Mustang II History

After only a third a century on the road, the Mustang II is quite rare on the road today.  But it did not start out that way.  The Mustang II was manufactured in a difficult era of American automotive history.  The arab oil embargo and environmentalist wackos had detroit in a crisis.  Between high fuel prices, long fuel lines, the economy in a post Vietnam War stand still and unreasonable emission standards from the COLA requirements, there was trouble in the air for the US auto industry.  This ought to sound familiar since today history has repeated itself.

Ford had initially found success with the appeal of its early Mustang introduction, but with a bloated body style each year with no end in sight, Lee Iococca, had plans to return the Mustang concept to its former glory.  His little gem, dubbed the Mustang II was the right car at the right time.   So much so, that in spite of the world troubles, the Mustang II, was after 45 years of production among the biggest sellers in its Mustang II pedigree.  In 1974 its banner introduction year, was dubbed the car of the year by Car & Driver magazine.  In fact, sales numbers were so enthusiastic towards the car that they outsold many competitor models such as the Firebird, Camaro, Javelin, Baracuda, Challenger,etc. in its class combined.

In a brief run of five years, Ford sold over 1.1 million of these cars based on attention to detail, improved quality, high luxury standards, innovative design, and focus on its market niche.  While the Mustang II can be credited for preserving the Mustang namesake and glory through this period of history, gone forever are its cometitors:  Javelin, AMX, Corolla, Vega, Pinto, Tercell, Chevette, Chevelle, Nova, Sky Hawk, Cornett, Charger, Challenger, Road Runner, Duster, Pacer, Hornet, Rambler, Matador, Monaco, and a BUNCH of others!!!

So, in spite of contradictory opinion in the printed press, the Mustang was in fact warmly received.  Its down side,l if any was brought by forces outside of the car itself and allowed the preservation of the Mustang name plate.

Here are a few Mustang II myths that may surprise you:

Myth 1:  The Mustang II was the only Mustang without a V8.  Fact: Ford created Mustang II in every year of its production run with a 302 V8 option.  However in 1974, it was not available iin Mexico due to government limitations domestically.

Myth 2:  The Mustang II was the weakest V8 of all Mustangs. Fact, sorry, the early Fox body style Mustangs take that prize, sorry.

Myth 3:  The Mustang IIs never really sold well.  Fact:  The introductory year of the Mustang II is rated #6 in all sales year totals in all of the Mustangs ever produced EVER, 3 of the 5 years are on the top year sales totals and the other 2 are not far behind.  Considering the times, they were the rage.

Myth 4:  The Mustang IIs were poor quality.  Fact: Actually, the cars for far more loaded with options than was common in the era including high end interior with  a digital clock, full dash gauge cluster with abundant complement of instrumentation, the cars had options for stereo AM/FM and 8 track, door entry lights, map light, under hood and under dash entry lights.  They came with option for a full length console with a storage box, locking glove box, and all the popular diving comforts with power steering and air conditioning.  Poor vender support with no availability for spare parts has perpetuated this myth.

Myth 5:  The mechanical design was faulty.  Fact:  Mustang IIs are largely rare today in spite of their high sales due to one simple fact.  They mechanically were ahead of their time.  The rack & pinion steering front end with V8 with large reinforced eight inch rear end, some with positrack gears are among the most highly desirabler of hot rodder items for a generation of automobiles that did not have these features.  Even the original Mustangs are noisier, wander all over the road, and are prone to vibration rattles compared to the Mustang II.

Myth 6:  The Mustang II was never offered with a convertable option.  Fact:  The Mustang II was offered from the factory with a sunroof, T-Top, and YES, even a limited amount of convertables.

Myth 7:  The Mustang II was not very sporty.  Fact:  The Mustang II had very popular options including King Cobra, Cobra II, Mach 1, Rally Sport, Sportiva, Ghia, and Stallion.  Each had a complement of styling options for every taste.  You could not call the Mustang II a plain jane car.  It was dressed up a lot.  The Five-Oh identity associated with Mustangs today originated for the first time with its use in the Mustang II.  The front and rear swaybars made for a great handling car. The KC and Cobra II optioned cars turn heads everywhere they are seen and are among the most agressive and attractive of all factory paint options.

Myth 8:  The Mustang II was Pinto based.  Fact:  The Mustang II had far fewer common parts with the Pinto than the early generation Mustangs did with the Falcon or the Fox era Mustangs had with the Fairmont, yet no one would make that association as readily as they do with the II.  Most people would be hard pressed when comparing the two to identify any common parts at all beyond fasteners.  The clear reality is that the II was far better engineered and more luxurious than the Pinto.

No mention of the Mustang II would be complete without a footnote.  Charlie's Angels, a highly accliamed TV series running most of the 1970s showcased beautiful cars driven by beautiful women.  With multiple Mustang IIs featured as the daily ride of the attractive crime fighters, the beautiful Mustang II cars made it a powerful combination that scored big in the ratings, and has become a legend among Mustang II enthusiasts to this day.  No doubt this trio was a welcome sight at the local Ford dealership.  The Cobra II, while popular with men, had a particular appeal to women and other market segments as well.

To learn more about the Mustang II, really, the best source is not its critics, but from a reliable  network of well informed owners.  The Mustang II owners association has a very informative website that tells about these and a million other facts about the Mustang II.  Please visit http://www.mustangii.net for about anything you ever wanted to know about these great cars. This site is among the most popular of all Mustang enthusiast websites, bar none, and you will be met by a sociable, informative, fun-loving bunch of guys who can answer any question you may have.  Check it out.

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