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Thread: Ford Mustang (2nd gen) 1974-1978

  1. #1
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    Ford Mustang (2nd gen) 1974-1978

    Second generation (1974–1978)

    Lee Iacocca, who had been one of the forces behind the original Mustang, became President of Ford Motor Company in 1970 and ordered a smaller, more fuel-efficient Mustang for 1974. Initially it was to be based on the Ford Maverick, but ultimately was based on the Ford Pinto subcompact.

    The new model, called the "Mustang II", was introduced two months before the first 1973 oil crisis, and its reduced size allowed it to compete against imported sports coupés such as the Japanese Toyota Celica and the European Ford Capri[citation needed] (then Ford-built in Germany and Britain, sold in U.S. by Mercury as a captive import car). First-year sales were 385,993 cars, compared with the original Mustang's twelve-month sales record of 418,812.

    Lee Iacocca wanted the new car, which returned the Mustang to its 1964 predecessor in size, shape, and overall styling, to be finished to a high standard, saying it should be "a little jewel." However not only was it smaller than the original car, but it was also heavier, owing to the addition of equipment needed to meet new U.S. emission and safety regulations. Performance was reduced, and despite the car's new handling and engineering features the galloping mustang emblem "became a less muscular steed that seemed to be cantering."

    The car was available in coupé and hatchback versions, including a "luxury" Ghia model designed by Ford's rececently acquired Ghia of Italy. Changes introduced in 1975 included reinstatement of the 302 CID V8 option (after being without a V8 option for the 1974 model year) and availability of an economy option called the "MPG Stallion". Other changes in appearance and performance came with a "Cobra II" version in 1976 & 1977 and a "King Cobra" in 1978.

    Mustang past and future
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    Last edited by Man of Steel; 08-23-2019 at 11:19 PM.
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    Ford Mustang 2nd gen #2
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    Last edited by Duell; 11-20-2012 at 08:35 AM.
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    Ford Mustang 2nd gen #3
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    Last edited by Man of Steel; 11-07-2019 at 01:55 PM.
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    Ford Mustang 2nd gen #4
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    Last edited by Man of Steel; 11-07-2019 at 01:55 PM.

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    The seventies #5
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    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

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    The long hood and short reaar deck seen here and in personal luxury cars is one of the biggest sins of automotive design re: proportions.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Kitdy View Post
    The long hood and short reaar deck seen here and in personal luxury cars is one of the biggest sins of automotive design re: proportions.
    Those are actually the classic sportscar proportions.
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
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    Yeah but this rear deck seems particularilly abrupt. Also, the sharp angles in American cars of the malaise era may make it even worse.

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    So many folks want to bash these years of the Mustang, but if it had not been for this car continuing the tradition and the badge of the Ford Mustang, this brand would have died out just like the Camaro and the Trans-Am did!! Looking back these cars don't look so good or seem dated, but for the timeframe, this new body style and fuel efficient sports car was exactly what America needed My $0.02

    I for one am a BIG Mustang fan and even though this style 1974-78 is not high on my list of Mustangs to own, I am glad that Iacocca kept the tradition alive!!

    Thanks for the post.
    Thanks, Joe

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    Post #5, fourth pic.

    Maybe the baest looking car in the world. Maybe.
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

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    Surely a King Cobra with T-Tops is better.

    I always figured you as a late-'70s Mopar type, though.
    "Kimi, can you improve on your [race] finish?"
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    The Chrysler Cordoba is indeed a great automobile but this might just top it.

    It is close though.
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

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    Quote Originally Posted by Ferrer View Post
    Post #5, fourth pic.

    Maybe the baest looking car in the world. Maybe.
    This was the model that barely could put out 90 HP.

    Really a disgrace of the great muscle car period with these 'wild' looks but sad output figures.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Man of Steel View Post
    This was the model that barely could put out 90 HP.

    Really a disgrace of the great muscle car period with these 'wild' looks but sad output figures.
    I think you are failing to grasp the genius and brilliance of this car.

    It was that desperately slow so you'd have more time to admire the graphics as it went by.
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

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    Ah OK, it was a clever marketing trick. How stupid of me

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