1983 Ford Mustang

When Ford introduced its third-generation Mustang in 1979, its all-new design was devoid of any resemblance to its forebears, the Mustang II. The styling was decidedly European influenced and although it was initially underpowered, by the late 1980s, the Hi-Po V8 Mustang was clearly back in business. With its small-block power, brawny low-profile rubber tires wrapped on wide alloy wheels, and chromed twin pipes, the third-generation Mustang reclaimed its perch as a proper American muscle car

The 1983 Ford Mustang received only minor styling updates over its 1982 predecessor, including a restyled nose and rear end. The front end angled forward and incorporated a new fascia, with deeply recessed headlamp housings. The grill became narrower and slanted inward slightly at the base. In the back were rectangular parking lamps and wrap-around tail lamps. The use of galvanized and zincrometal coatings was used more frequently.

The biggest change to the 1983 Mustang was the addition of a convertible on the GLX series, ending a nine-year absence of the convertible. It could be purchased with any engine choice except for the 2.3-liter four. Convertibles also had roll-down quarter windows and a power top.

A four-speed manual gearbox with floor shift controls was standard on the four-cylinder Mustangs. Overdrive was available and standard on the V8. Other gearboxes included a five-speed manual (overdrive), a Turbo five-speed, and a SelectShift three-speed automatic. Disc brakes were in the front and drums were in the rear.

For 1983, total Mustang production included 33,201 two-doors, 23,438 convertibles, and 64,234 hatchbacks. Pricing ranged from $6,720 for the base model to $13,480 for the GT Convertible.

The tires increased by at least one size for 1983. New options included cloth sport performance low back bucket seats, re-styled wire wheel covers, turbine wheel covers, convex right-hand mirror, TRX tires and wheels without the TR performance suspension, and new two-tone paint and tape treatment. Along with new options, Ford removed several options for the 1983 Mustang, including rear wiper/washer, dual rear speakers, carriage roof, lift-gate louvers, Recaro seats, and accent tape stripe.

GL Mustangs came equipped with black rocker panels, door and window frame moldings, dual accent body-side pinstripes, lower-carpeted door trim panels, right visor vanity mirror, low-back bucket seats, and black sport steering wheel.

The Mustang GLX models had dual bright remote-control mirrors, bright rocker panel moldings, woodgrain-insert four-spoke steering wheel, map pockets in the driver's door trim panel, and a light group. GLX Convertibles added power brakes, dual black remote-control mirrors, black rocker moldings, tinted glass, and automatic transmission.

The Mustang GT, among the most expensive versions available in the line-up, received Traction-Lok rear axle, power steering and brakes, black grille, rear spoiler, black hood scoop, handling suspension, and a five-speed manual gearbox. They could also be fitted with Michelin TRX tires on cast aluminum wheels. They had no dual accent body-side pin striping but could be fitted with a console with a digital clock and diagnostic module. Completing the GT package included a black windshield, window, and door frames.

The Fox-bodied Mustangs offered muscle car performance in an affordable package. When Ford entertained ideas about changing the formula in response to escalating fuel prices, enthusiast outcry sent engineers back to the drawing board, focusing on performance rather than economy. It delayed the arrival of the fourth-generation Mustang but ensured its longevity and survival.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2013