The Ford Mustang was the right car at the right time on at least two occasions. The first was when it was introduced in 1964 and the market was ripe for a sporty compact. The second was 10 years later when the car was reinvented to be smaller and more economical, just as the OPEC oil embargo came along. This 1978 Mustang II is a survivor that runs well, although it does show it’s aged somewhat cosmetically. Located in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, this reinvented pony car is available here on eBay where only the opening bid of $2,500 has been submitted.
To say the original Mustang was a success would be an understatement. Between 1964 and 1966, the relatively unchanged car sold more than 1.3 million copies. But as competition rolled in and the Mustang grew larger and heavier, sales slowly fell off, signaling that big changes were needed. And that is what happened for the 1974 model year, when the auto shrunk in size, lost hundreds of pounds in weight, and used a 4-cylinder engine, making it sort of a sporty Pinto (instead of a sporty Falcon). Sales rebounded, though not to their heyday levels in the mid-1960s and the Mustang II was in business through 1978.
Other than a repaint back in the day, this Ford is largely an original car (except for repairs and maintenance). There appears to be no rust other than some of the typical surface variety on the undercarriage. The black finish does have a few issues, but the seller thinks they can be detailed out. The interior is certainly passable, although the upholstery on the driver’s seat needs repair and the carpeting is mostly faded out.
The 2.3 liter inline-4 has been treated to a recent tune-up at 106,500 miles. The carburetor may need a rebuild and a kit to do that is coming with the deal. The motor is solid with a compression test coming in at 130 PSI in each of the cylinders. The Mustang has a 4-speed manual transmission, and it shifts as it’s supposed to. The car leaks a bit of gas when full and the seller believes the fuel filler neck/hose needs to be replaced (or you can run it at below ¾ full!). If you’re a Mustang fan but don’t have the funds for an early first-generation model, what about this “cheap wheels” edition?
The too short wheelbase and the long front and rear overhang are a design style that this car can never change unfortunately. Some might say it’s a fatal flaw
You know, I never realized how excessive that is on them.. nightmare for handling, the 302 “Cobra”version was not much better in that dpt.
What’s crazy is that many cars from previous eras had the wheels towards the ends and also out towards the edges in a wide track style. So it’s not like it wasn’t done before. This car always looked like the body was placed on the wrong chassis giving it a frumpy unbalanced look
On the contrary the Mustang II (and Pinto) suspension was sought after by hot rodders for it’s superior handling characteristics for the day. Independant upper and lowers, rack and pinion steering, disc brakes. More like dream handling than a nightmare. There are still aftermarket offerings of Mustang II based suspensions.
Indeed, these were the “gold standard” for hot rodders. I worked a wrecking yard when these were everywhere. I bought everyone I could get and usually the rack and other suspension stuff was gone within a week. I like these and did back then. Many drove them without issue. The average vehicle life was 8 to 12 years no matter how nice and unlike today, folks didn’t pay on them for a decade. If I were in the market for a daily. this would do nicely but my current daily is an 84 Carolla, so it will be a while before I trade off as it is relatively new to my fleet. I made lots of cash back then off these but they did rust and the rubber over steel bumpers turned to crap.
The overhangs are awkward and the tiny wheels don’t help. 15″ wheels would make a huge visual difference, but it’s still overstyled for its proportions.
Nice little Mustang. A great starter car for someone getting into the hobby.
Perfect sleeper with LS..
Nice very basic Mustang II. Just clean it up and upgrade it here and there, and drive it. Enjoy all the fun comments it will generate.
My Dad had one of these with the 4 banger 4 speed as well. My brother and I took it out one night and tore up the neighborhood, banging gears and loving life. Pulled into home with the local PD pulling in right behind us. LOL.
He just told us to knock it off fortunately.
Good times.
Nice shape and nicely equipped base mustang II. Would benefit from a detailing inside and some wheels outside. Isn’t the 2300 a buildable motor? Might not be bad to have a hot shot little 4-cylinder to zip around in.
Probably the worst thing a car builder did to an established name like Mustang. They did it last year by naming their new electric car Mustang. Only thing I’ll give Ford is the electric car is a good looking car, only the name is wrong.
Actually nice little starter project. I’m thinking an Offenhauser intake or a Sniper EFI for a little extra oomph.
I’m sure someone with more knowledge can chime in
I’d think about swapping in the Turbo 2.3L from either an SVO Mustang or a T-Bird Turbo Coupe. It’s the same 2.3L mill, but with upgraded internal parts to handle forced induction. A more difficult swap would be to replace the 2.3L with a Eco-Boost 2.3L mill. Another option would be the 302/5.0L V8, as the 302 was the optional engine for this car. Source one from a wrecked Mustang or buy a crate motor.
Underside photos not sure if that is a brake line or fuel line but its about to have a leak, otherwise looks to be a ok car and so far its not stupid money for what it is
Lovely looking car. I’ve always loved the Ford Mustang II. My favourite body style is this coupe. I know it’s not for everyone. Some may think of the Pinto mechanicals and say “Hell no! I ain’t buying that!” As long as it runs and drives and everything works like they should, I don’t care what’s underneath the body.