How Did We Get From the Fox Body to the SN95?
This Video Outlines the Paradigm Shift in American Car Design, From Traditionally Boxy Shapes (Fox Body) to a More Aerodynamic Style (SN95).
It’s no secret to Mustang enthusiasts that the SN95 Mustang was designed on a shoestring budget to carry the aging Fox platform further than anyone could have guessed.
Running from 1994 to 2004, the SN95 stretched and widened the familiar Fox platform. It was a process likely reminiscent of using Silly Putty to make transfers of new car ads in the local newspaper.
All in all, the Fox Body Mustang ran for 25 years, including the 15th and 40th anniversaries of the legendary pony. It’s an important part of the Mustang’s history. As a result, it’s easy to see the natural evolution of the car’s shape. But when it was new, the SN95 was a revelation.
The Vox video below outlines a paradigm shift in American car design. From traditionally boxy shapes (like the four-eyed Fox), cars moved to a more aerodynamic style introduced by the likes of the Taurus and Probe (whose influence is seen on the ’87-up “aero” Foxes). And finally, we see the culmination of “curvy” shapes, like the SN95.
While the video’s points have been more or less debunked by numerous car blogs, including Jalopnik, it gives us a good chance to take a look back at the evolution of the Fox shape. From the four-eyed girl next door, to the curvaceous knockout that carried the platform into the 21st century.
While the “New Edge” body style introduced for ’99 brought a more muscular, angular look back to the Mustang, we’re still big fans of the ’94-’98 cars. Which do you prefer: four-eyed Fox, ’87-’93, SN95, or New Edge?
No matter which is your favorite, it’s interesting to watch how the Mustang has been shaped by the times. And also how it has shaped our culture. Only a handful of cars have inspired such change.
Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>
Via [Jalopnik]
