V6 Throwback: 1976 Ford Mustang Cobra II

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When Ford introduced the Mustang II in 1974, it satisfied the need to get back to the car’s original roots and size. But it was largely an econobox that didn’t offer models with much performance for the buck. A small-block V8 returned in 1975 and the Cobra II in 1976, largely an appearance item that could be had with any engine choice. The seller’s 1976 Cobra II looks like a well-kept automobile that has stood the test of time. Found in Salem, Oregon, this Ford is available here on craigslist for $17,995. This tip is brought to us by Barn Finder Pat L.!

The Mustang II sold well between 1974-78, in part because it was the right car at the right time. It hit Ford showroom floors about the time the OPEC oil embargo struck in the Fall of 1973, causing temporary fuel shortages but longer-term higher gas prices, something the 1971-73 Mustang weren’t equipped to handle. Ford saw that the car lacked much in the way of pizzazz in 1974-75, so the Cobra II was offered as a package beginning in 1976.

The Cobra II offered no boost in performance but aided greatly in making the car look badass. It was intended to remind buyers of the 1960s Shelby Mustangs. Ford contracted with Motortown Corp. to convert some of its Mustang hatchbacks into the Cobra II. That transformation included wide-length stripes on the upward-facing portions of the car along with the sides, front and rear spoilers, rear quarter window louvers, fake hood scoop, and styled steel wheels. The Cobra II package only came in white w/blue stripes, blue w/white stripes, and black w/gold stripes. More than 25,000 of the cars were sold in 1976, many of them painted like the seller’s Mustang.

This Cobra II has a V6 engine, the middle ground in Mustang powerplants in ’76. At 96,000 miles, it looks to have been pampered some and doesn’t appear to have any mechanical or cosmetic issues requiring attention. The V6 is paired with a 4-speed manual transmission and the car has only had two owners over its 46 years. While the Ford is currently wearing aftermarket wheels, the originals have been saved. While these cars are not the barn burners their 1960s counterparts were, this automobile might stir up interest at Cars & Coffee where the Mustang II seldom ventures.

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Comments

  1. Mikefromthehammer

    That 2.8 Cologne V6 made all of 104 BHP in 1976. This car would have been too slow to get out of its own way. lol

    Like 13
    • CraGuyNeil

      Clearly you don’t know the 70’s. LOL

      Like 12
  2. Bud Lee

    This car would look better with low profile wheels and tires . Skid the original boat anchor and fit any modern V6 in the engine bay . I don’t like the 4 lug hubs either . If you changed that you might as well put a modern V8 in it . And after all that it would be cheaper to buy a 67 Shelby .

    Like 4
  3. Greg B Greg BMember

    I think it’s cool and looks to be in very good condition. Only 2 owners. I bet it sells quickly! Fair asking price for today’s crazy high price market.

    Like 17
    • RC Graham

      Well, let’s see… A year ago, I bought a stunning 2000 Corvette convertible (manual transmission), with 31,000 miles on it from the 2nd owner, for $15,500. The man I bought it from was 77, and when he bought it in 2002, that owner was older still. I am 70. The car is getting pampered, as it has its whole life… or I could have 104 horses of rip snortin’ paint job and stripes – for $2500 more. I do not understand how 318 this, 350 2bbl that, and so many others are completely untethered from value.

      Like 7
      • Claudio

        You are sunshine !
        My love affair is also with a topless 2 seater
        I have a 2000 z3,an89 vette and am looking for a 2000 as yours
        Will be turning 60 this summer and you bring optimism that i have a few good years left to bend down and drive with a smile
        Stay healthy
        Yolo

        Like 4
      • RC Graham

        Claudio – I have driven a Z3 that my brother leased for a year (at the time, he worked for BMW). Have to say, I was impressed with how well-balanced it was. I’ve always wanted a Z8, but don’t have that kind of George hanging around (to spend on a car).

        This is my 6th Corvette, and I dare say it will be my last. They are just great cars, no?

        You stay healthy, too.

        Like 3
    • PRA4SNW

      Comparing pricing between 2 completely different cars is like comparing an apple to an orange.
      Obviously, a dime a dozen Corvette is what appeals to you. This car obviously appeals to a completely different person. Someone will buy this car, and that person will have a unique ride that will cause heads to turn.

      Like 6
      • Claudio

        The price comparing was based on the buying price of the turd and the money and time that must be poured into it

        As for having people watch me while i drive by , if i could have an invisible one , i would be as happy
        I get my fun with the driving , handling ,speeding and braking , i dont do the still parking thing anymore
        Been there, done that

        Being looked at doesn’t mean that its good
        You can have a turd and people will look at it but not want to pay for it

        Yolo

        Like 3
  4. StanMember

    The stout 3.7L ford/mazda 🌀 cyclone V6 would make a heck of a swap in here. 300hp/280ft/tq

    Like 11
    • RC Graham

      That might indeed wake up this Rip Van Winkle. Lotta money and time, though. If you give him his $18K, you’d be pushing $30,000 or better, all in.

      Like 2
      • Claudio

        Rc
        I agree on the z8 , same here

        Having spent a lot of money on improving certain cars and being unsatified from the results and time spent , dealing with less than honest dream merchants , i came to the conclusion ( better late than never) that the corvette offers great bang for the buck and if well bought , does not lose much $in time

        My 89 vette is underpowered but does everything perfectly for a lot less than my boxster did
        Has 46k kilometers
        I didn’t lose on the porsche and i wont on the vette
        With money in hand , i am looking at the ads for a c5 and will jump on the right occasion but prices have climbed

        You live , you learn
        Drop the top
        Buckle up and
        Hang on

        Yolo

        Like 3
      • RC Graham

        Claudio – Couldn’t have said it better. You and I are kindred spirits. Your ’89 doesn’t take much to wake it right up, either. I’ve always said that spooks (yes, that’s what a chin spoiler is called, so deal), spoilers, paint and stripes don’t make a vehicle any hotter. I liken them to a gun fighter with a cap pistol, or a kid playing air guitar.

        Like 2
  5. Claudio

    With such neck snapping acceleration, the new owner will need a free weekly pass at the chiropractor…

    Like 7
  6. Chris

    At least the V-6 is backed up by the manual tranny which should help get the most out of it. I had a ‘79 Mustang with the 2.8 in it with the automatic. The previous owner(s) must’ve dogged it out good. It had no power at all. My buddy beat me with his mom’s ‘83 V-6 Malibu wagon!

    Like 8
  7. Chris In Australia

    A sad, pathetic Pinto in a party frock.

    Like 8
    • Sam Shive

      Mustang II never was and never will be a Pinto. Stay in the land down under.

      Like 6
  8. MikeB

    One of the true low points in U.S. auto production. One of the very best examples of lipstick on a pig.

    Like 9
    • Rc Graham

      Piglet…

      Like 1
  9. Nick

    Looks like no AC?

    Like 1
  10. trav66

    Yea, Alex, I’ll take the red one (posted earlier) with a factory 302 and low miles for $5500 please! With close to 100k miles, this v-6 has some problems looming. This is a sharp M2 but not $18k worth. Just my .02 cents.

    Like 3
  11. Bob_in_TN Bob_in_TNMember

    Looks pretty good, I like it. Values on these are rising, maybe not to this level, but they are rising. Remember, it was the 70’s, this is what was available. One can attempt to tie it to the Pinto, but beyond drivetrains and items which were common across all FoMoCo lines, it has very little in common with the Pinto.

    Like 10
    • Rc Graham

      Nope. The opposite of a sleeper is a Cobra 427 SC.

      This is a snoozefest.

      Like 2
  12. Dan

    What’s the opposite of a sleeper? A waker? This is it!

    Like 4
  13. chrlsful

    liked the Windsor’n Lima. Too bad they never had the Essex. Bud hada ’74 I think (met him in ’78). Forgot the motor but the rest was identical looking to this. He sure liked it.

    Like 0
    • RC Graham

      You just said it all, my friend. NOBODY ever forgets a Hemi, 440+6, 427 Chevy (any flavor from Tri-power to L-88), Stage 1 (or II) Buick, CobraJet anything, 390 or 427 Ford, Ram Air II, or IV or SD Poncho, W-30 Olds 455, among many stellar others. You have summed this car perfectly. Forgettable (without a heart transplant and supporting chassis, suspension, rear end and transmission mods).

      Like 1
  14. Sam Shive

    The only thing I see missing is a Blonde named Farrell sitting on the hood. Wouldn’t take much to put a 302 in the engine bay and it’s game on.

    Like 0
  15. Blackcat

    Er, Sam, I think you meant “Farrah”?

    Like 1
  16. Nikoli sleznicki

    comparing a 2000 vette and a mustang that’s 24 years older is why it cost more. There are tens of thousands of 2000 vettes still available, it’s a car that’s only 22 years old. Compared to a mustang that’s almost 50 years old, not quite as many of those left on the road. So regardless, slow turd or no turd that’s how supply and demand works.

    Like 0

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