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302 Survivor: 1978 Ford Mustang II

While there’s rarely much love shown to the Ford Mustang II, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with them when approached as a fun, classic driver rather than a pavement-scorching muscle car, especially when it has the preferred 302 under the hood. This example looks like an excellent way to spend $10,000, which may seem like a chunk of change, except that it has just 30,000 original miles and a rebuilt engine with upgraded camshaft and carburetor. The Mustang II is listed here on Facebook Marketplace and located in Portland, Oregon.

While the fine city of Portland hasn’t been in the news for much of anything good lately, there is a robust car culture there that seemingly loves to keep vintage tin on the road and in daily service. I wouldn’t doubt for a second that this Mustang II is on a standard car insurance policy because its owner just uses it as a local runabout; I could be wrong, but whenever I visit the Pacific Northwest, there are seemingly vast amounts of 70s and 80s classics still commuting and running errands in town. This Mustang sports the old-school Oregon blue plates, and are the perfect accessory for a vintage driver like this.

The interior is in excellent condition, far better than you’d expect for a car that hasn’t been restored. The seller claims the Mustang is completely original, aside from the obviously rebuilt engine. The upholstery is straight out of the 1970s and looks to have survived nicely, and the driver’s seat appears to have had a protective sheepskin thrown over it to protect the original fabric (or hide some rips and tears). Carpeting looks quite nice, too, and tan carpets like this tend to give up their flaws pretty easily – so it’s gratifying not to see years’ worth of coffee stains going down the sides of the transmission tunnel.

The 302 really does make the Mustang II a respectable driver, whether you have it in Cobra II form with the manual gearbox, or the plain-vanilla granny special like this with the automatic. This one is made a touch sportier with the optional T-top roof, and the four-barrel Holley and Elderbrock camshaft should make it feel a bit livelier than its exterior would otherwise suggest. The seller notes that the tires and brakes are brand new, each with less than 300 miles, and that engine rebuild is fairly recent. While it’s a lot of money for a Mustang II, there also seems to be a lot of value, too. Would you drive it?

Comments

  1. Avatar Rick Schmitt

    Heck yes I would drive it, that would be a cool summertime cruiser.

    Like 1
  2. Avatar Bob_in_TN Member

    I think Jeff has correctly categorized this Mustang II. Not a muscle car; never was meant to be one. White/tan makes for a basic look. The T-top and the 302 do give it some character. Has had great care. If you approach it as a product of its time, you will have fun with the car.

    Like 9
  3. Avatar Matt in L.A.

    Charlies Angels!!! I don’t have the feathered hair for this car….

    Like 6
    • Avatar ADM

      I want the orange Bobcat!!!

      Like 4
  4. Avatar Cutlassman.mw

    Where’s the A/C compressor and associated lines?

    Like 1
  5. Avatar ADM

    Why do people remove A/C components? I’ve never understood that. Obviously, A/C is great, especially during the hot summer months, when you’re going to drive the car, and a get higher price, when you sell it.

    Like 5
    • Avatar Paul T Root

      70s A/C units weren’t very efficient and really sapped power from an engine already down on power.

      Seems like a lot for one of these that isn’t a Cobra II or King Cobra.

      Like 1
  6. Avatar Jim

    Looks pretty nice….but always be wary of any car of which the owner takes pictures without removing the seat cover!

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Scott A. Ewing

    I want one to restomod! Original Cobra with all 70s goodies. Modern Mustang everywhere else!

    Like 1
  8. Avatar David G

    Awesome little car that would be great to own and cruise around in. Needs the A/C put back into operation. If the seller does that, it should sell at or very close to his price.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Jus Sayin

    Engine rebuild needed after less than 30k miles?

    Like 2
    • Avatar Phlathead Phil

      Engines usually don’t need rebuilding after 30 k mi.

      Unless, it say sat for years unattended to or maybe some internal damage?

      Or, maybe it has 130k?

      Like 1
    • Avatar Joe Fair

      You have to rebuild to a certain extent if you do the upgrades mentioned.

      Like 0
  10. Avatar DN

    I’m just here for the T-Tops and white interior 😍

    Like 1

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