As with the year before, very few changes were made for the 1981 Mustang. Some interior trim packages were shuffled around and upgraded slightly. More notably, a T-top roof was added as an option for the first time on a Fox Body, which continued for eight model years.

The turbocharged four-cylinder engine was limited to just a manual transmission, the new five-speed version that was available on both four-cylinder options. Eventually, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine was removed entirely, due to ongoing reliability issues. Aside from these changes, the Fox was largely untouched since debuting two years earlier. Due to a number of outside factors, sales continued dropping and were down to 182,552 for the year. 1981 was also the first model year where the hatchback outsold the coupe, a trend that would continue for the rest of the third generation.

For everything that you need to get your 1981 Mustang restored or upgraded to the next level of performance, make CJ Pony Parts your go-to site. With how-to videos, installation guides, resource articles, and a knowledgeable staff to answer all of your questions, we’re here to make the installation of the next mod on your wishlist go as smoothly as possible so that you spend less time in the garage and more time enjoying the drive.

Not the year you are looking for? Check out these years: 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, or 1993 for additional options.