No matter how many hearts the original Mustang II broke when it came out, there’s still a sense of excitement around unearthing anything with the iconic Cobra badges on it. It’s amazing how we associate the white body with the blue stripes (or vice versa) with being iconic muscle car colors, even when you find them on one of the more disappointing factory hot rods ever made. This Cobra II is actually optioned exactly the way you want to find one of these, with the preferred 302 V8 paired to a four-speed manual transmission. It has just 55,000 original miles on it and is listed here on craigslist on Long Island for $16,000.
The Mustang Cobra II wears Maine plates in the photos, and I can see an older gentleman in the background. I doubt highly that the seller paid $16K for this car when he picked it up; heck, he may have paid well under $10,000 given how much this era of Mustang has been maligned by enthusiasts. But these were decent performers when equipped with the 302, and as the seller notes, relatively few came this way, especially when wearing the elusive Cobra trim. By his calculations and that of the Marti report, just 327 Cobra IIs came in this color scheme and obviously even fewer came with these colors and the 302/four-speed combo.
Despite residing in Maine, the body is said to be in very good condition aside from some paint chips. I would love to see this one get detailed by the likes of AMMO NYC as I’ll bet it will come back to life with a vengeance. The interior is in excellent shape for a car parked since 1991 and looks every bit of a low mileage example. With under 60,000 miles, this Cobra II certainly benefits in this regard from going into long-term storage in the early 90s, but it does make you wonder how many mechanical systems have perished in the meantime. Fortunately, the seller reports that the Cobra does turn over and that “…everything comes right on with the key.”
Many Cobras were pillaged for their 302 powerplants, along with suspension components and other bits that bolted onto various Ford products. Seeing a real-deal Cobra II this complete is a rare sight these days, and you have to love seeing the original decals and plates still intact under the hood. The seller hasn’t performed an extensive refresh of the car but does plan to drop the gas tank soon to clean out the fuel system. The seller reports this Cobra II is also equipped with factory air conditioning, so it checks a lot of boxes: V8 / 4-speed combo; low mileage; desirable options; and seemingly, no major rot. The asking price is strong but I suspect the seller has some flexibility in that number.
For Mustang II enthusiasts, this looks like an excellent find. Like Jeff says, give this car a thorough detailing and clean-up, and bring it back to mechanical health. With the 302 4-speed, you would have a fun and entertaining little car.
Despite its less-than-universally-loved status, it was a product of its times, and a rather successful one at that. Take it to a car show and be prepared to listen to people reminiscing about the Mustang II they had. And be patient when they regale you about watching Charlie’s Angels.
If you really like Mustang II’s, the Mustang II Reunion VIII will be held in conjunction with the Mustang Club of America show in Indianapolis July 27-30. There you will see dozens of II’s, including stock, restored, and restomodded examples.
Farrah Fawcet not included, although a life size poster cutout would a great car show prop.
Dozens ? Lol…
I don’t know about seeing dozens at the reunion. Last year it was just barely over one dozen, and with location being almost same spot I don’t see that changing as the Southeast and Northwest won’t be attending. This billboard cobra is a good find regardless, and all my IIs get tons of attention when I take them to show.
I bought a 1975 Mustang ll ,Mach l , it had a 302 no AC . I don’t believe they had a Cobra II in 1975. I put a 500 cfm Holley 2 barrel on it. I trophy raced at North Star drag strip in Blaine Minnesota. I had a bunch of trophy. I burned the tread off the tire on three 3 sets of the Uniroyal Tiger Paw tires. Sticker was a little over 5 grand then . I paid $3900 at Midway Ford Saint Paul Minnesota.
It seems the Mustang II is starting to develop a bit of momentum in the collector car world. A bit, let’s not carried away!
A wash & wax, some Gunk engine Brite, vinyl cleaner and a shop vac, along with a few Meguiar’s products and the seller could expect to get a lot closer to the asking price.
Ten years ago? A pristine Cobra II couldn’t top $10k. And, if you want to talk about “most disappointing muscle car?” You can’t forget the Turbo Trans Am. The Mustang II was designed to be an economy car. Not a performance car. Ford should have never put the Cobra, or the Mach 1 name on these cars. Just my two cents.
The wife bought a 78 Cobra ll brand new just like this one. I worked nights she worked days. I would go to leave for work and my 78 F-150 4×4 would be gone so I would take her Mustang and do donuts in the parking lot at work.
I wanted one back in the day when I was to young to drive it simply because of Charlie’s Angles TV show but now not so much
They did have some good angles…Charlie’s Angels, that is.
Cut up those bumpers and tuck them way in, then you could have a pretty decent looking car!
Buddy in high school had a ’76, but it was the orange/red Cobra graphics, and a 302 with a C4. Fun, quick little car at the Saturday night street races.
oops, ’78 is what his was if I recall, not a ’76.
I picked up a 78 King Cobra a few years ago and had a shop replace all the brakes, fuel system, steering and suspension except for the springs. I told them to prime the oil by pulling the distributor which they didn’t do so it’s making some noise and probably needs rebuilding. I’m going to try some additives first. Only has a little over 70000mi but does have some surface rust. Paid $2500. Original owner was a friend of my wifes. We had looked at one on the showroom floor when they were new.
Roy
Guy at my high school bought one of these brand new, installed headers, cam, manifold and carb and it went surprisingly well. Any of these around that are in half decent shape are only going to increase in value, they’re not making any more of them. Do yourself a favour and search the Sudden Death Mustang II, you’ll enjoy the stories, trust me. :)
I purchased my 1976 white with blue stripe new Nov. 1975 and still enjoy the drive .Rebuilt 302 7 years ago @ 132,000 miles with flat top pistons bored 60 over mild cam headers 600 holley added 14 inch chrome wheels .
gone.
Nice looking car. I’ve always loved the Ford Mustang II. I hope whoever buys this example cleans it up and enjoys the car. Given its condition, I’d pay around $10,000.