An unlikely dream car, 1980 Mustang hatchback base

[haromaster87]

Hey everyone,

So I'm not new to four eyed cars, but I've always ended up finding '86 GT's when I go looking. As great as they are, I've always been so fascinated with the earlier year cars. For whatever reason, they're terribly uncommon around here though, in any trim. Even 83-84 cars are sparse, and anything before that just really never comes up. Recently though I stumbled upon a car that really fit the bill.

It's a 1980 Mustang hatchback, 4 cylinder/automatic in Bright Caramel with the white and chamois interior(what's left of it). My knowledge on the 79-81 cars is lacking, so I'm not sure if the lowest trim was called LX back then, but I hope someone can clarify that for me. In addition to the uncommon year, it's rather austere compared to the cars that anyone has bothered to keep running around here. It was ordered without power steering or AC, manual brakes, AM radio, etc. It does have a center console and originally had exterior molding.

It's quite a rough car aesthetically right now, but it's pretty solid as far as a foundation. Here's some quick pics I snapped, will get some better shots soon when I get it cleaned up at least. I'm still working on getting my third gen Firedbird ready to sell so I can really dig in on this car.

[Broncojunkie]

Nice find! I like everything about it, except for the auto. I had several early 4 cyl 4 spd cars back in the day. My favorites were an 80 capri hardtop, but I also had an 81 mustang t-top in "bittersweet glow". To be honest, I liked that one more but I had a longer history with the little capri. Both were manual steering and brakes with no a/c. No power at all and still very fun to drive! I did own a similar 1980 with 4 cyl auto and it just wasn't for me. It just seemed to take some of the fun away.

[haromaster87]

Yeah this is new territory for me, both my 86 GT's were 5-spds. I actually went looking for an auto cause my new get around truck is a manual and I've always wanted an automatic cruiser car. That being said, I plan to eventually install a very basic sbf way down the road. Although I'm sure I'll keep the original drivetrain in storage.

I'm with you, a 4 cylinder and auto will not really be much fun. I quite enjoy a lightweight 4 cylinder vehicle with a stick(like the truck), and a torquey v8 is fun through a slush box or gear box, but this car has neither haha. It should be fun enough to putz around while I work on restoring it. That bittersweet t-top car must have been quite the looker!

[webestang]

Love it! Good luck with the build.

My 81 had a 2.3 with 4 speed stick, lots of fun to drive. My 85 2.3 I own now has the C3.....not such much fun.

[FoxChassis]

Mustang LX model first appeared in the 1984 model year.

In 1980 there was only 'Mustang' (body 02, 03) and 'Mustang Ghia' (04, 05). And there was the "Cobra Package" (on body 03 only).

[Jalapeno5]

The odd ball four eyes have been very appealing to me over the fast couple years. Looks like a fun car!

[richpet]

Nice! Enjoy!

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