Vehicle Description
This 1979 Mustang Turbo Ghia made its debut during some seriously
tumultuous times. Our county entered into its second oil crisis in
six years and whereas improved fuel economy had once seemed like a
noble pursuit, with gas prices skyrocketing and fuel in short
supply, it fast became a front-burner necessity. Ford responded in
admirable fashion - taking full advantage of the opportunity to
totally re-engineer the venerable Mustang while for the first time
employing turbocharged technology to extract more power out of less
displacement. Well looked after, with a history documented by its
original bill of sale, warranty card and even its original window
sticker, this 1979 Mustang Turbo Ghia stands as a rolling,
collectible testament to Detroit's ability to rise to what was a
very pressing challenge.
Stylistically, as well as in terms of engineering, Ford doubled
down on change and rolled out a completely redesigned Pony. Not
only the most aerodynamic car Ford had ever produced, but it was
far more spacious than the Mustang II it followed despite also
being 200lbs lighter. The twin dual headlight configuration on this
Ghia marked the first of many styling departures from preceding
models, leaning toward a more geometric look seemingly inspired by
the technology boom that was about to follow. The factory beige
"chamois" exterior on this Mustang is a great shade -paying fitting
tribute to the style sensibilities of the era, as beige cars were
very much in vogue in the late 70's. Still maintaining its stylish,
period appropriate look, the paint shows well and the trim
throughout remains in good condition. The panels from front to back
still align well, after nearly 40 years of life, and both doors and
windows open and close without a hitch. Just as appropriate for a
car that so ably represents an era, its relatively low-slung, level
stance remains in original form.
Take a peek inside and you'll find a surprisingly rich-looking tan
interior that has been allowed to remain in its original factory
configuration, with a very fresh overall condition not often found
in a car of this era. The front bucket seats look plush and padded,
with little sign of wear and no wrinkling. In back, the bench seat
has the same lightly used feel to it. Owing to the longer wheelbase
Ford went to on this '79, there's actually some legroom back there,
too. Underneath, you'll see carpeting that's in fine shape, its
relatively tall pile also reflecting the taste of the times. Taking
your place in the driver's seat, you'll see a surprisingly
new-looking dash area - the wood grain paneling is unblemished and
without bubbling and all fully functional gauges look back at you
through clear lenses. Directly below the original AM radio - still
also in good working condition - you'll find a tachometer whose
custom look belies its factory-installed origin, a very cool
touch.
This Ghia met with rave reviews as it emerged, with Car and Driver
proclaiming it to be not only the most inspired Mustang, but the
best Ford created up to that point - no faint praise. Ford broke
with a long tradition with naturally aspirated engines, employing a
Garrett AirResearch Turbocharger to extract maximum power from the
motor's 2.3 liters. The revolutionary powerplant was lauded for its
smooth operation and, bolted to a Borg Warner 4 speed transmission,
it's still in fine form, starting right up and running with that
same smoothness. With power steering and power brakes on all four
corners - discs in front - it's a well-configured driver's car,
sitting on its original stock rims that are wrapped in Hankook
Optimo tires.
Looking for a truly unique example of nostalgic Detroit
inspiration, in great running condition and sure to turn heads?
This 1979 Mustang Ghia Turbo is the one for you. Call today!
