1980 was a year of change. The OPEC crunch of the 70s caused a disappearance of the 302 ci V8 and gave the Mustang a new 255 ci V8. This engine was a de-bored 302 and was the only V8 available in 80 and 81. The heads didn’t help the cause, and the result was a pathetic 119hp – earning the distinction of the slowest Mustang V8 engine ever. If that wasn’t enough to make Carroll Shelby toss cookies in his sleep – the lack of performance in this motor was further strangled by a 3-speed automatic transmission. Snore.
The Turbo 4 Cylinder was the only ‘performance’ option for 1980. At 132hp, the Turbo engine topped the underwhelming 4.2L V8 in horsepower – but apparently that was an easier task than being reliable. The carbureted turbo four-cylinder was plagued with drivability and performance issues: Turbo lag, turbo failure, and poor turbo lubrication that would some times cause the turbo to ignite.
Mustang was available as a Coupe in either standard or Ghia trim – and as a Hatchback in Sport, Ghia or Cobra trim.
Darkest Before the Dawn
So, to recap – in 1980 the economy was crap, and America’s favorite pony car was sporting an anemic V8. Dark days were looming – until September. That’s when Ford announced the formation of a Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division. The purpose of SVO was to “develop a series of limited-production performance cars and develop their image through motorsport.” This approach was not unique for the Mustang – special editions cars from the 60s and 70s like the Shelby, Mach and Boss had defined an image of performance for Ford. The birth of SVO would have a similar influence on the Mustang.
| Performance Statistics | ||||
| 1980 | Horsepower | Torque | 0-60 | 1/4 Mile |
| 2.3L 2V | 88 @ 4,800 rpm | 118 @ 2,800 rpm | n/a | n/a |
| 2.3L 2V Turbo | 132 @ 6,000 rpm | 143 @ 2,800 rpm | n/a | 17.36 @ 79.3 mph** |
| 3.3L 1V 6cyl | 91 @ 3,800 rpm | 160 @ 1,600 rpm | n/a | n/a |
| 4.2L 2V V-8 | 119 hp @3,800 rpm | 193 @ 2,200 rpm | 8.3* | 17.0 @ 85 mph |
* Car and Driver (1/80), 3-speed Automatic transmission.
Motor Trend (1/80) tested at 11.3 / 16.0 @ 81.0 mph
** From 1979 testing
| Production Numbers | Retail Prices | ||
| 2dr Sedan: 3dr Hatchback: 2dr Sedan Ghia: 3dr Hatchback Ghia: Total: |
128,893 98,497 23,647 20,285 271,322 |
Standard Coupe: Ghia Coupe: Standard Hatchback: Ghia Hatchback:* (?) Same price recorded for 1979. |
$5,338.00 $5,823.00 $5,616.00 $5,216.00* |
| Available Exterior Colors | Interior Trim Colors | |||
| Paint | Code | Color | ||
| Black | 1C | Black | ||
| Bright Bittersweet | 2G | Caramel | ||
| Bright Blue | 3J | Medium Red | ||
| Bright Camel | 5T | Vacquero | ||
| Bright Red | 27 | Wedgewood Blue | ||
| Bright Yellow | 6N | White / Black | ||
| Chamois Glow Metallic | 8W | White / Blue | ||
| Dark Chamois Metallic | 8A | White / Red | ||
| Dark Cordovan Metallic | 8N | White / Caramel | ||
| Light Medium Blue | 3F | White / Vacquero | ||
| Medium Bittersweet Metallic | 8D | |||
| Medium Blue Metallic | 3H | |||
| Medium Gray Metallic | 1P | |||
| Polar White | 9D | |||
| SIlver Metallic | 1G | |||
| 1980 Mustang VIN Decoder | ||
| Example: 0|R|03|F|0000010 – Model year last digit R – Assembly plant: F-Dearborn, R-San Jose 03 – Body Code (See below) F – Engine code (See below) 000001 – Consecutive unit number |
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| Engine Codes: A – 2.3L 2V 4cyl 88hp W – 2.3L 2V 4cyl 132hp Turbo B – 3.3L 1V 6cyl 85hp D – 4.2L 2V 8cyl 119hp |
Body codes: 02 – 2dr Sedan 03 – 3dr Hatchback 04 – 2dr Ghia Sedan 05 – 3dr Ghia Hatchback |
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| Location: Stamped on the plate which is riveted to the driver’s side of the dash, visible through windshield; the certification label is located on the rear face of the driver’s door. | ||
UNIQUE OPTIONS FROM 1980 :
A new option for Mustang was the Carriage roof. Ford decided to offer this faux convertible-look three years before offering the Mustang in a convertible again. Select companies had been creating customized convertibles for the 1979 coupes. (Certainly the Carriage roof would be popular with the retired community of Boca-Del-Vista, Florida if it were offered on Mustangs today.) The Carriage roof coupes were prepared with blacked out window moldings.
1980 Mustang Cobra :
In 1980 the Cobra returned with a few noticable changes. Significantly, the Cobra was now available with a 135hp 4 cylinder turbo, or a 119hp V8, sigh. The ground effects package from the 1979 Pace Car was now standard on the 1980 Cobra, as were Marchal fog lights, and a rear-facing, non-functional hood scoop.
1980 Cobra T-shirt: $19.50 while supplies last. Click to select shirt color.
Black quarter window louvres replaced the body colored versions of 1979, and a new graphics package appeared on the Cobra. The ‘Cobra’ decal was now on the quarter window, and a new striping package ran the length of the car – tying into a unique Cobra rear spoiler. The absolutely awesome graphics package was still available, this year as an $88 option. The Cobra package was $1,482. High-backed Recaro seats added another optional $531.00.
M81 McLaren Mustang:
1980 saw the birth of one of the least understood, and possibly, most important Fox bodied Mustangs. A reorganization in Ford’s leadership sent Ford back to the race track with factory support. The McLaren M81 Mustang prototype was designed in the spring of 1980. This off-the-shelf, hand built specialty Mustang blazed a successful trail. Many initiatives followed this prototype to bring Ford back to the race track, and innovative Mustangs to the street. For a complete summary of the M81 McLaren – check out our blog article: History of the M81 McLaren Mustang.
References
Wikipedia Ford Mustang
www.FourEyedPride.com
The Official Mustang 5.0 1979 through 1993 Technical Reference & Performance Handbook, Kirshenbaum – Bentley Publishers
Fox-Body Mustang Recognition Guide 1979-1993, Shreiner & Sessler – T-5 Design
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