The 1982 Mustang had an interesting marketing campaign that stated "The Boss is back!" This slogan developed because the Mustang GT appeared in its first model year with a Fox platform although the GT had been part of the Mustang lineup in the past. In addition to the Mustang GT making a reappearance in 1982 the HO engine made its entrance into the lineup. The 302 HO engine was true to its name although it did work with a two barrel carburetor. The GT with the HO ended up being rated quickest domestic car for the model year not to mention being the cheapest and lightest GT available.
Perhaps the most important aspect of the 1982 GT was that it really introduced the muscle car back to America. It wasn't the same muscle car as before but it almost felt that way. Total Mustang production in 1982 was 130,418.
1982 Mustang Lineup
Powertrain and Performance
The High Output, HO, engine that was introduced in 1982 was a huge hit. It was a 5.0L V8 that powered out 157 horsepower with a two barrel carburetor. The HO version of the 5.0L engine was more powerful because it had 17 more horsepower than the previous 302. It was powered by the 2V Motorcraft carburetor that was fed by a dual snorkel, aluminum intake manifold, high lid air cleaner, hard-hitting camshaft with double row roller timing chain, CR sandcast pistons, and valve stem oil seals with nylon. The camshaft used in the 1982 HO engine was the same one that appeared in the 351 Windsor two barrel passenger V8. Others knew it as the 1973 Torino. It was not a marine cam as had widely been rumored because the torque of the marine cam simply didn't cut it. The SROD 4 speed overdrive transmission, cast iron exhaust manifolds with single muffler and dual outlet exhaust, Traction Lok rear axle, and a stronger TRX suspension and handling package were also part of the 5.0L GT. All of this was part of the GT hatchback that made a reappearance in 1982.
This HO engine was combined with a four speed manual transmission and the GT's exterior was not so unlike the replica pace car's that was so popular in 1979. The new power and design really had Mustang fans excited because the muscle car was back. Of course, it wasn't the same power or performance as the original but it was so much better than the past few years that consumers were thrilled.
The model year 1982 also saw the base four, straight six, and 4.2L V8 in the engine lineup. Missing was the turbo four, although it would eventually return.
Exterior
The new boss in town, the GT, had an outstanding exterior design that made consumers want more. The rear spoiler, cast aluminum wheels, twin fog lamps situated in the front air dam, fake hood scoop, and blackout trim were all GT design features. The blackout trim included door handles, antenna, mirrors, trim, and all moldings. Not all paint colors were available on the GT. Those that were included silver metallic, medium red, black, and bright red that showed up later in the model year.
Some factory options that were available on all Mustangs in 1982 included power steering, power front disc brakes, hood scoop, full vinyl roof, and T tops. The exterior colors for the other Mustangs in the '82 lineup included black, medium vanilla, metallic silver, medium blue glow, metallic medium gray, medium dark blue, pastel vanilla, bittersweet glow, metallic dark curry brown, metallic dark cordovan, medium yellow, polar white, bright red, and red.
Interior
The interior of the 1982 GT certainly made the driver feel in charge! The interior was very sporty and boasted blackout trim. The knobs, controls, and dash all featured the special blackout trim.
The GT had only a few interior colors to choose from. These included black and medium red. The GT had some outstanding standard features including the bucket seats that reclined and had optional Recaros. Other options included all the instruments a driver might need from an odometer to speedometer and a 6,000 RPM tach. Also gauges for the temperature, fuel, and alternator were included. Other features were the horn, headlamp dimmer, four spoke steering wheel, electronic digital clock, windshield wipers, column mounted turn signal controls, swivel map light, foldable console and rear seat, cigarette lighter, map/glove box, ashtray, warning displays and more.
Some of the GT options included air conditioning, sunroof, TRX wheels and tires, T tops, rear window louvers, power locks and windows, tilt wheel, rear defrost interval wipers, rear window washer, light group, many radios, and more. The multitude of options available for the GT was reminiscent of the '60s GTs.
Options for the rest of the'82 Mustangs included AM/FM radio with the option of 8 track or cassette tape, power side windows, and tinted glass.
Interior colors that were offered on the 1982 Mustang included black, red, wedgewood blue, French vanilla, opal/red, opal/black, opal/vaquero, white/vaquero, and vaquero.
Final Thoughts
After a few sketchy years in the early '80s it seemed that Mustang was back on track with the 1982 model. Consumers were enchanted with the return of the GT not to mention some performance to speak of. It looked as if with the Boss the Mustang had nowhere but up to go after 1982.
