This 1976 Ford Mustang II Cobra II has been in storage for just under a decade and has a few issues keeping it from running at the moment. The seller has acquired the parts needed to convert it from the current automatic transmission to a 5-speed, but I’m not sure a Cobra of this variety is worth the effort. Still, even as a relatively unloved generation, a 302-powered Mustang with a stick is generally a good time, so it may still be worth a look. There are some rust issues to sort out but it still looks pretty good with sharp red paint and sitting on aftermarket alloy wheels. Find it here on eBay with a Buy-It-Now of $5,000 and the option to submit a best offer.
Now, the manual conversion parts are not just the stuff of some bored owner looking for a project – the seller notes there are issues with the automatic gearbox. He doesn’t go into great detail, but it’s safe to say most Mustang enthusiasts wouldn’t even bother trying to save a car like this. Now, I like the Mustang II when equipped with a V8 and manual gearbox, so I love the plan, but some collectors may look at a project like this and see a money pit with no shot at redemption once you pour in the necessary time and labor to convert it. Of course, you could also keep it an automatic and just drop in a rebuilt transmission, which may be the path of least resistance.
The Cobra of the Mustang II generation was probably one of the bigger insults to Mustang enthusiasts ever conceived. The previous years’ Cobras were true fire-breathers that combined rarity and pedigree like few muscle cars ever have. The Mustang II was already a disappointment to many Ford fans, but the Cobra was particularly offensive, which is why it’s never been much of a collector’s item. But when equipped with a V8, it was at least a respectable performer, and they certainly looked pretty cool with the proper Cobra decal kit adhered to the body -which this car is missing. It may be due to a respray, as the paint looks quite shiny in photos.
I’ve always loved the integrated rear trunk spoiler on the Cobra II, and while I greatly prefer the OEM mesh wheels, these aftermarket rollers look pretty slick as well. The seller notes a few other issues, including a leaking fuel tank and unspecified electrical faults. There’s also rust under the car and given it’s located in Massachusetts, it’s entirely possible it’s quite crusty underneath. Despite the hood cable having snapped and no underhood photos offered, the seller claims it remains numbers matching for both the engine and transmission. What do you think – is it worth restoring this Cobra II? Would you swap it or find a replacement automatic transmission?
Sorry, but this is a bad year for a Mustang, IMO. More like a Maverick or a Pinto. There’s better year Ponies to choose and this isn’t one of them.
Not the best photos, and no engine photos.
If zero equals nothing
Simply remove a zero off the asking price
And
You have a good price on a pinto with a v8 and stick
Otherwise it’s a PASS
Leaking gas and electrical issues sounds like a great combination for all the mustang II haters… couple bare loose hanging wires in the right spot and kablammo lol
As expected.. no one likes the II and the ignorant ones call it a gussied up Pinto. Only very few parts interchange. most of the haters have never driven one and do not know how the ride or handle. There is a reason most hot rodders use the MII front end for their rides. Keep having a biased opinion and hate on the car so it will keep the prices down.
And i am one of the haters
My friend has 3 of these and i have never been attracted to these from day one
I have helped him many times for different issues or only a helping hand
But i am warming up to these
But will certainly not be buying unless someone knows of a convertible conversion …
There are plenty of Mustang ii haters and I would bet they have never driven one. As the owner of a 1977 Cobra ii I can tell you these cars drive great and handle well for the vintage. Rust will be the determining factor on this car but it seems like a good deal. A Cobra ii sold this past January at Mecum for $30k and it was a #3 car with the AC in the trunk. I was there. Oh as to the Pinto reference, these cars shared no parts with a Pinto. In fact Mustang ii front suspensions are in thousands of hot rods and sell to this day.
1976-80 Mustangs just aren’t my cup of tea. I’ve had a few first generation Mustangs and loved them, but this year just does nothing for me. Maybe some of the later Fox bodies are alright. But to each their own. Glad there are those out there who like them.