In addition to several others, we’ve recently featured a few nice examples of Ford’s pony car from the Mustang II era, with this 1978 model here on eBay seeming to be another desirable classic. Despite a reduction in size and power for the second-generation cars, Ford managed to create a couple of particularly exciting models during this period, including the Cobra II, followed by the one-year-only King Cobra in 1978. Although this one’s not carrying either of those torches, there are still plenty of positives to consider here, so head on up to Druk Auto Sales in Ramsey, Minnesota, to check this one out and see if it’s right for you. So far, the current bid of $8,900 is short of the reserve, but you can skip the auction and buy it right now for $17,980.
Looking around at the outside, there’s very little not to like here. For starters, it’s favorable that this one’s a 2+2 hatchback, plus the T-Tops are an enjoyable feature that no longer exists in today’s market. The seller states that this is a mostly original car and calls it a great survivor, and hints that the odometer reading of 17,919 miles could be actual, based on the condition. It’s also possible that the paint could still be the factory finish, as a dealer sticker is also present on the hatch, which would have probably been removed if the exterior had gotten a respray. The red looks very good and shiny here, and the seller believes the original tires are still on the sporty wheels.
More good news comes from under the hood, as a 302 is providing the power here. The base engine for ’78 was a 2.3-liter four-cylinder, followed by the 2.8-liter V6. Stepping up to the V8 was certainly the best choice, but by this time, the 5.0 wasn’t even making quite 140 horsepower. Finding a manual transmission would be a treat, but this one’s equipped with a C4 automatic. This won’t be the fastest Mustang around, but everything in the bay appears to be in excellent order, and you’ll have a fun car to cruise around town in.
A red theme continues inside, and the excellent condition of the entire interior makes me think that the mileage reading could be correct. A shot from underneath shows an exhaust system that could use replacing, but the rest of the components below appear solid. With all of the good points this 1978 Mustang 2+2 has in its favor, I’m speculating that the bidding will continue to increase significantly, and I wouldn’t be surprised if someone taps the buy-it-now button before the weekend is over. What are your thoughts here?
Where on earth are all these super clean original Mustang II coming from? According to the Marti report, Burns Motors sold it and the original dealer sticker is still on the trunk. This one is in phenomenal condition. V8, Automatic, nice rims, they wanted a sharp looking cruiser , if you’re in the market for one, they always say buy the best you can find and afford, this one certainly fills the bill. From the “Arest Me Red” paint color to the options.
I leased new ’78 Mach 1, duplicate color of this one …Driveinstile is correct that is in phe-nominal condition!
I had ordered the 4
Speed but the auto is just fine here because the power is down the rpm range, off-idle. I believe the miles here. These had the smaller fuel opening for unleaded because leaded was still being sold in ’78 (bigger nozzles at pump).
Looks original paint to me- this MII is as nice as it gets.
Remember liking the car a lot and thought it drove well.
This is the one to go after if you want a Mustang II.
If only it had factory AC.
This is such a nice clean Mustang II but I would want to make a Cobra look with stripes but no Cobra decals, hood scoop, raised white letter tires and dual exhaust. V8 needs to be heard, at least a little!
Great looking car. Not sure its original paint though. The license plate mounting hardware on the rear of the car has been sprayed over indicating to me a total or partial repaint some time in the past.
I never had issue with the Mustang II and the 3door hatchback has nice style. The red interior is great with the aluminum applique. Someone cherished this car and it deserves to be preserved.
Nice looking car. Although I was way too young at the time to drive a car, I remember the Ford Mustang II. I had a neighbour who owned one. They thought it was one of the best cars they’ve driven.
The Mustang II gets a bad rap by most Mustang fans, but I’ve had two of them. One was a ’77 with 302 and automatic and the other a ’78 King Cobra with 302/4 speed. Fun car to whip around. VERY light at the time for a V8 powered car, it could spin those tires as long as you wanted to. Part of it being the fact that all Mustang II’s (whether 4 cyl, V6 or V8) came with 13″ wheels.
I will admit I like the Mustang IIs only second to the ‘69-‘70 cars. This one is super nice. I would rather have the 4 speed, but this one is convincing enough.
Sold on the Buy It Now. Super clean looking Stang.
BIN should have been 17,919. Just sayin!!
Nice. A very red II with a 302 and a T-Top is a desirable combination.
I bought a 1974 Mustang II right out of college, my first new car, 4 cylinder, 4 spd. It made up for its lack of power with terrible gas mileage, about 18-20 mpg, from what I remember, but try to forget.
Its a really nice car, but if you looked at the pictures in the description. The rear pinion had a bad leak and the bottom of the engine was a greasy mess, plus the front brakes and other areas up front just seemed a little too rusty for almost 18k on the speedometer. Im not saying it’s not a low mileage car, I think it’s been rolled back a little, even the numbers on the speedometer are off.
Bought one brand new in 78, and it’s the reason I never bought a Ford again!
Paying 18K for a II may sound crazy, but if you like them, might as well get one of the best looking ones still around.
18K is what it take to buy a 4 year old econobox lately, so why not drive this instead.
Just add another 200+hp and you’ll have something really fun to drive..
I was born in Michigan the year these came out and we mocked them endlessly growing up. However If money and space were no concern, I would have this.