The Fox-based Mustang was a radical departure from Mustangs previous as well as Ford's overarching design theme at the time. The influence of European automakers was obvious and prominently mentioned in marketing of both the Ford Mustang and its new cousin, the Mercury Capri. The use of the TRX package which included TRX wheels and their 'unusual in North America' sizing added to the European flair Ford Motor Company wished to emphasize.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Ford Mustang, both the Mustang and its Mercury cousins over the generations will be getting closer examination by the automotive press and enthusiasts in general. Evidence of this is starting to be seen online with recent features about the beginning of the Fox-era Mustang and the design process that brought about the 1979 Mustang's final production appearance.
We've had a number of these design images available for viewing in our Library. These images were part of similar retrospectives seen at the 25th anniversary of the Mustang.
Click here to see the development of the 1979 Mustang.
And, here are couple of the articles previously mentioned that discuss the genesis of the first Fox Mustang:
http://www.arizonaautoscene.com/archives/27381
http://www.roadandtrack.com/features...e-design-story
Some of the design experiments are sure to make you appreciate the lines of the 79 Mustang even more than you already do.