Vehicle Description
1976 Ford Mustang II Coupe
The Mustang II was produced from 1974 to 1978. The short yet
impactful second generation Mustang always sparks plenty of
passionate debates and varying emotions amongst the muscle car
community. Sandwiched between the first and longest generations,
the Ford Mustang II represented a transitional period for one of
the best selling cars in the United States and a crossroads for one
of the largest American automotive manufacturers in the world. "The
Mustang market never left us," Lee Iacocca, father of the original
Mustang, often said, "we left it.". In December 1970, as Ford's new
president, Iacocca ordered a smaller, trimmer Mustang for the 1974
model year. Love it or hate it, the Mustang II is part of Blue Oval
history and is here to stay.
For consignment, a 1976 Ford Mustang II coupe. They don't come up
for sale often and as it happens, their collectability is ticking
upwards due in part to their notoriety in Mustang lore. This one
has been the recipient of some new parts, inside and out, and is a
well sorted version of a mid 70's Mustang.
Note: Due to modifications of the emissions control devices
installed by the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and
federal laws to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on
public highways in your area
Exterior
Sure, Farrah's car was a Cobra II with blue stripes, but it was
Polar White, just like this car! A front air dam and hood pins hint
that modifications might be in play here, but we'll find that out
later. For now, a black hood scoop matches the black wing on the
back and combined with the 15-inch Magnum 500 wheels, give this
Mustang a racy look. Visible traction bars, larger than stock
exhaust tips, and red molding below the beltline add to the
presumption of speed. The grille, hardware, bezels, and glass all
look great and the panel gaps are right on. Imperfections noted
include a few spots where someone got overzealous with a paint gun
and caused some drips, which dried mid stream. There's also a small
chunk of the air dam missing where it wraps around the fender.
Interior
During this era, it was not uncommon for Ford to splash the
interiors in a single color and dominate the materials with vinyl.
That's the case here in red, which begins on the simple door panels
that include a silver frame detail and running horse insignia. Red
vinyl also covers the front bucket seats that hint of sportiness
but prove to be soft. The driver's seat shows some wear with a tear
on the point of entry and a missing piece on the headrest. 2+2
style rear seats fare better while the red molded sidewalls, as red
does, have faded a bit with age and dryness revealing some
scratches. A rather pedestrian steering wheel with horn buttons on
the boomerang shaped central spoke is also in red. Faux wood trim
covers the gauge cluster which is modest and contains a tachometer
and speedometer in the center with Fuel, Alt, and Temp to the
right. Lower down, A/C controls are to the left of the wheel and an
AM/FM radio is to the right. A standard Ford T-handle shifter is
floor mounted and chrome, set in black base with gear indicator.
New red carpet covers the floor, and the red headliner shows a bit
of sag but is intact, as are the sun visors. Red carpet covers the
trunk and the spare tire that's in there, looking clean.
Drivetrain
A 302ci V8 is under the hood fed by a Demon 625cfm 4-barrel
carburetor on top of an Edelbrock intake manifold. Ah...some
modifications! The C4 3-speed automatic is the transmission
underfoot which sends power to the Ford 8" rear. Power disc brakes
reside in the front while power drums live out back. Electronic
ignition has been added as well as a few dress up items in the
engine bay, including chrome Ford Racing valve covers and air
element cap. Beyond that, the engine is visually stock and driver
quality.
Undercarriage
Some goodies under here as the consignor states a new gas tank has
been added and custom dual exhaust that travels from the engine and
enters a single FlowMaster muffler, then exit via dual chrome tips.
The rest of the belly is relatively clean and dry with typical
surface rust on floor pans and components. Suspension includes the
renowned Mustang II front end and leaf springs in the rear with
yellow traction bars attached. We note the catalytic converter has
been removed.
Drive-Ability
Crank the big carb and the car comes alive with an upgraded roar
from the bigger exhaust. By doubling the barrels in the carb, and
essentially straight piping the exhaust, the 302 realizes its
potential and might be putting out more than the factory rating of
134 horsepower. The car moves well and handles great, brakes with
confidence, and sounds great. Only the A/C and horn were not
working during our short test drive.
Are you going to tell me you don't comment when you see one of
these pull up at a car show? That's what we thought! They always
elicit a response and follow a long list of cars not originally
well received but now finding an audience and enthusiasts
following. The Mustang II might just be the poster car for malaise
period oddities we love to see!
6F02F240162
6-1976
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
02-Mustang II Notchback
F-302ci 2bbl V8
240162-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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