Ford Mustang: 1974-1978

Performance Push
Old-time Mustang fans were crying for a performance version with ponycar looks, so the Mach I was introduced. This was a V-6-powered fastback with a striping package and fancy wheels. The first-year reception for the Mustang II was impressive, with 386,000 sales. But after the novelty wore off, the Mustang II began to slide.


The new Mustang was heavy at 2,700 pounds, and the engines it was saddled with didn't deliver much power or gas mileage compared to the import competition. For 1975, a 302-inch V-8 was added, but with only 122 horses it was hardly what Ford fans needed to do battle with the Camaro Z-28 and Firebird.


The Ghia models had vinyl roofs, opera windows and crushed velour upholstery. Sales dipped to 190,000 units as the Japanese imports streaked ahead and Camaro and Firebird sales (combined) surpassed their old rival at last. The Mustang II was also competing with the Ford Maverick, which was selling almost as well. However, Ford took comfort in knowing that the Mustang II easily outsold the equally wimpy Chevy Monza aimed at the same market.

Kinda Cobra
The Cobra name was dredged out in 1976 and slapped on a trim package that was sure to anger diehard Shelby fans. White with blue stripes and black with gold stripes were the only paint options, and although the Cobra was the best looking Mustang II variant, it was still as slow as molasses.


Although there would be no convertible Mustang II, in 1978 a T-top option was added to the fastback bodystyle. By this time the V-8 Mustang II weighed over 3,200 pounds and the tepid 302 could not make it a respectable runner. Nevertheless, Ford added a King Cobra model in 1978, with a beefed-up suspension, better wheels, brushed aluminum interior trim and wild Cobra graphics sporting a pop-art snake on the hood. Sales continued to slip until the final year of Mustang II production, when sales rallied to 192,410 units.