Automakers, on occasion, are known to preview an upcoming model with a semi-prototype teaser. Usually, 90% or so of the vehicle is ready to go, but there’s just enough show car or prototype extra on it that it just might fly under the radar. Think about it: The 1980 Dodge Mirada Magnum, which was just a 1980 Dodge Mirada with hideaway headlight covers. The 1993 Chevrolet Highlander concept truck, which hinted at the upcoming 1994 Chevrolet S-10 ZR2 pickup in neon green, bright purple and Tupperware gray. These show cars are meant to whip up the appetite of the buying public for the vehicle that will debut within a year or so. They hit the show circuits, and after their time is up, usually hit the crusher. Not every last one gets the big squeeze, however. Some cars magically escape through the back door and end up in private hands, and such is the case with what you are seeing here. Undoubtedly, you can tell that this is a 1979 Ford Mustang, the first Fox bodied version of Ford’s pony car. But you can also tell that something else is going on here, too. Meet the Mustang Daytona.
The original plan was to build five Daytonas, but somewhere along the way the story gets hazy What is known: Cars and Concepts in Brighton, Michigan did the work that turned the Mustang into a Daytona, and this particular T-top car, loaded to the gills, is the only one that got the full conversion. Jack Roush owns two inoperable Daytona cars, Ford destroyed one after using it as a prototype car and the fifth one’s location is anybody’s guess. It did it’s time on the show circuit and paced Daytona before being parked in the Henry Ford Museum and forgotten about for two decades. When the museum pared down inventory one year, the Mustang was sold off into private hands.
Neat history, but what makes this former show car any different from an ordinary four-eye Fox? Well, let’s start with the obvious: the custom front and rear smoked panels for the lights with the rear sporting the “FORD MUSTANG” logo etched into each taillight section. The Ansen mags aren’t original…the car originally sported Borrani wire wheels. The no-way-that’s-FMVSS-legal T-bar roof is unique, and the overstuffed interior, complete with full length dual console is also a one-off. Finally, you have the dash facias. That’s it. Afterwards, it’s just a 5.0L/4-speed 1979 Mustang…albeit, one that runs, drives, and has history behind it that most muscle car speculators dream of. Guess that’s why it’s up on eBay with an asking price in the mid-twenties?
eBay Link: 1979 Ford Mustang Daytona prototype
Just a gimmick car. Yes it’s in excellent condition but with no performance upgrades, there is no way justifying paying $25K for the car.