Many say the First Generation Mustang was the right car at the right time, and that sales success was almost guaranteed. Although it has been criticized, the Mustang II shares that trait. Its release coincided with the Oil Crisis and fuel rationing, making the four-cylinder version extremely popular. This Mustang II emerged in 1977, and it is begging for TLC. The seller has replaced many parts and included additional mechanical components for the winning bidder to install, ensuring the car is in tip-top mechanical shape. They have listed this classic here on eBay in El Dorado, Arkansas. Bidding sits at $2,500 in a No Reserve auction.
Ford returned to its pony car roots with the Mustang II. Its predecessor had grown significantly during its production life, and the last cars weren’t as light or as lithe as the earlier examples. The Mustang II’s dimensions were much closer to the original Mustang than many people realize, and sales success followed. Volumes dropped from the 1974 peak. Still, with 153,173 buyers taking one home in 1977, its showroom performance was respectable. Our featured Mustang II is the base 2+2, which found favor with 49,161 customers. It would have been a sweet little thing in its prime, and its Bright Red paint was shining. Those days may seem far behind it, but we must delve deeper to unearth its potential. Wherever the paint has worn away, surface corrosion has developed. However, the seller states that penetrating rust is limited to the rear hatch and the battery tray. Otherwise, this beauty is rock-solid. The corrosion means that stripping the exterior to bare metal would be wise, but if the buyer is into DIY, that won’t cost a fortune. The trim should look nice once cleaned and polished, and the glass is clear. The first owner’s decision to order this classic with optional forged aluminum wheels enhances its visual appeal.
Ford wanted to give even the most basic 1977 Mustang II a sporting feel, and a faux aluminum dash fascia, a factory tachometer, and a sports wheel helped convey that impression. This baby also left the line with air conditioning, although the seller confirms that a previous owner removed most of its components. The interior needs as much love as the exterior, exhibiting wear and overall deterioration. The carpet is faded, but if the winning bidder replaced the carpet and threw slipcovers over the seats, it would look quite presentable. The seller replaced the driver’s side door rubber, window rubber, and window tracks. They haven’t done the passenger side, but will include the parts for the buyer to fit.
If you hoped to lift this classic’s hood to discover a V8 that will pin you in your seat, you’ve come to the wrong place…big-time. This Mustang II features the 2.3-liter Pinto four, teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The motor will only generate 89hp and 120 ft/lbs of torque, meaning it will struggle to break the 20-second barrier for the ¼-mile. Still, there’s plenty of good news. The seller has replaced almost the entire braking system, wheel bearings, steering components, tires, the fuel tank, and the hoses and belts. That’s a respectable list, but it doesn’t end there. The sale also includes new motor and transmission mounts, a new steering rack, power steering hoses, and a few sundry parts. The buyer can install these items, and while the Mustang II is roadworthy and runs and drives well, they’ll improve the situation.
The original Mustang was a winning formula, letting customers get behind the wheel of a car with stunning styling that was affordable if they were willing to compromise on outright performance. The story of the Mustang II was slightly different, as manufacturers spent the 1970s battling emission regulations while trying to improve fuel economy. Its styling drew criticism, with one journalist describing it as a caricature of the original Mustang that looked like Warner Brothers had drawn it. The Mustang II remained in the wilderness for decades, but it has recently “found its legs” in the classic market. Values have climbed strongly during the past three years, and there is no evidence that the trend is slowing. So buying now could be a wise move, though I hasten to add that purchasing a vehicle as an investment is always risky. This Mustang II has received a single bid, and the listing statistics suggest the action won’t become too intense. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you, or can’t you warm to a four-cylinder pony car?
The only thing that Might have made this interesting, AC, is long gone: so with that 3 speed auto and 88HP it’s a firm ‘NO’ for me,…
Best of luck to the seller.