If there is a complaint about the Mustang II (1974-1978), it is that it was underpowered. Despite that, it was a tremendous seller and had some neat graphics, but it was slow. However, the owner of this 1977 Ford Mustang Cobra took care of that problem and built a street-legal racer with a SCAT 521 cid engine. The seller states that the car should frun high 10 second quarter miles! The Mustang II is listed here on Craigslist for $26,000. It is located west of Pueblo in Rocky Ford, Colorado. Thanks go to Barn Finds reader Rocco B for sending in the tip!
The interior looks nice with custom gauges, shifter, and seats. There is no air conditioning, power locks, power windows, or other creature comforts. The seller states that a FAST fuel injection system feeds the large 521 cid engine with Edelbrock heads and intake. The car has a Comp roller cam and a TCI C-6 automatic transmission. Another impressive feature is that the car sports a 9-inch Mark Williams rear axle with 3.50:1 gears and 35 splined axles. The rear of the car has been narrowed with leaf springs and ladder bars. The front suspension appears to be stock.
In 1974, the Mustang II was available from the factory with either an inline 4-cylinder or a V6 engine. In 1975, an anemic 302 CID engine was added, but it was only available with an automatic transmission. The 5-liter V8 was fed via a 2-barrel carburetor and was the top-of-the-line option for the Mustang II. It was rated at 139 horsepower. The seller has put about 300 miles on this engine and ran low 11s at the Pueblo Speedway!
This Mustang II is fitted with aftermarket wheels. The front end is a removable clip where the fenders and grill detach by removing 2 pins and 4 bolts. It looks like most of the heavy lifting has been done to make this light Mustang II a serious contender. Would you want to drive it on the street though?
I love it! They took a semi ugly car with no power and made a good looking street racer out of it with good ideas and attention to detail.
I’d rather have it before he modified it. This thing is ridiculous… especially that hood scoop. It’s cartoonish.
Jack Roush built a Mustang II 2+2 with a big block Ford, for the street, back when these were new. Still has it, in his museum. This car would be a riot on the street.
Way cool ,I love the scoop..
The car was called Sudden death. And it is was a cool looking car
That infamous Mustang II was called “Sudden Death”
I had to look it up. Here is the Sudden Death Mustang. Sharp looking, IMO.
https://www.motortrend.com/features/1601-restored-that-infamous-ruggirello-roush-mustang-ii/photos/
Nicceeee
I’ve started a spreadsheet with the names of people who have NOTHING but negative comments on here. It is pretty consistent. I’ll share it someday, maybe.
Brian, on that spreadsheet, I hope you add a column to indicate Member/Non-member. Bet you see a trend.
I’ll do that.
Makes me feel like i wouldn’t mind driving a ford for about 10 seconds.
Cool car !
Awesome hotrod parts car! IMHO?
To each his own. While I like the power of a race-prepped 521 stroker motor, all of that weight in the nose means that this car was designed to do just one thing: go fast in a straight line! I prefer that my cars be able to go around corners as well as run like a scared rabbit, so my natural inclination would be to either work with the stock 302 for more power, or find a late model 5.0L from a dead Mustang to drop into her instead, while working on the chassis for better handling.
Mustang 2’s were always cars to build just like early mustangs. Many funny cars came from the 2 ranks. And in mu opinion they are GREAT restmod cars with crate engines and bigger wheels and low profile tires.
I had two 78s a fastback 302 auto and a notch back 302 four spd. It was a cable clutch and appeared to be factory equipment. I think this car will sell to the right person, considering all that been done. I see a lot of labor involved.
Sudden Death was created to demolish Jimmy Addison’s Silver Bullet. No mention if they ever actually met but the Mustang was a solid second faster through the QM.