1979 Ford Mustang

Hatchback

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

9F03F480070

Clear

Gasoline

Unfortunately, due to other financial obligations, I have to sell my beloved 1979 Mustang Pace Car, #480070, 302 V8, auto transmission. According to the Marti report, it was the 70th 1979 Mustang Pace Car out of 10,478 built. I bought this car in the fall of 2010. This is an original survivor with some great history. It was delivered to Indianapolis as a local promotional vehicle. It was sold at Wilcher Ford in Mooresville, Indiana which is now closed. However, I found the Service Manager who worked there in 1979 and he said the owner of the dealer, Mr. Wilcher was a friend of the official timekeeper of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Ray House. Mr. Wilcher ordered a pace car for Ray to drive to the speedway every day from his home in Mooresville to do time qualifications for the 500 during the month of May and to promote the dealership. The car was ordered as a "Local Promotion" vehicle (which the Marti report verifies). Mr. House also allowed the Sales Manager of Wilcher Ford to drive the car around the track for two laps. Mr. Wilcher created a sign to put with the vehicle while at the track for advertising his dealership (I have the sign which is included with the sale). Once the race was over, Mr. Wilcher then put the car in his showroom for display as a "conversation piece" and wasn't planning to sell it, but finally sold the car in July of 1979 to a persistent customer. I have a hand-written letter from the Service Manager documenting this history. The history of the car after that is as follows: Original owner, from 7/1979 to 7/1999, drove it 89,600 miles Owner #2, from 7/1999 to 11/2003, drove it 590 miles to 90,190 miles Owner #3, from 11/2003 to 10/2010, drove it 2630 miles to 92,820 miles Owner #4 (me), from 10/2010 to date, drove it 379 miles to 93,199 I was only able to locate the immediate previous owner, Owner #3. He told me that he took the original pace car decals that came with the car (sill in the box) and had them applied in 2003. That’s why the side decals look better than the rest of the car because they are newer. He also put on an original NOS Ford, rear window louver. From the info I got from the original dealer, the first owner had the car rustproofed (sticker on back window) and a Ford air unit installed (installation sticker is still on the on the core support). As for the condition of the car, it is 98% original and a survivor. The battery, muffler, tires, and tune up items have been replaced of course. The tires are relatively new TRX Michelins. The radio is not original, but I have 2 original radios, an extra faceplate, amplifier, and 2 amp switches. The car runs and drives perfect. You can’t even tell it’s running sometimes, it goes down the road straight and handles nice. You could drive it across country. I picked it up about 200 miles away and drove 70-80 mph all the way home with no problems. The body has the original paint, but has normal blemishes of a car of that age. There is no rust-thru or evidence of accident or rust repairs. The interior is very nice, seats are showing minimal wear. I suspect that the headliner, carpet, and dash pad was replaced at some time in the past. The hatch carpet is original but faded. It has the original sunroof bag and original shade that installs fine. The car needs a nut on the front sway bar link on the passenger side. The oil gauge does not work. The temp gauge goes all the way to the right. Not sure it’s broken, or if the car runs hot, but I’ve never had any overheating problems. The fog lights do not work (fusible link is blown, I have replacement link, but don’t know what the issue is), the air blows but is not cold. It has been converted to R134a. I put on NOS Marchal fog light covers, new Halogen headlights, wiper blades, shifter seal, marker light, and other small stuff. I also purchased a used chrome exhaust tip because the tip on the car has rust but I never got around to installing it. I’ve amassed a bunch of literature and collectibles at a cost of over $450. Examples are an official press kit, color press photos, brochures, facts manual, 1979 service manual set, wiring manuals, dealer data book sheets and price sheets, 2 different post cards, 2 different sized patches, 7-up Indy bottles, race tickets and passes, Indy garage pass, die cast cars, remote control car, belt buckle, Ezra Brooks booze bottle, bumper sticker, magazine ads and road tests, serving tray, trading card, coloring book, 79 Indiana plate, and more. It also has the original pace car jacket that came with the car. I do not have any window sticker/invoice/repair orders for the car, only the stuff that the dealer sent me. It does have an owner’s manual. I also purchased the Marti Report. This car is in great condition, drives nice, and has a neat history. How many of the 10,478 pace cars besides the 3 original pace cars and the 50 Festival cars have been driven on the track? All documentation, parts, literature and memorabilia go with the car. Please, serious only. I’ve tried to be as accurate, complete, and honest as possible. Email me through eBay or call 248-417-8041 before 9pm EST. Additional pictures upon request. I recommend that you come and give the car a personal inspection and road test, the car is located in Beverly Hills, MI 48025. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer, car sold as is without warranty. A $500 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is due at the end of the auction via PayPal. Car must be paid for in full before pick-up. Car must be picked up within 7-days unless other arrangements are made with me BEFORE auction end. Car is for sale on other web sites and locally, I reserve the right to end the auction at any time without notice. I hate to see this car go, but it needs a new caretaker!