All were finished in two-tone pewter and black with orange and red graphics. Ford commemorated this event with a mid-year "Indy 500" Pace Car version (10,479 produced). ![]() The Ford Mustang was chosen as the Official Pace Car of the 1979 Indianapolis 500. The 4.2 L V8 also remained optional in 1981, rated this time at 120 hp (89 kW 122 PS). The 2.3 L Turbo engine was only available in Canada, the automatic transmission was no longer optional, and the four-speed manual transmission was replaced by an overdrive five-speed manual transmission made by Tremec (model VS140). For the 1981 model year, the powertrains list was expanded to include a naturally aspirated 2.3 L engine and a 3.3 L (200 cu in) I6 engine. The 302 small block V8 was replaced with a 4.2 L (255 cu in) V8, rated at 118 hp (88 kW 120 PS), with a 3-speed automatic transmission. However, the four-speed manual was still standard. For the 1980 model year only, the 2.3 L four-cylinder Turbo engine was available with an optional three-speed automatic transmission. Interior Cobra-specific parts on all 1979-1981 Cobras included "Engine Turned" dash bezels and three COBRA emblems - one in each door panel and one on the passenger side dash bezel.ĭrivetrains in the 1979 model year consisted of the 140 cu in (2.3 L) four-cylinder Turbo engine, rated at 131 hp (98 kW 133 PS), with a Borg-Warner four-speed manual transmission or the small block 302 cu in (4.9 L) V8 (marketed as 5.0 L), rated at 139 hp (104 kW 141 PS), with a 4-speed manual overdrive transmission or a 3-speed automatic transmission. The exterior trim on both the 19 Cobras was black, including the door handles, key locks, antenna, and sail panels. Graphics included belt-line stripes, a redesigned hood decal, and "COBRA" decals on both the side quarter windows and the rear spoiler. The 1980 Cobra (5,550 produced) and the 1981 Cobra (1,821 produced) received a new front bumper and air dam with fog lights, non-functional cowl-type hood scoop, and rear spoiler (all carried over from the earlier Pace Car replicas). Rear spoilers were not included on the 1979 models, as they made their debut on the mid-year introduction of the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car replica. The Cobra hood decal was optional for 1979. All 1979 Cobras came equipped with a small, center mount non-functional hood scoop (to provide clearance for the air cleaner due to the 2.3L Turbo extra height). Color-coordinated dual pinstripes in the wraparound body-side moldings and bumpers, as well as COBRA decals on the doors, were standard. The door handles, door locks, antenna, and roof drip rail were bright. The 1979 Cobra (17,579 produced) featured a black grille, trim, and moldings (except the sail panels that were painted body color), as well as black lower body paint. The Cobra appearance package also made its debut in 1979 and would continue through both the 19 model years.
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