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1984 Mustang -
Turning 20 years old
Introducing Ford's Special
Vehicle Operations Mustang and
a 20th Anniversary Limited
Edition G.T. 350 |
Click on an image below to
enlarge
The 1984 Ford Mustang marked a 20th
Anniversary year for the history of the iconic pony car, as it saw
the introduction of significant updates and changes to the model.
Here's a comprehensive overview of the 1984 Ford Mustang:
Design: The 1984 Mustang featured a refreshed exterior design,
maintaining the sleek and aerodynamic styling introduced in the
previous model years. However, there were updates to the front and
rear fascias, as well as other minor styling changes to keep the car
modern and competitive.
Models: The 1984 Mustang continued to be available in three main
trim levels: the base model, the Mustang LX, and the Mustang GT.
Each trim level offered different features and performance options
to cater to a diverse range of buyers.
Engine Options: The 1984 Mustang offered a variety of engine
choices, allowing buyers to select the powerplant that best suited
their preferences. The base engine was a 2.3-liter inline-four,
while options included a 3.8-liter V6 and a 5.0-liter V8 engine.
These engines provided a range of power outputs, with the V8
delivering the highest performance.
Performance: With its range of available engines and updated chassis
tuning, the 1984 Mustang offered improved performance compared to
previous iterations. The Mustang GT, in particular, continued to be
a favorite among enthusiasts, offering strong acceleration,
responsive handling, and a thrilling driving experience.
Features: The 1984 Mustang came equipped with a range of features
aimed at enhancing comfort, convenience, and safety. Depending on
the trim level and options chosen, features such as power windows,
power door locks, air conditioning, and upgraded audio systems were
available.
Sales and Reception: The 1984 Mustang received a positive reception
from both critics and consumers. Its refreshed styling, improved
performance, and range of available features helped to maintain
interest in the Mustang brand, leading to solid sales figures for
the model year.
Special Editions: In addition to the standard trim levels, Ford
introduced special editions of the Mustang in 1984, such as the
Mustang SVO (Special Vehicle Operations). The Mustang SVO featured a
turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four engine, along with other
performance enhancements, making it a standout model in the lineup.
Also introduced was the 20th Anniversary Edition Mustang, known as
the G.T.350 model. The use of the "G.T.350" name in 1984 brought a
lawsuit to Ford. Shelby American, Inc. claimed they owned the rights
to the name "G.T.350" and won their lawsuit against Ford for
Copyright Infringement.
Legacy: The 1984 Ford Mustang represented another successful
iteration of the iconic pony car, showcasing Ford's commitment to
innovation and performance. It continued to solidify the Mustang's
reputation as an affordable and fun-to-drive sports car, ensuring
its enduring popularity among enthusiasts and consumers alike.
Overall, the 1984 Ford Mustang remains an important chapter in the
car's history, demonstrating Ford's ability to evolve and adapt to
changing market demands while staying true to the Mustang's core
identity as a performance-oriented and stylish vehicle.
The SVO Mustang
(Click on an image below to enlarge)
The SVO was a different kind of Mustang as it
retained the inline-4 found on the entry level models. With turbo
charging and modifications introduced by SVO, the power was raised
to an impressive 175bhp. Suspension and chassis are also revised to
give a more balanced performance. Suspension and chassis are also
revised to give a more balanced performance. Features include Koni
gas-charged shocks, 1.12-inch-diameter anti-sway bars, forged steel
lower trailing arms, four wheel disc brakes and 16-inch wheels with
P225/50VR Goodyear Gatorback radials. The choice of turbo four
cylinder was thanks to the small but powerful engines in the
European competition. Unfortunately it was priced very high at
$15,596 and it was no match in speed to the V8-powered Mustang GT.
Sales were not impressive. The SVO received ultimate praise from
Road & Track magazine however, saying: “This may be the best
all-around car for the enthusiast driver ever produced by the U.S.
industry.”
For additional information on the 20th
Anniversary edition:
http://20thanniversarymustang.com/
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