The 1979 Mustang Pace Car, a symbol of late 70s automotive enthusiasm, holds a special place in Mustang history. It represented a bridge between the muscle car era and a new generation of performance and efficiency. One of the most distinctive aspects of this limited-edition vehicle is its unique interior, a blend of luxury and sporty appeal that sets it apart from other Mustangs of the time. Exploring the details of the 79 Mustang Pace Car interior unveils the meticulous design choices and the challenges faced by enthusiasts seeking to restore this iconic piece of automotive history.
The interior of the 1979 Mustang Pace Car was designed to evoke a sense of both performance and luxury. Unlike the standard Mustang interiors, the Pace Car received special attention to detail and material selection. Key features included:
- Recaro Seats: Perhaps the most recognizable element, the high-back Recaro seats provided exceptional support and comfort, wrapped in black and white vinyl. These were a significant upgrade over standard Mustang seating.
- Unique Color Scheme: The black interior with white accents created a striking contrast, emphasizing the sporty nature of the vehicle. This color combination was not available on other Mustang models.
- Special Carpeting and Trim: The Pace Car received unique carpeting and trim details, further enhancing its exclusive appeal. Specific stitching patterns and materials differentiated it from the standard Mustang.
- Pace Car Badging: Subtle badging throughout the interior served as a constant reminder of the car’s special edition status.
Restoring a 79 Mustang Pace Car interior presents unique challenges due to the rarity of the specific components. Finding original Recaro seats in good condition can be particularly difficult and expensive. Here’s a breakdown of common challenges and potential solutions:
Sourcing original interior components requires patience and persistence. Online forums, Mustang clubs, and specialized parts vendors are the best resources. Be prepared to pay a premium for genuine Pace Car parts.
If the original Recaro seats are damaged, reupholstering them is often necessary. Finding a skilled upholstery shop that can replicate the original stitching and vinyl pattern is crucial. Consider using high-quality reproduction materials if original vinyl is unavailable.
Matching the original black and white color scheme can be tricky, especially when dealing with faded or discolored materials. Consult with automotive paint and trim specialists to ensure accurate color matching.
A well-maintained or properly restored 79 Mustang Pace Car interior significantly increases the vehicle’s overall value. Collectors prioritize originality and condition, making the interior a critical factor in determining the car’s worth. Restoring the interior to its original glory is a worthwhile investment for any Pace Car owner looking to maximize their car’s potential and preserve a piece of Mustang history. Ultimately, understanding and appreciating the nuances of this special edition’s interior is key to its long-term preservation.
The 1979 Mustang Pace Car, a symbol of late 70s automotive enthusiasm, holds a special place in Mustang history. It represented a bridge between the muscle car era and a new generation of performance and efficiency. One of the most distinctive aspects of this limited-edition vehicle is its unique interior, a blend of luxury and sporty appeal that sets it apart from other Mustangs of the time. Exploring the details of the 79 Mustang Pace Car interior unveils the meticulous design choices and the challenges faced by enthusiasts seeking to restore this iconic piece of automotive history.
Decoding the Pace Car Interior: Features and Materials
The interior of the 1979 Mustang Pace Car was designed to evoke a sense of both performance and luxury. Unlike the standard Mustang interiors, the Pace Car received special attention to detail and material selection. Key features included:
- Recaro Seats: Perhaps the most recognizable element, the high-back Recaro seats provided exceptional support and comfort, wrapped in black and white vinyl. These were a significant upgrade over standard Mustang seating.
- Unique Color Scheme: The black interior with white accents created a striking contrast, emphasizing the sporty nature of the vehicle. This color combination was not available on other Mustang models.
- Special Carpeting and Trim: The Pace Car received unique carpeting and trim details, further enhancing its exclusive appeal. Specific stitching patterns and materials differentiated it from the standard Mustang.
- Pace Car Badging: Subtle badging throughout the interior served as a constant reminder of the car’s special edition status.
Restoration Challenges and Solutions
Restoring a 79 Mustang Pace Car interior presents unique challenges due to the rarity of the specific components. Finding original Recaro seats in good condition can be particularly difficult and expensive. Here’s a breakdown of common challenges and potential solutions:
Finding Original Parts
Sourcing original interior components requires patience and persistence. Online forums, Mustang clubs, and specialized parts vendors are the best resources. Be prepared to pay a premium for genuine Pace Car parts.
Seat Upholstery
If the original Recaro seats are damaged, reupholstering them is often necessary. Finding a skilled upholstery shop that can replicate the original stitching and vinyl pattern is crucial. Consider using high-quality reproduction materials if original vinyl is unavailable.
Color Matching
Matching the original black and white color scheme can be tricky, especially when dealing with faded or discolored materials. Consult with automotive paint and trim specialists to ensure accurate color matching.
Pace Car Interior: Value and Investment
A well-maintained or properly restored 79 Mustang Pace Car interior significantly increases the vehicle’s overall value. Collectors prioritize originality and condition, making the interior a critical factor in determining the car’s worth. Restoring the interior to its original glory is a worthwhile investment for any Pace Car owner looking to maximize their car’s potential and preserve a piece of Mustang history. Ultimately, understanding and appreciating the nuances of this special edition’s interior is key to its long-term preservation.
Beyond the Basics: Unanswered Questions and Future Exploration
But what about the subtle variations within the 79 Pace Car interior production run? Were there minor differences in stitching patterns or material suppliers based on the assembly plant or date?
- Were specific tools or techniques vital for proper disassembly and reassembly of the Recaro seats without damaging the delicate frames or original vinyl?
- How much does a completely original, unrestored 79 Pace Car interior affect its overall market value compared to a meticulously restored one?
Deep Dive Questions
Could advanced imaging techniques, such as 3D scanning and color spectrophotometry, assist in perfectly replicating the original interior components? Would this allow for higher-quality reproduction parts to be produced, making restoration more accessible?
The Future of Pace Car Restoration
What role will 3D printing and advanced material science play in the future of 79 Mustang Pace Car interior restoration? Will it become possible to recreate parts that are currently impossible to find or repair? And are ethical considerations surrounding the use of non-original parts in restoration ever a concern for purists?
Ultimately, the journey of preserving the 79 Mustang Pace Car interior is a continuous exploration. Will future technology offer even better ways to keep these interiors authentic?
