1979-1993 Mustang Paint Colors & Codes

During the late 1970s, Ford was at a crossroads with America's favorite pony car for a few reasons; 1. During this time, America was facing an oil shortage which meant that Ford and other manufacturers had to severely decrease horsepower potential throughout the entire ranges of vehicles to enhance fuel efficiency and economy, 2. The Mustang went through a gray area during its second generation and lost sight of what a Mustang is supposed to be. Lastly, the Mustang was in desperate need of reinvigoration to set off a new venture of performance design, style, and performance.

What came to be is a complete revelation of its 1960s counterpart in the Fox Body Mustang. Unlike Mustang models of the past, this would be a much more compact, sporty, and lighter design than ever before. Ford knew that it had to give the Mustang community a more efficient package while still retaining classic Mustang styling and performance. In 1979, the world of Mustang would never be the same again, engineers finally brought back the long-awaited GT model and introduced the 5.0L V8 engine that paid homage to its 60s era siblings in the Boss 302 engine and Shelby GT350. It kicked off the longest running generation of any Mustang to date, over 13 years of variations of Fox Body were designed and built during this time.

Like the original stallions, the Fox Body generation would need paint colors that would enhance the overall style and sleek profile to give it that all American flare which makes Mustang so unique. This guide below will provide you with a broad overview of every paint color and code throughout the entire 1979-1993 Mustang models!

1979-1983 Mustang Color Options

During the first four years of the Fox Body Mustang, it took the American automotive community by storm for its sleek lines, prominent four headlights, and aggressive stance that distinguishedly says Mustang! Furthermore, a similar fastback profile would pay tribute to Mustang models of 1967-1973; these were the ponies that paved the way for the Fox Body and other models beyond. Seen for its shorter wheelbase, lighter chassis, and compact size, the Fox Body Mustang was revolutionary to all enthusiasts. For the first time, a Stallion would receive a hatch-style trunk that made for a more economical approach to cargo storage while still retaining the classic fastback profile of the Mustang.

In 1979, the GT nameplate was finally restored to its original glory. The introduction of the 5.0L V8 was a significant leap forward in engine technology, paying homage to the legendary engines that came before during the height of the 60s era muscle car reign. Like the original Mustang, the “four-eyed fox” came optional with some very unique colors to accentuate the design, lines, and bodywork to make a statement among its Chevrolet rival. Below you will see a complete chart of every color and which year it was available to the public, even if you're looking to do a color change or fix some pesky rock chips.

1979-1983 Mustang Paint Color Chart

Paint Code	Paint Colors	Color Sample	Color Notations	Applicable Years
1C	Black			1979-1983
1E	Pewter		Mustang Pace Car	1979
1G	Silver			1979-1983
1P	Medium Gray			1979, 1980, 1982
2H	Medium Red			1979, 1981, 1982, 1983
2P	Bright Red			1979-1983
3F	Light Medium Blue			1979
3H	Medium Blue Glow			1979, 1981, 1982
3J	Bright Blue			1979
46	Dark Jade			1979
5W	Medium Vaquero Glow			1979
64	Bright Yellow			1979-1981
83	Light Chamois			1979
85	Tangerine			1979
9D	White			1979
9D	Polar White			1980-1983
8W	Chamois Glow			1980
8N	Dark Cordovan			1980-1982
8D	Bittersweet Glow			1980-1982
8A	Dark Chamois			1980
5T	Bright Caramel			1980
3J	Bright Blue			1980
3H	Medium Blue			1980
2G	Bright Bittersweet			1980-1981
86	Pastel Chamois			1981
5Q	Medium Dark Brown			1981
3L	Dark Blue			1980-1982
17	Medium Pewter			1981
6Z	Pastel Vanilla			1982-
6Y	Medium Vanilla			1982
61	Medium Yellow			1982-1983
1B	Medium Charcoal			1983
38	Light Academy Blue Glow			1983
5U	Dark Walnut			1983
3D	Dark Academy Blue			1983
9N	Desert Tan Glow			1983
9Q	Light Desert Tan			1983

1984-1993 Mustang Color Options

Coming upon the year 1984, the Fox Body Mustang was already a favorite among the American automotive community and Mustang faithful. During the first five years, enthusiasts found the all-new pony to be the most exciting and visceral since the original in the 1960s. Everyone used them for conquering your favorite mountain road, drag racing, and your local road racing course. With the 5.0 V8 cementing itself in legendary Ford engine history, Ford knew that each year it would have to up the stakes a little higher while also giving a diverse lineup. Introduced in 1986, the SVO (Special Vehicle Operations) Fox Body was the first Mustang ever to have a 2.3L turbo four-cylinder engine from the factory. The SVO Mustang was introduced due to the broader injection of foreign economy vehicles being entered into the market.

Heading towards the end of the Fox Body era, Mustang engineers knew they had to invigorate and send off the third-generation Mustang with a punch. To send off the Fox Body right, Ford and Mustang engineers established the most prolific skunkworks operation to date in SVT (Special Vehicle Team). With this, SVT engineers came up with the most significant Cobra ever since the late 1960s, culminating in the best design and performance ever seen in the Fox Body Mustang.

Like the early Mustang models form the third generation, this refresh showed how Ford could enhance the overall design by offering many colors to allow enthusiasts to give them their input and sense of style. Below you find our complete chart on every color and code for Fox Body Mustang models.

1984-1993 Mustang Paint Color Chart

Paint Code	Paint Colors	Color Sample	Color Notations	Applicable Years
1C	Black			1984-1993
1E	Silver			1984-1993
27	Bright Red			1984
2C	Medium Canyon Red			1984
35	Light Cadet Blue			1984
5C	Dark Cadet Blue			1984
8Q	Light Desert Tan			1984
9C	Bright Copper			1984
9J	Pastel Desert Sand			1984
9L	Oxford White			1984-1993
9W	Dark Charcoal			1984
1B	Medium Charcoal			1985
2E	Light Canyon Red			1985
2R	Bright Red (Jalapena)			1985
3L	Midnight Blue			1985
3V	Light Regatta Blue			1985, 1986
4E	Dark Sage			1985, 1986
4M	Dark Slate			1985, 1986
2H	Medium Red			1990-1993
8L	Sand Beige			1985, 1986, 1987, 1988
8Y	Dark Clove Brown			1985, 1987
2A	Medium Canyon Red			1985, 1986
7B	Shadow Blue			1986
1D	Dark Gray			1986, 1987, 1988
1K	Light Gray			1987
2D	Scarlet Red			1987, 1988
2H	Medium Cabernet			1987, 1990
3R	Medium Shadow Blue			1987, 1988
6H	Medium Yellow			1987
7H	Bright Regatta Blue			1987, 1988, 1989
7N	Dark Shadow Blue			1987, 1988, 1989
1K	Light Gray (Smoke)			1988
6L	Dark Brown			1988
66	Mimosa Yellow			1989
6V	Almond			1989
AG	Race Yellow			1990
EL	Wild Strawberry			1990, 1991, 1992
EP	Vermillion			1990
MA	Light Crystal Blue			1990, 1991
MK	Twilight Blue			1990, 1991
MM	Ultra Blue			1990, 1991
YF	Light Titanium			1990
YU	Dark Titanium			1990
K3	Bimini Blue			1991
PM	Bright Green (Calypso)			1991
YX	Titanium Frost			1991, 1992
PA	Deep Emerald Green			1991, 1992
PM	Bright Green (Calypso)			1992
ES	Vibrant Red			1992, 1993
BZ	Canary Yellow			1993
EG	Electric Red			1993
PD	Reef Blue			1993
RD	Teal			1993
PM	Calypso Green			1993
WB	Vibrant White			1993

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