1980 Ford Mustang Hatchback Special
Back in the mid-70's, about the time the Mustang II was introduced, Lee Iacocca got his engineers together, ( Including former Audi engineers), and gave them an assignment to create a new, (for Ford), concept in vehicle production. He wanted to move to "platform" design, where several cars could be built off of one basic pan. At the time Volkswagen was the leader in this concept with their Fox platform, on which they built the Fox, Golf, (Rabbit), 100LS and Dasher among others, so the first Ford platform took the name Fox. Ford built millions of Fairmonts, Granadas, Thunderbirds and our beloved Mustangs. On some forums you'll get chastised for saying "fox BODY" as they're actually "fox CHASSIS" cars, since the actual chassis is the part being referred to and it has had several different bodies on it. But I'll leave that criticism to the EBAY "experts".
For consignment, the ultimate grocery getter, family car, non muscle Mustang you'll ever encounter in the form of a 1980 Mustang Special Edition hatchback. No you are not going to speed past and out run the local Po Po, and no, you will NEVER smoke the tires, but that is not what this car is about. It IS about unbeatable originality, a somewhat rarely seen silver/black with orange striped paint scheme hatchback with a 2.3 liter SOHC 4 cylinder engine with a 2-barrel carburetor and a 3 speed automatic transmission. And all original even right down to the paint which still shines from 1980! Put the pedal to the floor and what for it... wait for it.. oh yeah its not coming, but originality and uniqueness is already there in spades. Being one of only 11,993 built with this special value package and a mere 31,068 title verified actual miles are clocked on her, its time to start feelin' foxy!
Exterior
The factory paint is in silver for the sides and hatchback, and black for the non scooped hood, roof, and B pillars. An accenting stripe wraps around the car, delineating the silver from the black, and presents in wonderful orange. It's a hatchback, it's all original, and it's a fascinating car in that is just not known or oft talked about, but it was THE car of the day in a day when CAM saw 6 arrivals, some with over $75K asking prices. That's how nice it really is...its a conversation piece and it's not what every other Mustang is about, it is an original and unique and it's a real steal, and this writer is dead serious about this. Sporting factory turbine styled wheel cover wrapped in 185/75R14's and having a faux vented B pillar, square halogen headlights and clean glass its nothing but pure and unadulterated Fox here folks. It has a single exhaust pipe peeking out the side, and it does not grumble, or growl, or make you cover your ears. it just speaks for itself...loudly. All original.
Interior
As you gaze inside you can see it's clean as a whistle, all original, and shows Ford did their damnedest to make it look expensive, but ultimately came up with a design that shows great value! Black vinyl bolstered high back buckets have tuck and roll gray with mini back square tweed broadcloth inserts. This holds steady for the rear bench as well. In the center a clean console in black has a horizontal glovebox/armrest. The handbrake and shift lever are here as well. As the console rises to the dash, we see a drawn on graphic which has warning lighting to various features of the car which may be needed of attention. A cigarette station and digital clock are here as well. Moving upward, some wood appliqu© frames the factory AM/FM radio. The mid dash houses the climate controls and more wood appliqu©. On the dash in front of the driver are the round gauges in blackface and are surrounded by black bezels and more wood appliqu©. A lineup for more warning lighting, and some AC vents are in here as well. A black padded dash top is in and is also original and has been well taken care of as the speaker vinyl openings are still supple! An original steering wheel, clean clean black carpeting and a slightly saggy headliner in black are inside.
Drivetrain
Under the hood in an all original engine bay with some slight patina is the innocuous 2.3 liter SOHC 4 cylinder engine. It has a single 2-barrel carburetor on top and a factory C3 3-speed automatic on back sending power to a Ford 7.5 inch 3.08 gear rear axle. A stock exhaust is on. All original under this hood.
Undercarriage
Slight surface rust, and mostly black painted framing and suspension parts are seen. Heavier surface rust is seen on the brakes and springs but unremarkable for the age of this car. Independent coil sprung front and a 4 link coil spring rear suspension are installed from the factory. Front power disc brakes are on and rear power drums are noted. A new steering rag joint has been put on as well as a new timing belt and a recent fluid refresh.
Drive-Ability
Prior to climbing in I found myself laughing at this car but after climbing in and driving it, it got really serious, as in the "in love with the car" kind of serious. It ran just perfectly, no neck breaking acceleration, (in fact I had my foot to the floor and it never arrived!). BUT it was a very smooth ride, and shifting as well as bias free braking were experienced with all functions operating as they should.
Let's just say this is a fine example and is a version of the FOX team engineered platform with a hatchback meant for the commute, the trip to the grocery store or to drop the kids off at soccer practice. No, we are not going to win a street race or snap your neck, but it will impress you once you see it and drive it! AWESOME!
0F03A236966
0-1980
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
03-3 Door Hatchback
A-2.3 Liter SOHC 4 Cylinder 2bbl
236966-Sequential Unit Number
DOOR STICKER
BODY 61R-3 Door Hatchback
PAINT 1C 1G-Black & Silver Metallic
TRIM DA-Black & White Cloth & Vinyl Buckets
AXLE Y-Ford 7.5" 3.08 Conventional
TRANS V-C3 Automatic
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
