Ford Mustang II photos

1974 — 1978 · hatchback, coupe

photos

specifications

89–139

Photos

Ford Mustang II, coupe, black, front three-quarter view — photo 17789

1978 year A black sports coupe featuring an orange cobra emblem graphic on the hood, T-top glass roof panels, and orange pinstriping. Shot in a studio setting from a front three-quarter angle.

About this generation

The second-generation Mustang adapted the iconic nameplate to the realities of the 1970s fuel crisis.

Introduced in late 1973 for the 1974 model year, the Mustang II was developed in direct response to strict emissions standards and skyrocketing oil prices. Built on a downsized subcompact platform derived from the Ford Pinto, the car saw significant reductions in length and overall weight. It was offered as a notchback coupe and a three-door hatchback, emphasizing fuel efficiency and functional compact dimensions for daily urban commutes.

Engine offerings began with a 2.3-liter inline-four, supplemented by an optional V6 and the return of the 5.0-liter Windsor V8 in 1975 to satisfy performance enthusiasts. Visual performance packages like the King Cobra and Cobra II kept motorsport aesthetic alive. Despite criticism from traditional muscle car enthusiasts regarding reduced speed, the Mustang II was a commercial triumph with over 1.1 million sales. The lasting engineering impact of this generation remains a key benchmark in Ford's global model evolution history.

Specifications

12 in 2 body styles

Coupe 6 specifications

4445 mm175.0 in

Length

1783 mm70.2 in

Width

1267 mm49.9 in

Height

2443 mm96.2 in

Wheelbase

Petrol

2.3

89hp(66 kW)

2.3 l 4-speed manual RWD

Torque: 155 Nm (114 lb-ft)
Displacement: 2301 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: Lima 2.3
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1205 kg (2657 lb)
Fuel tank: 63 l (16.5 gal US)

2.3

89hp(66 kW)

2.3 l 3-speed automatic RWD

Torque: 155 Nm (114 lb-ft)
Displacement: 2301 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: Lima 2.3
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1225 kg (2701 lb)
Fuel tank: 63 l (16.5 gal US)

2.8 V6

103hp(77 kW)

2.8 l 4-speed manual RWD

Torque: 194 Nm (143 lb-ft)
Displacement: 2792 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: Cologne 2.8
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1270 kg (2800 lb)
Fuel tank: 63 l (16.5 gal US)

2.8 V6

103hp(77 kW)

2.8 l 3-speed automatic RWD

Torque: 194 Nm (143 lb-ft)
Displacement: 2792 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: Cologne 2.8
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1290 kg (2844 lb)
Fuel tank: 63 l (16.5 gal US)

5.0 V8

139hp(104 kW)

4.9 l 4-speed manual RWD

1976–1978

Torque: 339 Nm (250 lb-ft)
Displacement: 4942 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: Windsor 302
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1395 kg (3075 lb)
Fuel tank: 63 l (16.5 gal US)

5.0 V8

139hp(104 kW)

4.9 l 3-speed automatic RWD

1975–1978

Torque: 339 Nm (250 lb-ft)
Displacement: 4942 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: Windsor 302
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1415 kg (3120 lb)
Fuel tank: 63 l (16.5 gal US)

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Hatchback 6 specifications

4445 mm175.0 in

Length

1783 mm70.2 in

Width

1270 mm50.0 in

Height

2443 mm96.2 in

Wheelbase

Petrol

2.3

89hp(66 kW)

2.3 l 4-speed manual RWD

Torque: 155 Nm (114 lb-ft)
Displacement: 2301 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: Lima 2.3
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1235 kg (2723 lb)
Fuel tank: 63 l (16.5 gal US)

2.3

89hp(66 kW)

2.3 l 3-speed automatic RWD

Torque: 155 Nm (114 lb-ft)
Displacement: 2301 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: Lima 2.3
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1255 kg (2767 lb)
Fuel tank: 63 l (16.5 gal US)

2.8 V6

103hp(77 kW)

2.8 l 4-speed manual RWD

Torque: 194 Nm (143 lb-ft)
Displacement: 2792 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: Cologne 2.8
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1300 kg (2866 lb)
Fuel tank: 63 l (16.5 gal US)

2.8 V6

103hp(77 kW)

2.8 l 3-speed automatic RWD

Torque: 194 Nm (143 lb-ft)
Displacement: 2792 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: Cologne 2.8
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1320 kg (2910 lb)
Fuel tank: 63 l (16.5 gal US)

5.0 V8

139hp(104 kW)

4.9 l 4-speed manual RWD

1976–1978

Torque: 339 Nm (250 lb-ft)
Displacement: 4942 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: Windsor 302
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1425 kg (3142 lb)
Fuel tank: 63 l (16.5 gal US)

5.0 V8

139hp(104 kW)

4.9 l 3-speed automatic RWD

1975–1978

Torque: 339 Nm (250 lb-ft)
Displacement: 4942 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: Windsor 302
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1445 kg (3186 lb)
Fuel tank: 63 l (16.5 gal US)

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