1979 Ford Mustang Cobra 0001-4672

This official archive image documents the 1979 Ford Mustang Cobra, the performance package on the all-new Fox-platform Mustang. Lighter and roomier than the Mustang II it replaced, with modern MacPherson strut front suspension, the 1979 car began a generation that ran to 2004. Around 17,500 Cobras were built that year, most with the 5.0-litre V8.

Why Was the Fox-Body Mustang So Important?

The Fox platform gave the Mustang a genuinely modern structure: lighter than the Mustang II, significantly more space inside, better weight distribution and MacPherson strut front suspension in place of the previous generation's arrangement.

It also gave the car longevity. The Fox Mustang remained in production in evolving form until 2004, the longest run of any Mustang generation, and its simplicity and V8 availability created an aftermarket performance culture that still thrives.

What Made the 1979 Cobra Stand Out?

The Cobra was positioned above the base and Ghia models as the sporting choice, identified by a front air dam with integrated fog lamps, a rear spoiler, uprated suspension, wider tyres and specific wheels, with a large bonnet snake graphic available as an option.

Buyers could choose the turbocharged 2.3-litre four at 131 horsepower or the 5.0-litre V8 at 140 horsepower. The overwhelming majority took the V8, and the turbo cars are consequently the rarer specification today.

What Are the 1979 Cobra's Key Facts?

Summary specification:

• First model year of the third-generation Fox-platform Mustang
• Approximately 17,500 Cobras built for 1979
• 5.0-litre V8 at 140 horsepower or turbocharged 2.3-litre four at 131 horsepower
• Front air dam with fog lamps and rear spoiler
• Cobra package continued in the range through 1981

Who Is This Print For?

This 1979 Mustang Cobra print suits Fox-body Mustang owners, 5.0-litre enthusiasts, Ford collectors, restoration shops, offices and garages. As vintage Ford wall art the first-year Fox car appeals to owners whose Mustang history starts in the 1980s. Choose framed, canvas, metal or Giclée formats for a home office, study, museum display or Ford wall decor programme.

Photograph Details

• Subject: Ford Mustang Cobra
• Model year: 1979
• Platform: Third-generation Fox platform, produced to 2004
• Suspension: MacPherson strut front
• Engine: 5.0-litre V8 in most cars
• Production: Around 17,500
• Archive reference: 0001-4672

This archival photograph is made available through Fordimages.com, the official Ford archive imagery licensee operated by Richard Weedn LLC. Each image is digitally restored before printing and handcrafted to order.

Available as:

• Framed Print — museum-quality paper, archival inks, Acrylite glazing, hanging hardware included
• Stretched Canvas — hand-stretched over 1.25-inch pine bars, heavy cotton poly matte finish
• ChromaLuxe Metal Print — image infused directly onto sheets of alloy metal for maximum vibrancy and durability
• Giclée Art Print — 260gsm satin finish paper, finest archival inks, white border

Made in the USA or Europe depending on your location.

About the Artwork

Artwork in this collection comes from the Ford Motor Company Archives, The Henry Ford Museum, the Carroll Shelby Archives, and the collections of acclaimed photographers and painters from around the world. Reproduction rights are reserved by the respective copyright owners.

Our framed prints feature a black, hand-stained solid wood frame with a white mat, museum-quality paper, archival inks, Acrylite glazing, and hanging hardware. The frame features a slim 0.8-inch face and projects 1.3 inches from the wall, creating a clean, contemporary shadow-box effect. Made in the USA or Europe, depending on your location.

Our stretched canvas prints are produced on acid-free, pH-neutral, and fade-resistant canvas. Each canvas is hand-glued to solid wood stretcher bars and stretched over 1.25-inch-thick pine bars. Mounting brackets are included. Made in the USA or Europe, depending on your location.

Our Giclée prints are produced using premium 200gsm semi-gloss paper and high-quality archival inks. Each print includes a white border around the perimeter.

For the 40 x 60 size, we use 250gsm museum-quality archival paper with an off-white, uncoated finish.

The listed size refers to the overall paper dimensions. The image is printed proportionally within the selected paper size. Made in the USA or Europe, depending on your location.

ChromaLuxe prints use a state-of-the-art coating process that infuses the image directly onto sheets of alloy metal. The result is photography with an exceptional combination of vibrancy, clarity, and durability.

Each print arrives ready to hang. An alloy subframe on the back allows the artwork to float away from the wall for a sleek, modern appearance. This is the finest-quality print we offer. Made in the USA.

All images are digitally restored before printing. Production location varies by product and destination. Shipping is calculated at checkout.