factor in the ongoing success of the 1980s Mustang, along with its reasonable price and decent performance. Beyond that, its aftermarket assistance also plays a crucial role in its enduring appeal. Originally constructed during a severe oil crisis, the Fox Body Mustang lacked sufficient power, with a mere 140 horsepower available in 1979. This led to it becoming one of the most sought after American vehicles for customization as numerous buyers believed that the factory engine did not fully utilize the potential of the Fox Body framework. As a result, the Fox Body Mustang has received outstanding support from the aftermarket community ever since.

The availability of parts and its repairability make this car an excellent choice for car owners. Its platform is also highly suitable for those who love drag racing, as seen with many enthusiasts pushing the limits of the Fox Body by adding forced induction and nitrous. However, even without these modifications, the ’79-’93 model still offers a thrilling driving experience without requiring a specific preference for 80s cars.

The Hagerty Valuation Tool is a valuable resource that many car enthusiasts rely on for accurate pricing information. It has become an essential tool for buyers and sellers alike, providing insights into the constantly-changing market trends.This highly-regarded tool is a comprehensive database that covers hundreds of thousands of vehicles from different eras. It offers in-depth analyses and comparisons of prices based on various factors such as year, make, model, and condition. This makes it a reliable source for determining the true value of a vehicle.One of the most impressive features of the Hagerty Valuation Tool is its ability to track market changes. This means users can see how prices have fluctuated over time, giving them a better understanding of a vehicle’s worth. It also takes into account factors such as location, season, and global economic conditions, all of which can impact a car’s value.Aside from providing pricing information, the Hagerty Valuation Tool also offers a wealth of knowledge about each vehicle. It includes details on the car’s history, specifications, production numbers, and notable features. This makes it easier for users to make informed decisions when buying or selling a vehicle.Overall, the Hagerty Valuation Tool is a trustworthy and user-friendly resource for anyone interested in the world of classic