The second-generation Ford Mustang II was a return to the smaller Mustang. Over the previous decade, the first-gen cars had grown a lot, and just in time for the gas crunch and gas shortages of 1973. The seller has this 1978 Ford Mustang II King Cobra listed here on eBay in Bee Spring, Kentucky and bidders have driven the current bid price to $17,600.
The seller mentions that this Mustang II King Cobra is “all original” but then they list several changes, and you can see that the wheels aren’t factory-correct. That isn’t a bad thing at all but it’s either original or it’s not. I’m an original or restored-to-original-specs guy, in general, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate and like modified vehicles like this King Cobra. Maybe this is what this car should have been from the factory?
The Mustang II was made for the 1974 through 1978 model years and rather than originally being based on the Ford Falcon, they were somewhat based on the Pinto, at least parts of them were Pinto-related. It was reportedly less Pinto than the original Mustang was Falcon if that makes sense. That usually comes up in the comments so I thought I’d get it out of the way. The King Cobra model came during the final year, 1978, but I have to wonder if the Mustang II would have gotten more love if they had offered a V8 sooner?
The condition of this car appears to be outstanding inside and out – even the underside. The seller says that it’s wearing its original paint and Ford refers to the King Cobra package as being “the ultimate macho look”. The interior looks to be in excellent condition and the red Ashton cloth and vinyl seats look like new front and rear. The rear cargo area under the hatchback also appears to be spotless. The seller has provided a video here on YouTube.
The engine in Ford’s King Cobra version of the Mustang II would have been a Ford 302 cubic-inch Windsor which had just under 140-hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. The seller lists a few modifications, including an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor and intake manifold, and electronic ignition. With 63,000 miles, they say that it’s ready to hit the road. Hagerty is at $21,900 for a #3 good condition car and $29,000 for a #2 excellent car. Are there any Mustang II King Cobra fans out there?
Nice Cobra II. The mods are well-done and tasteful. Air conditioning and manual transmission are plusses. As you note Scotty, the connection to the Pinto is very slim. Prices for these are moving up handsomely.
Yes I have a King Cobra 11 V-8 C-4 Tran only mod Poss Rear End Doual Exhausted ,recoat in side gas tank . He has a Beautiful Wild Mustang 🐎. Keep it. Need extra wind shields ,door glasses Grill’s .
You could get a 302 in the deuce, in 1975.
Always liked these and I’ve seen some with 302’s that have been build. A friend had one that made a believer out of a lot of people.
Modified Original???
I see 2 cat converters underneath – i believe the car orig came with just one – wonder which of the 2 is the original one. Wonder if you could get by w/o mufflers, like on the Macho t/a with just 2 cats.
Sure looks much better with the 15 inch wheels vs the orig 13s!
You can get by with 2 mufflers and no cats.
I really like this. I’m of the mind that it would fairly little changes to up the performance. It seems that the seller did some nice mode to make this car a mildly better performer. I know Mustang purists hate this generation. However this saved the nameplate. I think that more people will wake up to these as fairly inexpensive platforms to mod. Fox Bodies are already skyrocketing in value
Lovely looking car. I’ve always liked the Mustang II. I don’t get why the Mustang II isn’t popular among Mustang enthusiasts. So it’s not the muscle car that came before it, so what? I’d buy a Mustang II if I could find a decent example.
I’m still trying to figure out why the ’79 & its gen were so popular. It looked like it was based on the Fairmont, of all cars,
Compared to the ’74-78, the ’79 lost the nice body curves & frameless glass.
& had a cheaper looking interior. & IMO too high a roof & too much glass.
Not to mention the ugly cheap door mirrors on the ’79 that replaced the very kewl racing mirrors of ’69-78.
Well, it WAS based on the Fairmont, so… call it family history. The original Mustang was based on the Falcon, the II had its roots in the Pinto, and the Fox Mustangs were derived from the Fairmont. Silk purses from sow’s ears.
Love this car. Many Mustang purists (read: elitists, IMO) rate the Mustang II only slightly above the Mach E. But the Mustang II saved the Mustang from the likelihood of cancelation altogether, and outsold the last two model years prior its introduction IIRC. The Cobra II option added some visual “oomph”. But I thought the addition of the air dam on the King really gave it a more muscular appearance. I’d buy this thing in a heartbeat had I the cash.
I love Mustang IIs but not the be-spoiled and stickered ones. My dream would be a plain coupe with a ecoboost 2.3 and 5-speed. Light, fast, fun and decent MPG’s.
Sorry excuse for a Mustang! Always have and always will be!
Bid up to $25,201. 57 bids.
Thanks, Bob! I never would have guessed that it wouldn’t sell for $25,201.