This 1975 Ford Mustang II project is said to have a 302 under the hood that is in need of replacement, having been blown up by a previous owner. The seller claims it is one of several Mustangs he has up for grabs, and despite some rust in typical trouble spots, this 1975 model looks to be a decent candidate for revival. The non-Cobra models with the 302 under the hood seemingly don’t pop up for sale that often, so the original owner clearly wanted to own one of the more compelling offerings from Ford at the time that didn’t involve having “Cobra” graphics strewn down the sides. Find the Mustang II here on Facebook Marketplace for $2,500 in New Jersey.
The Mustang II needs no introduction here, as it’s either defended as a wholly decent car that offered many drivers reliable transportation, or it’s derided as quite possibly the worst thing Ford ever did short of replacing the Mustang with the futuristic Ford Probe. The Mustang II was a sign of the times in terms of changing consumer appetites for thirst muscle cars, but it was perhaps the drastic redesign that turned enthusiasts off the most – it simply didn’t look like the brawny, bruising Mustang that they had fallen in love with. The 302 was, in fact, competitive with what Chevy was offering in the Camaro, which suffered from a similar shift in emphasis away from raw performance. Some might even say the Mustang had an edge with better handling characteristics.
The Mustang II also offered some decent accommodations for what it was. The Ghia trim got you some nice seats and other adornments that made the car feel slightly more upmarket, at least enough to distract you from the fact that times were-a-changin’ and Carroll Shelby wasn’t coming to rescue you any time soon. This example presents well enough on the inside, with upholstery that looks to be in good shape and an intact center console; the steering wheel looks dingy, however. The listing does disclose the presence of rust in the rockers and quarter panels, but from the photos, it doesn’t appear to be too extensive. It will need repair at some point, however.
It’s a shame the 302 is junk at this point, as I’m guessing someone would have snatched up a numbers-matching Mustang II with the optional V8 by now. The prospect of replacing it and being left with a non-matching, non-Cobra II car is likely a bit too much for even the most sympathetic Mustang II fan to get past, but the seller seems to be in the mood to wheel and deal given how many Mustang projects they reference having. The seller claims to have four other cars from between 1965 and 1966, two of which have manual transmissions. It could be worth an appointment with the seller to see what else they have, especially if they’ve all been stored indoors like this Mustang II. Would you drop in a replacement 302 and drive it?
Like em or not these made decent hot rods. Built 289 or 302 and they scoot pretty good with a good transmission and rear end plus they are cheap to work on
Well, they certainly must-have had a decent front suspension since half the hot rods on the planet (including mine) have one.
These do look good restomodded or hot-rodded. I would also like to see more of them restored, to represent their place and time in the Mustang family line. This one has good colors and a decent interior, but might be too rusty? A friend who has restored several Mustang II’s says parts (e.g. interior trim) are getting hard to find, even though zillions were built.
@fred..mustang II front suspension and that 9inch rearend..Ford did a couple things right lol👍
I believe they all had an 8″ rear end, but still a very good rear.
V-8 models and most V-6 engines had the 8″ rear axle. Four cylinders and early production V-6 came with a 6-3/4″ ring gear.
Oh, if only this were closer!!! :-)
Box flares and a healthy 302. Give it that 70’s SCCA vibe. They were pretty decent looking race cars.
I hated these when I was a kid. I thought they were ugly long before I understood how lacking in power they were. Now, knowing their place in Ford history, I really appreciate them and their simpler, smaller design that is more in line with the original Mustang.
Drat, automatic! I have a fully balanced 331 stroker on an engine stand ready for a home. My wife, who is currently deployed, loves Mustang II’s and this would be a great surprise for her. I’m not sure it’s worth the transmission swap or chasing all that rot.
If I had the room I would go see the Seller, buy this for less and see what else there was to be noticed.
Many Mustang II s had a V8 , and they didn’t have to be ordered either, Ford had them right off the lot , as well as V6 and many 4 cylinders . I would rather have one like this than one of the garish looking Cobra II s . And it doesn’t take much to get one of these screaming ; two navy guys had a pair of V8 coupes when I was younger. They put mild cams and a 4 bbl in them and they would haul ass !
They look more like mustangs to me in my opinion then the earlier air craft carrier long hood mustangs from years before!! Would make a great hot rod or be a cool father/son project to get the younger generation into the hobby!!
Nothing to see here. Blown up, yep ok.
This indeed would be a good 302 swap project … but I’m thinking of the Coyote engine as opposed to the original 302. I’m also thinking that a custom chassis would the starting point for a Pro-Touring build.