We have all the respect in the world for fabricators and innovators in the automotive space. After all, if it weren’t for the risk-takers, we’d never see concept cars move from the clay model stage to an actual production vehicle. But theres’ a fine line between being breaking molds and just breaking stuff, and this 1976 Ford Mustang II raises a lot of questions about what it means to go too far. What was once one of the more unloved Mustangs ever built has morphed into an intriguing project that features the hindquarters from a 2015 Mustang GT and is set up to receive a second-generation Coyote engine, and the listing notes numerous modifications made to ensure proper clearances are met. The engine is not included with the car, which is listed here on eBay with bids to $5,600 and the reserve unmet.
The 5.0L Coyote engine has quickly become a household name since it was introduced, thanks to its ample output and tuneability. The seller is wise to not include the engine, as it was likely never wired up to begin with and he can certainly find other uses for it now that his vintage Mustang project is up for grabs. What’s harder to say is whether the work was done to a high level, as it’s certainly easy to observe it from this side of the computer monitor and assume the numerous bodywork alterations were done correctly. The listing notes that both the engine and gas tank required alterations to create the necessary clearances and that the original rear end of the Mustang II was lopped off the accommodate the later car’s back section. The transmission is secured with a custom mount, and the rear has been boxed, and a driveshaft hoop was added.
All my reservations aside, I am shocked at how clean the bodywork appears to be. I’m sure someone who spends their days fabricating and cutting apart cars could tell us more confidently whether this custom Mustang has gotten the details right, but I’m just stunned at how well the later model rear end blends into the 70s-era doors and glass cut-outs. Even the later wheels – which are significantly larger than what the original fenders were designed to handle – look right at home. The seller notes the gas tank is mounted and that some level of custom work was completed to ensure there were no clearance issues there, either, and all told, he claims to have 400 hours in labor already invested.
I cannot imagine pouring that much effort into a car just to list it for sale. The seller also mentions he has $20,000 invested so far – and it’s clearly not close to being finished. Other upgrades include custom headers and exhaust; upgraded radiator; Heidt’s coil-over suspension with Willwood brakes; Ford Racing control pack wire management system for a Coyote engine with 6R80 auto transmission; Lokor shifter; and a used automatic transmission from a 2015 Mustang with just 20,000 miles. Overall, there’s a lot of bang for the buck here, but as the seller you have to hope someone thinks combining a 2015 rear end with a Mustang II nose is a project worth taking on. Would you see it through to completion?
Definitely someone’s dream that got away from them financially. I quite like it and like other car morphs and his one flows nicely but it’s going to need another person with deep pockets to see this one to the finish line.
But why, two totaled cars and ta-da.
Reading the ebay ad, it sounds like the customizer knows what they are doing. And perhaps, as alphasud speculates, they realized they can’t afford to finish it. Normally I’m not interested in customs like this, but this one has the potential to turn out unique and attractive. The width of the rear section mated to the narrower II is tough to pull off, but this looks good. I don’t know anything about this part of the hobby, but it seems the potential market would be thin.
I can imagine this one would go over well with niche tuner crowds, I know if I got my hands on it I’d turn it into something driftable. Definitely a step away from what usually gets posted here, but once you get this weird with modifications you might as well go all the way and do something extreme with it!
Not the worst I’ve ever seen . It could cool to see finished .
That works together far better than I would have ever expected. Almost always when someone is trying to sell their unfinished custom project, it’s just too individual or ill-conceived and the thing is likely destined to become parts, or scrap. I can see this actually being taken on by another builder and finished, because it’s really seriously cool already.
I love it, seems to be a money issue at hand as the metal work is very impressive, shame he has to bail on it…glwts
What someone needs to do next is modify a Road Runner to take a Coyote engine.
Acme should make the adapters for that swap.
In the same vein – I saw this at a
local autocross.
Definitely intriguing……. i hate the mustang II’s but I can actually vibe with this. I’d drive when done if I’m honest. I actually think the bare metal look suits it well.
Best looking Mustang II I’ve ever seen. Maybe it’s sort of what it should have looked like way back then. Would have annihilated the Camaro’s of the same generation. I’ve owned 20+ second gen GM’s and love them.
I think I’d like it better if it had Mustang II rear bodywork modified to fit as necessary.
The car has potential but pushing the front wheels forward looks strange.
I like modified cars ,when they are done right and this one seems to be heading in that direction. I agree with the majority of positive comments. I hope some one takes it on and finishes it. I would love to do it ,but my talent and expertise and bank account , don’t ad up to a successful conclusion.
I’d love to a big-name builder like Chip Foose take this over and finish it for a SEMA show.
This is the best that any Mustang II could be.. the proportions and design works very well. Really great idea turned into reality. I’d love to see it finished
It fixes some of the awkwardness of the original M2 challenge of marrying Mustang body style and Pinto chassis proportions. Whether that is best accomplished virtually or in steel is the question. But I like the effort.
It is no secret that I poo poo almost all Mustang-II. But this caught my attention. The artist/craftsman did a fine job of applying his vision to this. I hope that it does find a new home where it will be completed. Thank you for sharing this unique creation.
Many builders do this. He is fishing for a buyer to pay and finish it. Figure it out
Your absolutely wrong, the company that was building it went out of business and left the owner with a half finished car.
Not sure it could ever be cleared to run a pass on a track (?) It looks pretty cool though. Would be proud to sport it around town, add some paint maybe. The body lines blend pretty well, albeit 30 years apart. I Like it !
bidding closed at $7,800