In the classic car world, we tend to love finding vehicles that are still in the care of their original owners, or one family owned. The reason for this wasn’t immediately obvious to me over the years, as I used to think it was just a better story. However, time and again, those cars that remain with a single caretaker for years at a time seem to almost always end up in better condition than similar examples that get horse-traded back and forth. This is not universal, of course, but it happens enough that you can see why cars like this 1978 Ford Mustang King Cobra listed here on Facebook Marketplace with single family ownership are so sought after.
The seller is asking $9,000 for this Mustang, which appears to retain all of the various bells and whistles that made the King Cobra a standout in a class of seriously underwhelming muscle cars. In the late 70s, we all know what was happening with regards to the onslaught of the Malaise Era: performance was suffering, and there didn’t appear to be an end in sight. The Pontiac Firebird was at least a breath of fresh air, with regards to its muscular image and loud appearance, and it certainly didn’t hurt that Smokey and the Bandit came out in 1978. The Mustang King Cobra was an attempt to grab some of the mindshare at the time with the help of a body kit, some flashy graphics, and a V8.
Of course, that V8 had a mere 140 horsepower from its 5.0L displacement, but when paired with a manual transmission, it at least looked and sounded the part. While the Mustang II era was one many Ford enthusiasts would prefer to leave behind for good, it did lead to better things with the introduction of the still-loved Fox Body. This particular Mustang II King Cobra looks very tidy inside and out, with seat upholstery in excellent condition and all of the various trim and cosmetic upgrades in place, including the three-spoke steering wheel, T-top roof panel, and factory radio. However, the seller notes that despite working on it for the last few years, it still has a few issues to work out which sound like they mainly stem for lack of use.
The heater core has been bypassed, and the seller notes he has held on to removed A/ C components – so despite being a factory A/C car, you’ll need to spend some time on that system to make it functional. The listing notes lots of fluid flushes, new brake lines, replaced cooling system hoses, a new steering rack, stater solenoid, and radiator, and a reference to “…multiple oil changes to flush the engine,” which is an interesting detail worth following up on. The overall condition of the exterior and the preserved state of the interior all suggest this Mustang was never left standing outside but it likely did see a few years (or more) of little to no active use. Do you think the asking price is fair for a one family-owned King Cobra like this?
Ok…. C’mon here….. What it this???? Super clean nice looking Mustang II day here on Barnfinds??? This is another one I’d love to have. The colors and rims on these look great together. I never quite understood why Ford only had a 2 barrel on their 302s back then? Was it an emissions thing? But anyways the 302 and a stick are a great combination. The only thing I’m leary of is the heater core and factory A/C issue. But other than that. I’d love to own this one too. I think it would look great next to the silver one on here a few cars down.
And yes, it was an emissions thing. (Not to mention cheaper production costs) I like this car too. The first thing I would do to this car would be to remove the very weak transmission and install a layer model T5 5 speed. Although I would be very tempted to just jerk the engine/transmission assembly and replace with a SFI 5.0 and T5 5 speed. That would just about double the horsepower ( or easily tripple with a few additional parts) AND double fuel economy. After that you would need to upgrade the brakes and suspension. Both of which is extremely easy on this car. The worst thing you would have to do is replace the wimpy rear differential. This car has a lower center of gravity than the ’79 on up Mustang and I believe about 300-500lbs less weight. I have been looking for one of these at a low price for awhile to play with. But do far have been unsuccessful.
Love these..and..to be fair…16.59 in the QM wasnt much slower than the 16.1 of the Z/28 with a larger engine,Neither could touch the Trans Am which was mid 15’s in 1978 with an even bigger engine..Nothing was fast then and they all gloriously displayed their plumage :P
In my state Antique tags mean no inspection. Can that 5.0 be built? Would assume so. Nicely optioned, good bit of work already done.
Not surprised its pending
Yes, a cam, headers and intake/carb would do wonders. But easier to swap in a 5.0 from a later Mustang. The only thing to remember is that you need to use the Mustang II oil pan, pump and pick-up. As the Mustang II uses a front sump pan. (And I believe a quart less oil capacty) You can still use a carburetor and aftermarket intake on the 5.0 engine. Just make sure that you don’t go too high on the intake height so that you don’t run into a hood clearance issue. The original manual gearboxes in these are notoriously weak. (Didn’t need to be strong for lack of horsepower) so a T5 gearbox needs to complete your horsepower improvement or a beefed up C4 automatic. I don’t think an AOD automatic will clear the transmission tunnel.
Love the colors, both inside and out, and the price is right! The few issues are easily fixed for short money, and I’m all in on upgrades to the intake and exhaust to restore what the EPA took away! With modern electronic engine controls, it will make more power and still be cleaner out the tailpipe than the original ’70’s technology would allow! GLWTS!
He should list it on BaT, he’d probably get twice for it lol.
Did Mustang II’s have a drop in gas tank like the Pinto? If so, that might be another necessary repair.
Looks like somebody loved spinning the tires on a gravel road with all the chipped paint on the rear quarter.
Ditto from an earlier post –One of my roommates in OK had the Cobra model of the Mustang II. It was all decked out with the 5.0, tape / stripes, etc. We swapped cars for a day, and I took this thing out for a ride. I pushed it hard, and almost rolled it on dirt road between Norman and Shawnee. Sloppy handling, way too much body roll, and anemic acceleration. It almost killed the marque, and I’ve had a 65′ C-code, a 71′ 351C rag -top and a 86′ SVO
“Thanks to PRA4SNW for submitting this to BF”.
There, I fixed this article.
LOL – so few of my submissions get featured anymore, gotta grab credit when I can.
I would love to own this one! I VOTE FOR KEEPING IT STOCK AS THE DAY IT CAME OUT OF THE FACTORY!
I see a split in the passenger seat. A blanket on the drivers is a warning, and those magazines in the back are probably hiding a tear, Paint is very tired.
The engine sounds good for the era. I don’t remember if this was a 2 or 4 barrel.
My buddy had one of these. It was pretty fun. Somehow, I was able to get in the back seat once in a while. That was probably 70lbs and 40 years ago…
Slam a 351W in that thing and jam!
Good idea, but if you do, upgrade the rear end to handle the extra torque of the 351, as the stock rear end isn’t the most robust unit in the world, LOL!
I agree Robert Atkinson Jr. Also, Elmo, a 351 Windsor takes up more room that the 5.0/302 as it is wider AND heavier. AND WOULD REQUIRE CUSTOM MADE HEADERS THAT BE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO FIT. (May require fender well headers) Also, remember that this uses a front sump oil pan. (And I believe a qt. less oil capacity. I suspect a custom made oil pan. (The 302 original pan barely fits!) So use a 5.0 bored out to 347. Just think of a 351 Windsor as a completely different engine that happens to use the same heads and valve train.
It’ll fit.
I would like to see good pictures! It will sure be tight! I’ve stuck a lot of engines where they don’t belong over the years.
Good luck!