Squint and also you would possibly be capable of inform what sort of automobile that is. That is proper, it is a Mustang—however not simply any previous Mustang. This Mustang Daytona idea is one in every of 5 constructed by an organization referred to as Vehicles and Ideas. Ford displayed it on the Chicago, Detroit, and New York Auto Reveals all through 1979 as a preview of what was potential for the then-new Fox Physique Mustang.

Visually, the Daytona idea does not look very like the manufacturing automobile with which it shares a platform. The orange-ish, red-ish paint wraps round customized bodywork meant to offer the idea a smoother look than its manufacturing unit Fox Physique sibling.

Picture by: Mecum Auctions

The identify “Daytona” was possible impressed by the tinted gentle coverings, entrance and rear—which even has a really refined Mustang emblem etched into the middle of the grille. The idea employs different distinctive design cues, in the meantime, like an egg-crate grille, wire wheels, and, applicable for the day, a t-top roof—which really did not make it into the manufacturing Mustang till 1981.

Mechanically, the Daytona idea has the identical 5.0-liter V-8 and four-speed guide because the manufacturing unit Fox Physique, but it surely’s unclear if any modifications have been really made to the powertrain. There have been refined tweaks to the suspension, no less than.

The inside is all-tan-everything with leather-based bucket seats, a leather-stitched steering wheel, an AM/FM radio, and a Daytona emblem stamped onto the passenger sprint.

Picture by: Mecum Auctions

Picture by: Mecum Auctions

The idea in query spent 20 years on the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, following its 1979 tour of the auto present circuit. It was then evenly restored in 2005, and ultimately absolutely restored for the concours circuit, the place it gained an Award of Distinction on the 2024 Cincinnati Concours d’Magnificence.

Now, the Mustang Daytona idea is headed up for public sale on the Mecum Indy 2025 sale, which kicks off on Could 15. Early estimates put it wherever within the $80,000 to $100,000 mark. A small value to pay for a uncommon piece of Mustang historical past.

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Supply: Mecum Auctions