1997 Ford Mustang

The second-generation Fox-body Mustang went through a major redesign for 1994 that strengthened the chassis and massaged the sheet metal into a revamped appearance that closely resembled the Mustang from the 1960s. Vintage cues included a mouthy grille opening, side scalloping that ended with faux brake-cooling scoops, and tri-bar taillights, along with a flowing interior instrument panel to bring back the first-generation Mustang's dual-cockpit look. The GT model was exclusively powered by a V-8 engine and for 1997 it was Ford's 2-valve modular 4.6-liter factory rated at 215 horsepower backed by a five-speed manual transmission. For 1997 the GT Mustang had fog lights mounted in the front valance, rear spoiler, 16-inch wheels, 4-way power driver's seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Standard GT features included air conditioning, cruise control, tinted glass, and power steering, brakes, windows, and door locks.

In 1996, Ford replaced the 5.0-liter pushrod small-block V8 with an overhead-cam modular V8 for the Special Vehicle Team's Cobra model. The 4.6-liter unit had four-valves per cylinder and dual overhead camshafts to produce a high-revving 305 horsepower, an increase of 65 hp over the previous 5.0-liter in the Cobra.

The base Mustang Coupe had a factory price fo $15,355, roughly a $200 increase over the previous year. Body styles continued to include the coupe and convertible and trim levels included the Base, GT, and Cobra from Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT). The standard engine was the overhead valve six-cylinder, 232 CID unit fitted with sequential fuel injection, and delivering 150 horsepower at 4,000 RPM. The GT models had the 4.6-liter V8 and the Cobras continued to use the aluminum alloy, 4.6-liter DOHC V8 that was hand-built and signed by the builders.

Total coupe production reached 75,760 units which were a 16,895 fewer than the previous year. Convertible Mustang sales were down by nearly 9,300 examples, with a total of 24,490 units sold. Sales of the Cobra Coupe and Convertible increased, with the Cobra increasing by approximately 2,000 and the convertible by a mere 15.

All Ford Mustangs were equipped with Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) which used an encoded ignition key with a transponder to electronically disable the engine when the Electronic Engine Control System and the transponder in the ignition key did not match. Mustangs equipped with the optional four-speed automatic transmission had a more ergonomic shift handle with an overdrive button the knob. GT models could be purchased with optional 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels with a dark gray metallic center. Disc brakes were located at all four corners and GT Convertibles and Cobras came standard with an anti-lock braking system. The front suspension used a modified MacPherson strut setup with separate springs on the lower arm, variable rate coil springs, and stabilizer bar. The rear suspension was comprised of a rigid axle with four links, stabilizer bar, and variable rate coil springs. Steering was controlled by a power-assisted rack-and-pinion unit.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2020