The Ford Mustang was reinvented in 1974 as the Mustang II. It was a smaller car (subcompact), a big departure from the oversized “pony” car it had become by 1973. The timing was perfect as gas prices spiraled upward after the 1973 OPEC oil embargo, so sales rebounded by more than double. In 1978, the King Cobra was launched, a one-year-only muscle car based on the Mustang fastback. This vehicle is one of them, offered by a dealer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and here on eBay, where the Buy It Now price is $21,474.
Mustang II production wound down in 1978 and was replaced by the “Foxbody” Mustang in 1979. While the Cobra had already been available, Ford took performance and appearance one step further with the King Cobra in ’78. Only 4,313 were built and came with a 302 cubic inch V8, an air dam, and plenty of visuals, including a cobra snake decal on the hood (can you say Pontiac Trans Am?). Unfortunately, the 302 only came with a 2-barrel carburetor, so the horsepower potential was capped at less than 140.
The seller’s bright red Cobra II has a 4-speed manual transmission, which helps get the most out of what should be a stock engine. We’re told the mileage is just 27,000, but we’d like to see documentation that says the car has been little used. While the Ford is looking sharp on the outside, the photos provided of the undercarriage are crusty. 13-inch steel wheels and raised white letter tires add to the muscular appearance of the Mustang.
Most folks don’t consider the Mustang II to be especially collectible because it’s viewed as a dressed-up Pinto. But the King Cobra is an exception to that due to its muscle car approach (by late 1970s standards) and low production numbers. This car is said to perform as it should, though you might not take to the aftermarket steering wheel. But it’s nothing like a 1969 Boss 429.
Pretty decent looking Mustang II.
Not a terrible Mustang II. Not many of them still “out there.”
That said…. I hope some Mustang II experts will chime in, but I’m not sure it is a factory King Cobra. It has certain King Cobra items, but other specific King Cobra pieces are missing, such as black headlight surrounds and the massive air dam. The fonts on the decals are all wrong. However that is a correct steering wheel. Oh for a Marti Report.
Otherwise the car isn’t bad but looks rough around the edges. It may be low miles but if so it hasn’t had the best of care. Worn rear carpet, cracked spoiler, ragged underhood and undercarriage. Emerging rust. Just has a worn look. Plus, the “slicer” slotted wheels and the shackles do it no favors.
Thanks Russ.
If I’m EVER in the market for an older Mustang. I’m seriously going to ask Bob to come with me!!! Good eye Bob!!! And I agree. Needs a Marti report.
-Dave
Bob is correct the steering wheel is factory. However, the sunroof is an aftermarket. Sould have the front spoiler, and the side quarter spoilers. On a side note, my father bought my mother a new ’77 fastback. Ordered it with a 302 and four speed. No radio, and no ac. He had dual exhaust installed. In ’79 he bought her the all new 1979 Mustang fastback for her. 302 4 speed with ac and a radio. Way better car in ’79.
Panels colors don’t match and the black trim paint is peeling. Lots of body damage. Dash is peeling. Leave it to a dealer to want $21k.
This car is way overpriced. Superficially it looks nice, but the close up pictures show active rust through in several locations, primarily around the rear wheel wells. The undercarriage has a lot of scaling, the engine compartment is a mess, there is no up close picture of the drivers seat and high wear areas of the interior, the pictures purposefully obscure the sunroof. The shackles are a bad sign corners were cut. It has shiny red paint and has good looking decals, but that should only go so far, for the money someone can do a lot better.
Steve R
No, not a King Cobra.
Missing: front air dam, black headlight bezels/trim and graphics all wrong/aftermkt. Also does not have rear wheelwell air dams.
Has some Cobra II options.
I leased a 1978 Mustang Mach 1 new in the color (2R: bright red)and really liked it. Kept the sheet you spec the car out with … and 4 spd shifter knob (accident totalled but kept me and passenger safe). You could order -and I did the “Rallye Package (surprise!) with:
* Cooling pkg,
* Heavy duty springs
* Adj shocks
* Rear stabilizer bar
The 302 ran soft, peaked early but was Ok for the period back then.
Leaded gas was still available so new cars had gas fill had a smaller, unleaded only opening.
Ordered T- Tops which were nice, but sunroof like here was not available.
Back then you could order a “Cobra II” with big side graphics and that had a hood scoop like this one. Possibly a repainted Cobra II here.
This one has been poorly maintained as we can see and looks like a poorly modified King Cobra tribute (!)- do not see that too often.
Many would be surprised how nice these sporty Mustang IIs drove.
Hard pass here.