How the Fox-body Mustang came to life

With the overlay lifted out of the way, the fastback profile is visible. Compared to the eventual production car, this one features a longer almost wagon-like roof.

The lone wagon-back concept of the bunch. Designers were looking at every possibility for the 1979 Mustang, including making it practical for families.

This illustration displays a basic proportion similar to the final car, though with significantly more elaborate detailing and side intakes

A close-to-final version of the Fox Mustang.

One of the rejected concepts for the Fox Mustang.

Another view of the multi-taillight concept.

An extremely formal interpretation of the Mustang, the rear window louvers would carry on although not much else was ever used

An early mockup for the third-generation Mustang.

A full-scale mockup that carries over some Mustang II front end styling elements in a squared-off, more formal treatment

Ford designers refining the 1979 Mustang

This model was close to the final production model.

Futuristic styling was on the drawing board and even made it onto the 1979 Probe I concept, though very little translated to production

This full-scale tape drawing is for a more conservative, economy-focused design

The production 1979 Mustang Cobra