Mustang fans are broken into two broad groups: those who accept the 1974-78 Mustang II as legit, and those who pretend that Mustang history zipped ahead seamlessly from the 1973 (the last of the first-generation models) to 1979 (the new Fox Body), a generation which continued until 1993. Rocco B offers this tip of a car that falls into that middle period, a 1975 Mustang II Ghia. It’s to be seen here on craigslist and can be picked up in Bluff City, TN, under the condition that you’re willing to plunk down just shy of $15,000, or negotiate a deal that’s more in your favor.
More and more of these cars are disappearing all the time, in part, in a state like California where the climate would otherwise be favorable to their preservation, because of the hassle of smogging the 1976-up models. This one escapes that demand, allowing the next owner to drive it from day one without interference. (Of course, we hope that person keeps the car in fit shape, and we acknowledge that, as a collectible car, it’s not going to get a ton of smog-producing use.) This one thus would stand out at a car show or cruise night, especially with its red paint and white half-vinyl roof. The “Ghia” and “302” badges only help the presentation, not to mention the red-on-red exterior-interior combination. One thing you’ll want to do if you can is inspect the car yourself. The paint is new. How good is the prep? What’s the quality of the respray? The body is said to have been 98% rust-free when the paint was done. The underside looks clean in the attached images.
Under the hood sits the 302 V-8 already referenced. This engine was not offered in 1974, the end of the “gas crunch” era, but reappeared for 1975 offering 140-hp performance. The 53,318 miles indicated apparently are authentic, though there’s no documentation offered. Perhaps the “old man” prior owner didn’t pass it along. The interior is original, and all you really need to do to this Mustang is get the AC working (converted to modern refrigerant, a not-cheap process). It’s had tune-up parts and tires done already, so it also sounds like you could drive it home.
You’ll own one of about 200,000 such cars produced for the 1975 model year, but keep in mind that not many are left, and few are displayed. Collectors’ preferences being what they are, you’ll probably be greeted by a mixture of “Hey, that’s cool,” and “Why do they call it Mustang II?” Your job will be to educate your inquisitor as to the whole scope of Mustang history and the place in it of this handsome Ghia Coupe.
Very nice Mustang II. The colors are eye-catching and it looks to be in good condition. The Ghia models were particularly well-trimmed, especially inside. The 302 would be the preferred motor.
Count me firmly in the “legit” camp. Like Brian says, not many of these to be seen in excellent shape. There was a restored 76 Cobra II at a show I attended last weekend; it was sharp and I made sure to compliment the owner.
These were actually great looking cars aside from one problem, the wheel wells were too small. The hatchback fitted with enlarged wheel wells and flares along with 15″ wheels really wakes up the look, In my opinion, that is one of the best looks of the 70’s.
For the $ it’s not a bad dea at all if you like these cars.I’m in the zip ahead category.Never cared for these cars body style.If I remember correctly about 40 years ago I had to ch ange oil on one with a v8 at Firestone and I think I had to remove something to get access to the oil filter.I can’t quite remember it was so long ago.Glwts.
Love these. Very underrated. Get rid of the rustproofing and detail the rest of the engine compartment and you’ll get your asking price.
Glad it survived!
I had a ’78 4 spd V8 on a lease new, was a beautiful shade of red and it was good car.
I like the Guauge layout.
This looks like a BUY.
1974- That was a tough time for new car hi- performance enthusiasts but best time ever for buyers of used muscle from late 60’s. Very tired muscle, though.
Good Luck!
True Mustang enthusiasts embrace all Mustangs. Thank the govt. for forcing the car to be so anemic.
A buddy of mine had one of these with the 2.3 liter 4 cylinder/automatic combo and all options including AC. It was a complete laughably slow turd. I think it took 10 minutes to reach 60. But with the 302 it might be kind of fun. Not $15,000 worth fun, but fun
Just needs a little help from a Summit racing catalog,to build a little muscle
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DUNCAN ( damn Spell check)
the fox dates are wrong… foxes are 79 – 93
99% of SUVs and pick ups on every new car lot in the U.S. has an automatic transmission, there is absolutely nothing special about them.
Hobbling a collector car with a slush box takes the fun and uniqueness out of them.I love the Mustang II but a hard pass with an autobox.
Just because a car doesn’t have a standard shift doesn’t “hobble” it. Not everyone can drive a stick. There are all kinds of collector cars and all kinds of car people.
Except maybe for a reversed manual valvebody automatic,better than a standard anyday
Lovely looking Mustang II. It’s nice to see an original low mileage survivor. Given its very nice condition, I’d pay between $10k and its asking price of $15k.
These cars really wake up with basic bolt ons. Intake and carb, cam swap, distributor work, rear gear swap (nothing crazy), exhaust.
200hp I these light cars makes a quick little cruiser.
Nice car, just a little overpriced. Will not get me to leave Knoxville and get it.
When I was home one weekend from college I went a local Ford dealer and was going to buy a nice V8 Ghia MustangII. Money in hand and dealer insisted on waiting until Monday to give me the car (wanted to wash it). Went to another dealer a few miles away and left with a V8 Grenada Ghia (salesman washed the car and let me leave with it). Guess it was a slow week for him and he wanted to make the sale!
Would love to have this car and it is a bit pricey but hard to find in this condition. I’m retired now and have limited funds and suitable storage space worthy for this car. A worthy example!!
I am on the “Plus” side of the opinion gallery.
Where are you going to find one in good enough shape to do a restoration, for what the vendor is asking for this one ?
Do like Richard says, and do a mild cam swap to wake up the 302, maybe put a fuel injection kit on it, and make a decent fun cruiser out of it.
I can’t remember the last time I saw one of these Mustang II’s on the road in my area.
If I had a Lotto Winner’s bank balance, I would go for this in a heartbeat.
I already have a black Mustang II jacket, I bought from the Ford Parts Dept, I worked at in the early 1980’s hanging in my closet. Paid a whole $26.00 for it.
Ford’s Mistake! They all made one. The majority of front ends are on hot rods or DYI kit cars.
Fords mistake ? , They sold like hotcakes , far more than the larger 71-73 Mustangs , and in mustang sales sold more per year than the mid 60s versions. Mistake ? Not at all . It was the right car for the right time
It was the closest in concept to the original, for sure.
To refresh our memories, when they first came out with the 74, you could only get the 2.3 4 cylinder or the 2.8 V-6. In 74 neither of them had smog equipment. You could easily do the maintenance work. The Cologne V-6 needed valves adjusted about every 30 thousand miles or they would always have a ticking sound at idle and the 2.3 needed timing belts as they aged. The 302 arrived for 75 but ONLY in an Automatic. Ford didn’t put a 4 speed into it until sometime in the 76 model year. It was more fun with the stick. The automatic was a 3 speed. It was called “Select-Shift-Cruiseamatic” by Ford. Once you got to around 65 or 70, it really revved high. The stick helped to take that away. In 77/78 they had the popular black and chamois colored Ghia color combination. They also had a T-Top option, flip up/pop-out sunroof option. T-tops were only available on the hatchbacks. Other variations included the Mach-1, Cobra II, and King Cobra. In 76 there was a one year only model called the Stallion that was also available on the Pinto and Maverick. I worked part-time detailing cars at a Ford dealer then. I cleaned and drove many of the cars that are seen for sale on this sight at this dealer. . Any questions on these or other cars around that time, just post them.
you failed to mention the “RALLYE” edition. i bought new in 78.. hatchback, v8 4spd ttops staggered rear shocks black/gold paint houndstooth cloth seat inserts. i added 15″ bullet wheels to make it ride and look better.
I had a 1975 Ghia in a 4-speed. Wish I still had it.
Yes, that is correct. They came in black over gold and white over gold. The interiors had gold piping and nicer materials . This color scheme also was available on the 78 Bobcat. They added a little front chin spoiler to it. Thank you.
I had the Ghia , same interior but the exterior was silver. Loved it with the 302 in it. Shame I got hit head on and totaled it.
I purchased this Mustang II on eBay late last year. I could not be happier! Beautiful car and with some work, it now drives like a dream. Great to see this article. Thank you for posting.