Special Vehicle Operations

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See also Special Vehicle Team

In 1981, Ford formed the Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) group to design and develop performance parts and accessories related to the company's racing programs.

The group also built a special model to showcase these parts, the Ford Mustang SVO. The SVO Mustang was designed to compete directly with European sports sedans like BMW's 3 Series. To reduce costs, they used the existing 2.3 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and Borg-Warner T-5 5-speed manual transmission from the Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. The car had a different computer and air meter and added an intercooler, a Hurst shifter, Koni shock absorbers, and 16 in wheels, a novelty at the time. The car produced 175 hp (130 kW) for 1984 and 205 hp (152 kW) for 1985 and 1986. In total, 9,844 were built.

SVO/Ford Motorsports was later renamed Ford Racing Technology (FRT).

SVO was created in Australia by an Australian motor racing driver and engineer Mick Webb in the late 1980's. Mick modified new Ford EA Falcons with SVO features including SVO 16" wheels, Recaro seating systems, MoMo steering wheel, Suspension upgrade designed by Mick Webb including Bilstein Shock Absorbers, engine mods, front and rear spoilers and distinctive two tone grey paint work. At the time, Ford were not investing in V8 or sports modifications and the relationship didn't evolve further. Jac Nassar the then President of FMC Aust.had given SVO the assurance that they would be the Special Vehicle Operation for Ford Motor Co. but in his absence a decision was made to contract TVE an English engineering company to take over the special vehicle deal. Where as the SVO organisation was up to speed with what Aussie's wanted TVE never really performed even with all their engineering back ground in the UK. SVO produced 1600 Falcon Sedans, 1100 ute's, 600 Fairlanes and 280 capri's. This certainally indicated to Ford that this was a market that they had to be part of. Mick Webb & SVO are still enhancing and modifying Ford products today Mick Webb's SVO 3/44 Charter Street, Ringwood Victoria Australia web page: www.svomotorsport.com email:mickwebb@svomotorsport.com Template:Auto-company-stub