Remember when the Mustang Club of America didn’t recognize Mustangs built from 1974-78? I feel like I do, though it seems hard to believe now given that the nameplate is still alive all these years later, and even graces an electric vehicle now. Like it or not, the Mustang II, as they were called, helped to keep the nameplate viable in the dark days of the gas crunch, and some have survived. Amongst them is this 1976 Mustang II Ghia model. It’s waiting for you at what used to be called a wrecking yard in Gurnee, IL (no offense intended) and is available for the buy-it-now price of $2200 (though they also say they’ll take a fair/reasonable offer) here on eBay
Just looking at the full wheel covers and velvet tufted interior should tell you what a Ghia was—a Mustang II with some luxury pretentions. Looking under the hood furthers the intrigue on this one, because this car is not saddled with the underpowered engines of some of its brethren. Rather, it features a 302 CID V8 backed up by an automatic transmission. Don’t get too high on that, as the engine, smog-era-choked as it is, puts out only 140hp. And beware if you’re in a state like California—1976 model cars are subject to smog inspection there, unlike their older cousins, ie. 1975 and older models. That could be a deal-breaker for some buyers.
So if you want this Ghia, what is your taste? In this case, not a sporty shade of red or blue, but rather a muted brown. Pinstriping, a half vinyl top, and a luggage rack. Gold and fake-burled walnut on the inside. But a very complete and correct interior and a generally clean body on the outside, except for maybe the huge donut of rust on the hood, corrosion on the deck lid, and rusty spots on the roof.
Mechanically, it’s catch-as-catch-can with this one. The seller claims that the engine will turn over, and photos show a key in the ignition. But he also says it has been sitting for many years, that it’s good for parts or restoration, and that reasonable phone offers will be accepted on the vehicle. That latter statements translate as something like, “I’m tired of this heap sitting in my yard, so call me up, offer me something, and get this thing outta my sight.” Good for the person who’s been wanting to restore just such a car, no doubt. Are you that person, or would you rather put your money into a King Cobra?
The Javelin looks promising.
I agree! Even though I like the Mustang II (fastback, preferably!), what can be seen of the Javelin appears to be in better shape. :-)
Looks to me like everything on the Javelin is better. Even if the Javelin needs everything.
This was a very low time for the Mustang and this giha proves it. Not sure if it’s the testosterone draining hubcaps and tan interior or luggage rack. Could be the 145 HP V8.
The only good things about the II’s is it made women happy. They were buying them and were popular. Think product placement on Charlies Angles.
It kept the doors open at the factory for the game changing Fox platform.
In 1976, this would have been a nice example of a well-trimmed Mustang II with the top powerplant. A smaller version of the then-popular bigger two-door luxury coupes, of sorts. Today, a labor of love restoration for the right person, otherwise a viable parts car. Thanks Brian.
Neighbors bought one new when they came out. Spent a lot of time at the dealer’s trying to sort out glitches that came with it. As soon as the second generation RX7 came out they dumped the Mustang like it was a hot potato.
The world hopes for no resurrection
I’ve always loved the Mustang II. I find it more attractive than the 1970-73 Mustang. IMHO, it’s the best looking Mustang since the 1964 1/2 to 1968 Mustang. I hope someone can rebuild this car. $2000 looks like a reasonable price to buy this car and can fix it.
These were the ‘Charlie’s Angels’ mustangs. Which is why nobody took them seriously as a car. Or them tossing large guys around. Start of the tv lunacy.
Not everyone watched Charlies Angels , and these sold like Hotcakes
1974 Motor Trend Car of the Year and for its run, over one million one hundred thousand produced! It was a different time, and the only reason there’s a 2022 Mustang in the Ford stable!
1974
2dr Hardtop (60F): 177,671
3dr Hatchback (69F): 74,799
2dr Hardtop Ghia (60H): 89,477
3dr Hatchback Mach I (69R): 44,046
Total for 1974: 385,993
1975
2dr Hardtop (60F): 85,155
3dr Hatchback (69F): 30,038
2dr Hardtop Ghia (60H): 52,320
3dr Hatchback Mach I (69R): 21,062
Total for 1975: 188,575
1976
2dr Hardtop (60F): 78,508
3dr Hatchback (69F): 62,312
2dr Hardtop Ghia (60H): 37,515
3dr Hatchback Mach I (69R): 9,232
Total for 1976: 187,567
1977
2dr Hardtop (60F): 67,783
3dr Hatchback (69F): 49,161
2dr Hardtop Ghia (60H): 29,510
3dr Hatchback Mach I (69R): 6,719
Total for 1977: 153,173
1978
2dr Hardtop (60F): 81,304
3dr Hatchback (69F): 68,408
2dr Hardtop Ghia (60H): 34,730
3dr Hatchback Mach I (69R): 7,968
Total for 1978: 192,410
Total produced from 1974 to 1978: 1,107,718
SOLD – Best Offer Accepted
I just watched the movie Starman (I’m on a John Carpenter kick) and Karen Allen’s ’77 Cobra II is a really nice looking II.
I’d buy a Mustang II provided everything works like they should and it drives under its own power. Never mind patina. As long as there are no rust holes, and everything is solid, it can be cleaned up and repainted.