1989 Ford Mustang

As the 1980s were coming to a close, the Mustang had bounced back to the top of the American performance scene thanks in part to the 5.0-liter High Output V8 engine. Embodying many of the fundamental aspects that had once made the Mustang great, they were lightweight, affordable, and easily tunable, erasing the dark period of time of the emissions-strangled cars of the 1970s. Popular with enthusiasts, raved about by the media and even put into service by several government agencies including the U.S. Air Force, FBI, and even U.S. and Canadian police forces.

The 1989 Ford Mustang was part of the third generation of styling, introduced in 1979, based on the larger Fox platform, with an increased wheelbase, more interior space, and larger trunk capacity and engine bay. Body styles included a coupe, convertible, and hatchback. Styling changes were made along the way, and from 1979 to 1986, the front end was angled back using four rectangular headlights. In 1987, the Ford Taurus style front end, incorporating a rounded-off 'aero' style, was adapted to the Mustang, complete with flush-composite headlamps and a smooth grille-less nose.

The Ford Mustang GT returned in 1982, serving as a replacement for the Cobra, and using a specially-modified high-output 5.0-liter engine. The convertible returned in 1983, following a nine-year absence from the lineup. Also this year, all Mustangs were restyled with a new grille wearing the 'Blue Oval' Ford emblem for the first. 1984 brought the high-performance Mustang SVO, powered by a 2.3-liter, turbocharged intercooled 4-cylinder engine, and unique bodywork. A special GT350 model celebrated the Mustang's 20th Anniversary and wore a unique exterior with a red interior and red lower-bodyside rocker stripes.

Another front-end fascia restyling occurred in 1985, followed by another major restyling for 1987, including the interior, which continued through the end of the 1993 model year.

The 1989 model year saw little change for the Mustang, with perhaps the most noticeable being a name change for the LX, when fitted with an available V-8 engine, was now called 'LX 5.0L Sport.' The base engine was an overhead cam, a four-cylinder engine displacing 2.3-liters and offering 90 horsepower. For those seeking more, an optional overhead-valve 5-liter V8 was available, delivering 225 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed floor shift manual gearbox was standard with a four-speed automatic with overdrive available as optional equipment. Disc brakes were in the front with power-assisted drums at the rear. Bodystyles included a 2-door notchback, a 3-door hatchback, and a convertible. Pricing began at $9,050 for the notchback fitted with a four-cylinder engine and rose to $17,000 for the V8-powered convertible. The GT model was the most expensive in the lineup, selling for $17,500 for the GT convertible. LX models had the option of either the 4- or 8-cylinder engine while the GT models came standard with a V8. The convertible body styles came standard with power windows and door locks.

Total year production for the Mustang reached 209,769.

The Ford Mustang SSP
The acronym 'SSP' represented Special Service Package and was a lightweight police package used on the 1982 to 1993 Foxbody Mustang and sold exclusively for law enforcement use. The project was birthed when the California Highway Patrol requested a high-performance pursuit vehicle. Ford's response was to transform the existing Fox 5.0 Mustang into a package that would suit the needs of the police and law enforcement departments. Many of the features bestowed upon the SSP Mustang were not available to the general public including the two-piece VASCAR speedometer cable, a full-size spare tire, reinforced floor pans, a relocated rear deck release, a single key locking doors/trunk, and an auto transmission fluid cooler. Some examples received roll cages. The automatic transmission was the preferred setup as it freed up the officer's hand to perform other duties, such as operating speaking on a radio.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2015