Here’s a car that rarely comes up for sale with this equipment combination. This black 1976 Ford Mustang Cobra II features a 302-cubic-inch V-8 paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The engine, transmission, rear end, and suspension have all been rebuilt, and it’s described as being in very good condition with multiple show wins to its credit. Listed at $26,000, the seller also specifies no trades, payment setups, or “help” with this ad. You can find it here on craigslist, out of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The Cobra II was Ford’s attempt at bringing some visual excitement into the Mustang II lineup during the strict emissions era of the mid-1970s. It was essentially aesthetics focused, featuring front and rear spoilers, a non functional hood scoop, and a blacked-out grille with the snake emblem. While it definitely looked the part, the standard powertrains were the same four-cylinder or V-6 engine options available in the base Ford models at the time. That is what makes this particular car more interesting than a stripes and spoiler special. Under the hood is a 302-cubic-inch V-8, linked to a five-speed manual transmission. This combination was not even available in the 1970s, and the upgraded setup promises a vastly better performance driving experience.
The mechanical upgrades do not stop there. The seller indicates that the entire rear end and suspension systems have been completely rebuilt to handle the additional power. Because these cars were inherently lightweight, modern suspension parts and a fresh rear differential could transform the driving experience from a floating 1970s commuter to a planted, more responsive muscle car. Its many trophies on the local show circuit, the cosmetic condition, and the cleanliness of the undercarriage are indicators that this is a great specimen, given the typical beaten down survivor projects online.
The listing also reports 33,000 miles but notes the odometer has been rolled over, meaning the car’s total mileage is unknown. As always, prospective buyers will want to ask for documentation on the rebuilds and all performance upgrade details. At $26,000, this Cobra II is priced as a finished classic rather than a project waiting to be worked on. The show-winning history and upgraded mechanical parts should appeal to buyers who want a 1970s Mustang without starting from scratch. Black paint also gives this car a different look from the typical white and blue Cobra II scheme. Would you take this modified V-8 Mustang II to the next car show, or would you rather have a more original option?
Looks like a nice Mustang II. The 5-speed gives it a bit of different vibe. The black/gold is eye-catching. The interior looks clean. Underhood has even had some attention.
Given how few of these have survived, it is welcome to see one in solid shape.
Good job Nicholas.
Mustang ll version of a Hertz rent a racer .I no they never mad one .
Awesome looking car! If only more pictures were posted. It’s a crying shame that it’s not popular among Mustang enthusiasts. I’ve never understood why that is. I’ve heard some people say that it’s based on the Pinto. Maybe some things were off the Pinto, so what? That alone shouldn’t make a car a bad car.
My wife was driven to the hospital in that exact same car to have our firstborn son at 3:30 in the morning in 1979. I love the 70s mustangs and it’s great to see them FINALLY being recognized and start bringing good money.
I’ve had atlest 10 70s mustangs 3 of which were cobras. They are decent runners stock because they were light and it was sooo easy to build them with the 302 to get more power and cheep compared to now that they were fun.
I personally love the look of the body’s of the 70s. I hope someone gets it and doesn’t rag it out but enjoys running it on the road.
The front view of this Cobra looks real good. From the side and rear, this version of the Mustang is not as appealing.
A Maine neighbor has almost exact model for sale in questionable shape. Pitted wheels, rot along the skirt, etc. It’s been sitting outside his garage for a year. Every now and then, he puts air in the flat tires and turns it around, not a good marketing plan.
I’ve never cared for the Mustang II, but this could change my mind, if not for the bit high price.
The “additional power” of a 302 2 barrel? Besides the 5 speed, this was the optional engine in these cars from the factory. The 302 was available in Mustang II’s starting in 1975.
It’s possible the seller/builder left the stock 2V sticker on for originality but built it with a four-barrel instead. The ad mentions performance upgrades and everything rebuilt; I’d inquire and ask if he has the receipts.
looks cool but the price seems heavy to me but then i really don’t follow these.
To BigC. Additional power they way of heads a mild cam, intake and 4 barrel really woke up that car and at the time you could pick up a used set of4 barrel 351 Windsor heads and intake, buy a mild cam for less than a hundred bucks a few other things that ran under a hundred and you had a we’ll running car.
Again, they were so light it took nothing to move them. Heck the 2300s they put on them if you took all the smog crap off of them, retuned them, hooker made a header for them and hopefully it had a 4 speed it ran great.
That one with a V8 rear-end would beat my best friends stock 75 camero every time.
But that’s not what’s in this one. Unless I read something wrong.
To BigC. Additional power by the way of heads a mild cam, intake and 4 barrel really woke up that car and at the time you could pick up a used set of4 barrel 351 Windsor heads and intake, buy a mild cam for less than a hundred bucks a few other things that ran under a hundred and you had a we’ll running car.
Again, they were so light it took nothing to move them. Heck the 2300s they put on them if you took all the smog crap off of them, retuned them, hooker made a header for them and hopefully it had a 4 speed it ran great.
That one with a V8 rear-end would beat my best friends stock 75 camero every time.
A lot of people criticized the looks of the Mustang II. If you consider the designs of the mid 70’s, it didn’t look any worse than and better-than some. Made a pretty easy hot rod. After all it had a very desirable front suspension. In the early days of NHRA Pro Stock, Dyno Don and Jack Roush had some awesome looking (and fast) Mustang II’s. Miss those days.
I’m just curious whether the new writers are sourcing their own finds from the internet, or using the reader submissions?
My grandfather had restored a 1970 Mustang Mach I for my mother while she was approaching driving age. Later she sold it to pay for furniture when I was on the way. He later restored another 70 Mach I and gave it to her. As a kid myself, he had a ’76 mustang II in the back 40 acres (one of many mustangs & mopars). After many backbreaking summers working for him he said he would help me restore 1 of them. I could choose anything he had back there and at 14 I ultimately chose/went with a Mopar, but a close second was the mustang II. I knew no matter what I chose it would be a labor of love and not a financial investment. Although that Mustang II has long been scrapped, my imagination for the build would be something to resemble the Ruggirello-Roush Mustang II, Sudden Death. Fast forward 21 years, I still have a soft spot for the King Cobra albeit I think I would definitely settle with a modern drivetrain. 3.6L supercharged pentastar or a 5.7L Hemi to merge both the original dismal performance that came stock and replace with something modern and mopar related would be my vision now as a father of 3 kids under 3. I can hope and pray there’s a good chance they’ll have some interest like the last couple generations.
Yeah, I’d take a Mustang II. I wouldn’t buy one, but if someone offered to give me one, I’d take it.
Haha. I had the 79 1/2 Indy pace car replica. Looked great. It had the 302 v8 rated at all of 135hp. Good times….
Wow, 135 HP
The auto world went full cycle.
I would like to have it. My husband used to have one when we were in high school and then sold it after we were married and he wished he never would have sold it. He always looked for one but was not able to find one and now he is no longer here. He passed away in March this year. He was just 60 years old.
Sorry for your lose, but thanks for sharing your’s and his story.
Like your husband, I sold my Mustang after getting married.
52 years later, I am fortunate to still be with my high school sweetheart.
We go to car shows, look thru Barn Finds and make plans for the purchase of a top down vintage cruiser.
Maybe next summer.
Love and Dreams go on forever.
Had a 76 Cobra II Blue w/white stripes 302 4spd – dropped a junkyard 289 4barrel manifold w/carb on top & rammed a 3/4 race competition cam w/lifter kit in added hot ignition & coil + plugs & wiring – promptly snapped both rear main springs 1st launch – limped to Axle shop got 2 main springs added extra leaf sheaf each side to handle increased torque & put 200lbs of sand bags in rear hatch over each Axle to hold it down.
Wheelies in 3 gears hard scratch in 4th – engine rpms hit 6000 each shift before it maxed out at 5200.
Cut a hole in the hood added a Chrome drag shaker scoop & put a pheasant feather 🪶 on the antenna
Double Bubble bong in center console Rocked a Mullet ACDC on cassette w/loud amp & speakers 🔊 wired up.
Last but not least A GIANT GOLD METALIC POT LEAF on drivers door like a Race Number – it was 1981 & I was a complete idiot drag racing getting arrested & picking up girls cruising the downtown loop in my smallish Midwestern city.
Boy Racer age 18.
Only change this car needs is the 289 junkyard 4 barrel manifold or the 2×4 setup + a decent competition brand cam w/lifter kit & hot ignition set up – I’d defo swap the rear end to Ford 9inch & add a heavy duty rear main spring tho – factory is to weak & WILL SNAP.
I’d also cage the interior that ties the front & rear together stops torque flexing these cars unibody design once more power is dropped in are super weak.
All in 5k parts plus hood mod it’ll breath & drive great.
Dr. Heal yourself !
You sound like a lot of fun / trouble.
Keep responding.