This deserves more respect. At least it is still a mustang, much more of a mustang than a "mustang" mach e
@skaldlouiscyphre2453
3 жыл бұрын
Someday Mustang fans will be insisting the Mach-E was more of a real Mustang than their next least favourite Mustang.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Agreed.
@JeffDeWitt
3 жыл бұрын
@@skaldlouiscyphre2453 I doubt it, a four door Mexican SUV can never be a real Mustang.
@jsh454
3 жыл бұрын
I'm 68 years old and I can promise you that things change whether you like it or not. Those new fangled lights were never going to replace those whale oil lamps, were they? A car's name doesn't mean anything, except to people stupid enough to believe the car company's advertising.
@JeffDeWitt
3 жыл бұрын
@@jsh454 You're not that much older than me, and I know that cars names DO mean something, at least if a car has been built for decades. When a car has been built for over fifty years, as the Mustang has been, the name means something because it's got history and heritage. When an automaker decides to use that name for something else it lessens... cheapens the name. A prime example is the Cadillac Cimarron. That four wheeled disaster cheapened the Cadillac brand and I'm not sure it's ever really recovered.
@quicksilver1615
3 жыл бұрын
I loved my Mustang II. I had a 1978 Cobra II, with a 5.0 and a manual transmission. It was a fun car.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Of course it was.
@ksman9087
3 жыл бұрын
One thing about the Mustang II legacy: The "Mustang II type front suspension" is now considered as standard on almost all street rods.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Yes, no longer salvaged, but manufactured specifically for hot rods.
@jasonrodgers9063
3 жыл бұрын
True- but that's the ONLY thing!
@rustybritches6747
2 жыл бұрын
disc brakes in the front from the factory, rack and pinion steering, staggered rear shocks, small block drops right in, front and rear sway bars, great looking appearance at least on the cobra, great looking and feeling interior very simple and clean! bad things are the metal used to make them was garbage, the rear gas tank was offset which makes running do exhaust kind of a pain in the ass, the engine is offset, no aftermarket support for anything other than the engine as long as it's a 302 or small block, somewhat weak 8 in rear end! it has it's good and bad points but definitely didn't and doesn't deserve all the hate!
@MrCobra762
3 жыл бұрын
These cars have never gotten the respect they deserve. Great video. Bought my first one in 1982. Bicentennial white and blue '76 Cobra II. That package is still a head turner and now a classic. Still a chick magnet too. Handled like a dream and saved my ass many times, being able to stay on the roadway when my rowdy young lead foot got the best of me. The 4 cyl / 4 spd was under powered in that one though, especially choked down with all that new emissions crap, smog pump, and A/C to boot. If I remember correctly it was only rated at 95 hp from the factory. Rebuilt it with a new intake, carb, and a header with duals. Helped some but it was still a 4 banger... In about '86 I found a yellow and black '76 with the 2800 V-6 / 4 spd. Loved that car and it had a lot more power, but still great on gas mileage. Drove that car for over 200,000 miles with zero problems. All I did to it was new brakes, a Cobra II trim package and interior swap (from a black & gold '78), and custom dual exhaust. In '93 I found another white & blue Cobra with a V8 4 spd finally! Was built to the hilt, with bored block, older high compression heads, hi lift Crane cam, 600 Holly and Edelbrock intake, double roller timing chain, and headers -w- duals Thrush Turbo mufflers. Steel braided wires, lines, & hoses, and those black crinkle cut Cobra valve covers made it look really nice. Upgraded front and rear sway bars, Hurst shifter, all new carpet, headliner, and new paint job too. Don't listen to anyone saying those cars have no power, that beast was a screamer! Needs some body work now after a tree fell on it, but I still have all 3 of them and want to put the V6 and V8 cars back on the road one day. Next year will mark 40 years since I drove the first one. Love these cars! I just wish I could get my hands on one I can salvage the T top from and swap out.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Nice trifecta.
@devinthomure1567
2 жыл бұрын
You willing to sell one of those?
@ryanfgrantjr3009
3 жыл бұрын
I liked the Mustang II because Farrah Fawcett and Jaclyn Smith both drove these on "Charlie's Angels."
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
The sign of a true car guy, looking past Farrah Fawcett to see what she's driving.
@ryanfgrantjr3009
3 жыл бұрын
@@thehopelesscarguy Yeah, LOL, I guess you are right on. I also admired Kate Jackson's orange Julius in and out 76 Pinto Runabout with a swirly white stripe.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
@@ryanfgrantjr3009 See, now I have to go back and look. All I remember is Barnaby Jones getting a new LTD every year.
@HFX1955
3 жыл бұрын
@@thehopelesscarguy Or Frank Cannon with his block long Lincoln Continental Mark III an IV.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
@@HFX1955 Or seeing a Malibu or Coronet in CHiPs and knowing a car crash was coming.
@allen9069
3 жыл бұрын
I bought a new '76 Mustang II. I loved that car. A good all around car for me at that time.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
They were very well liked at the time.
@rickread5902
10 ай бұрын
My second car I owned during H.S. days was a 1975 Mustang II Hatchback 2.8 L V-6 4-speed manual, power steering and brakes, metallic copper with tan cloth and vinyl interior. It actually was a fun car to drive and I never had any problems with the car. In fact three of us buds drove from Ann Arbor, Mi to Ft. Lauderdale for spring break, we took turns driving, put the back sheet down and one slept while the others drove and shotgunned. Definitely fond memories of my Mustang and friends.
@thehopelesscarguy
10 ай бұрын
Nice. Thanks for sharing.
@000Virtual
3 жыл бұрын
An important thing to remember is that every generation of the Mustang needs to be measured on its own merits. When the Mustang II arrived in showrooms, most first-gen Mustang drivers were quick to name it a disgrace for the stallion badge because of its significantly smaller size and underpowered engines.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
And yet sales climbed dramatically.
@jameshaley8162
Жыл бұрын
the original Mustang, the 64 1/2, were under powered when they first came out, too. Imagine having a very sporty car that 'barely' got up to highway speed and wasn't Quick. I only need my car to do a bit over the speed limit without breathing hard...not 100 mph. But what my car MUST do is...be Quick...that will get you out of a lot of SUDDEN tight spots you find yourself in. If I stomp on the gas peddle, that car should GET before we both become scrap.
@ldever3
3 жыл бұрын
I had a 78 Mustang II with the 2.8 and a 4 speed. It was a fun little car. Also easy to work on. I hate working on a modern car.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Modern cars aren't meant to be worked on. Engines can't be rebuilt and parts quickly become unavailable.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
@@edreynolds8721 I recently learned that I need to spend several hundred $$$ on a set of weights to to calibrate my passenger seat airbag so the light will go off.
@pattyeverett2826
3 жыл бұрын
Because mine has a V-8 stuffed into it, it is not that easy to work on. Much easier than a new, front wheel drive car though.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
@@pattyeverett2826 Big old cars are much easier to work on. My 65 D100 you could actually sit beside the engine and work on it.
@pattyeverett2826
3 жыл бұрын
@@thehopelesscarguy I have seen old pickup trucks with that kind of room. My 63 Falcon with the inline 6 in pretty easy to work on, but no power steering, power brakes, or air conditioning equipment in the way.
@markwoodley712
3 жыл бұрын
My first car was a Mustang II that was two years old at the time, it was a well equipped car even if it wasn't the three door hatch version that I preferred. After two years, maintenance became an issue including replacing the timing belt, I later owned a Land Rover and realized that in comparison the Mustang required little maintenance! You're right about the people looking to the imports for more efficiency, it was the only North American car I've owned. Thanks for the video and your perspective.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you. I am not a "Mustang Guy", but I have driven every year from '65 to '88, and although I've never been driven to own one, I do appreciate them.
@garrisonnichols7372
3 жыл бұрын
You had a Land Rover. Big mistake 🤣
@markwoodley712
3 жыл бұрын
@@garrisonnichols7372 You're right, 10K on the odometer, 8.5K of which was driven in the shop!
@pcno2832
3 жыл бұрын
You can blame GM for giving the world timing belts; they first appeared simultaneously on Vaxhalls and Pontiacs for 1966. But I have to say that nowadays, timing belts last as long as many timing chains, which were often riding on nylon sprockets even in the 1960s.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
@@pcno2832 Hate those nylon gears, pullers would break them off in chunks, and when a chain lets loose, it tends to take chunks of metal with it.
@Abitibidoug
3 жыл бұрын
To this day I don't know why many Mustang enthusiasts didn't like the Mustang 2. I had one, a 1978 model and loved it. It had the 4 cylinder engine, so it wasn't exactly a dragster but with the manual 4 speed transmission it was adequately powered. Besides attractive styling, it was comfortable to ride in even on long trips, and handled very well with that rack and pinion steering. It was quite reliable, and fairly easy to fix when anything did require repair. I thing it was built fairly rugged for a small car, as it stood up quite well to the punishment of travelling many rough back roads of Northern Ontario. About all that was missing is it didn't have air conditioning. Periodically one turns up at an antique car cruise night and, because you see so few of them they get a lot of attention from onlookers, myself included. They are now quite a conversation piece.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Another few years and they may actually start getting respect again.
@rodmoore1577
6 ай бұрын
You want to know why mustang enthusiasts don't care for the mustang 2? Well that's because it's a POS. Does that clear up any confusion you may have now? The mustang 2 was just a pinto dressed up a little better but not by much. I've seem go carts that are faster. We went from Steve McQueen to Farrah Fawcett (Charlie's Angels)
@Abitibidoug
6 ай бұрын
How do you know about the Mustang 2, did you ever own or even drive one? As I said above, the one I had served me very well. It met an untimely end in 1992 when someone hit me. Had that not happened I would have EASILY enjoyed driving it another 4 more years or more as it was so reliable, Yes, it used some of the same parts as the Pinto, but was a more comfortable riding car. That included the same great handling rack and pinion steering. I later had a 1980 Mustang that I liked, but that's another story. As for Charlie's Angels, being one of those rare men we call a heterosexual, I rather admired them. Of course, I also admired their fine Mustang 2. Any more questions? @@rodmoore1577
@rodmoore1577
6 ай бұрын
Yes I did have one and it was a POS! Glad you enjoyed yours.
@rodmoore1577
6 ай бұрын
@@Abitibidoug Yes I did own one. Hated it!
@Joe-rx7ht
3 жыл бұрын
My mother had a mid 70’s Mustang II, my father had a mid 70’s Capri and now I have 1999 SVT Cobra convertible with all the upgrades. Mustangs truly run in my family. 🐎🐎🐎
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Or gallop even.
@michaelwilliams4410
3 жыл бұрын
I've always held a special place in my heart for the Ford Mustang II (especially the 1975-1978 Ghia version), and I'm not ashamed to admit it!
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
One of my oldest friends bought a Ghia coupe and swore it was better then his '70 coupe in every way.
@colibri1
2 жыл бұрын
Agree about the Ghia versions. As I recall, the Ghias were the most popular ones, the ones you'd see most often on the street, in line with consumer trends of the time toward seventies luxury trim like landau roofs, opera windows, and velour upholstery. I had a classmate in the mid-seventies whose parents had a Silver Edition Ghia, silver exterior with "cranberry"-colored (a purplish pinkish red) velour seats, a gorgeous car.
@joekurtz8303
3 жыл бұрын
Although there were grumblings of the change it kept the Mustang alive and evolving Minor tweaks to the chassis also made them handle better as well in seat of the pants feel.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Agreed
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
@jim brewer Well, the Maverick coupe was to short, with a V-8 it was to nose heavy to be much of a performer. But they did make a limited tri-carb straight six version that was cool.
@mylanmiller9656
2 жыл бұрын
The Mustang II was the first mustang that didn't wonder all over the road like a Twin I beam pickup! The suspension in the early Mustang was junk and even worse if they had power steering. I owned early mustangs of every Year from 1965 to 1971 and the one i kept was my 1978 because i feel more attached to it, because I am responsible for the way it performs. i do miss the Styling and performance of My 1970 Mach I, I will never miss the way it wallowed down the road.
@tonyg4546
7 ай бұрын
My first car was a Mustang II. And I loved it to this day. It was one of my favorite cars. It was probably because it was the first, but I have owned 23 Mustangs over my lifetime. I had a 1977 Mustang coup 2.7L V6.
@mattfarahsmillionmilelexus
3 жыл бұрын
Always liked the white/blue '76-'77 Cobra II. But finding a nice one these days is a job.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Cars of this period are getting difficult to find in general.
@SonnyGTA
3 жыл бұрын
I agree!!!!
@rizzlerazzleuno4733
3 жыл бұрын
@@thehopelesscarguy Yep, the 70s was a pretty terrible decade for collectible cars, and good riddance to most of them, unless they can be switched to electric power. Ha ha. Compare the original GTO to what it became in the 70s. Good grief, what an ugly tugboat it became.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
@@rizzlerazzleuno4733 Most 70's cars are a few aftermarket parts away from being decent, which is more than can be said for most 80s cars.
Quite true! I had a friend whose first car in 1977 was a 6 cylinder 65. I loved that car and always wanted one. My only Mustang was a 73 and I loved it! But my big love was my cousin's '74 that he got while in the navy. It sat in his parents driveway while he was at sea, and I got to start it up every now and then and just sit in it and dream.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Nice
@outdoorlife5396
3 жыл бұрын
I had 2 Mustang II's. I loved them. They were compact, easy to upgrade, had a good punch. Could be an everyday driver, because the mpg was not that bad. 302 was a good motor to upgrade and a 351 would fit in there too
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
One Windsor is as good as another.
@outdoorlife5396
3 жыл бұрын
@@thehopelesscarguy At the time I was told the Cleveland was superior so I went with it. That said, sense then I have heard that Windsor turned up faster. Wheter or not that is true I don't know. I do know Chevy always turned up faster, but blew up quicker.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
@@outdoorlife5396 The Cleveland was torquier but the Windsor was cheaper to build.
@daveroe8612
3 жыл бұрын
Great video, I was in High School in 1975 and got to drive a 2.8 v6 fastback 2+ 2. Loved it, it was yellow with black trim.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
That's cool. I knew a guy with a black and gold Cobra II with the 2.8 and he loved it.
@showbiz3848
3 жыл бұрын
First time viewer here. I really enjoyed your presentation on the Mustang 2. You have certainly changed my view of that era of Mustang. Nicely done sir... and well met. I'll be watching. peace clb
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@richardadams4928
2 жыл бұрын
Always liked the sporty look of these little cars, and since I use my car for transportation and not racing, I don't CARE if it's not actually a performance beast. I'd LOVE to have a Cobra II, it's a nice looking little car.
@thehopelesscarguy
2 жыл бұрын
I knew a guy that had a V6 Cobra II, and he sure drove it like it was a performance beast.
@brandbryce
3 жыл бұрын
I think it's the (long) front overhang with these cars I can't (quite) get over. Great video!
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks. I think it is safe to say the Wheelbase could have been longer.
@chocodiledundee1
3 жыл бұрын
I’ve always loved the mustang ll and I also love every Mustang I absolutely think every model is beautiful and legendary to me any mustang as long is well equipped especially T-Top ones are my favourite and Saleen are top class too , thank you for the video .
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@Joe-rx7ht
3 жыл бұрын
I’ve loved ALL Mustangs throughout my existence. Whether it’s Steve McQueen, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Douglas or Robocop driving one. I love them all. 🐎🐎🐎🐎
@lunaticfringe8066
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for bring up gross versus net hp. It drives me crazy when people compare 60's to 70's cars output without taking that into account. Although the Mustang II was to have been based on the Pinto's Arizona platform it was so extensively altered, I believe only the trunk pans are the same. Lastly the 1974 Mustang was available with a 302 V8, albeit only from the Ford factories in Mexico.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks. I did a video on the 70's and took a closer comparison to gross vs net. My first Pinto (I've had 2) ended up with many parts salvaged from a friends Mustang II, including the rear axle, but yes, based on, is far from being the same.
@don2deliver
3 жыл бұрын
It had a longer wheelbase than the Pinto and the front suspension strut rods were attached to an extension of the cross member rather than the unibody. Other than that there was little difference.
@lunaticfringe8066
3 жыл бұрын
@@don2deliver You completely wrong. The Arizona platform was so radically altered for the Mustang that only the trunk pans are interchangeable between it and the Pinto. Very little else is compatible.
@don2deliver
3 жыл бұрын
@@lunaticfringe8066 I took parts off a Mustang II that was headed to the junkyard and put them on my Pinto and bolted up my more worn parts back on the Mustang. I swapped control arms brakes and a motor mount. If I had more time and energy I would have checked to see if I could swap the rear. The only suspension difference was the lenght and bend of the strut rod. Of course the body panels were different, they had a different shape and wheelbase than the Pinto.
@enerrivers4392
3 жыл бұрын
I remembered my colleague having 1 with the 302 2v auto. That car was able to do burnouts just bc. But, @ hi speeds it would get scary. It was pretty cramped inside. The power steering was way overboosted. But, compared to my car, ('78 L82 4spd vette) his was like a limo. He lost it to theft. He loved his 1st brand new car. (78). 3weeks l8r the insurance labeled it a total loss. We all felt bad. But, it was very reliable. Gr8 gas mileage for a V-8. Live & Learn. Gr8 & informative video, thanks
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks. I got so used to those old overboosted power steering cars I'm disappointed when I have to use more than a pinky to turn.
@protocriteria790
3 жыл бұрын
The biggest problem I had with the Mustang II was the 13" wheels with 4 bolts. The 13" wheels just looked too small and cheap. Even though it was based on the Pinto, I think it would have satisfied more purists if it would have sported 14" or 15" wheels with 5 bolts. The Camaro and the Firebird of the time just looked better with their larger wheels and more aggressive stances. Look at the Cobra at 2:46 - see how small the back tire and wheel look tucked under the fender. If Ford could have found a way to beef up the tires and wheels, it would have been fine.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
The early six cylinder Mustangs were also 4 lug and you could often tell one that was hot rodded because it would have 5 lug in the back but the original 4 lugs still in the front. You see it occasionally with the Mustang II as well. I had a friend that put 13 inch wheels from a Corvair on the front of his 65 Barracuda to give it that raked look. Of course wheel and tire upgrades are easy and common but you know somebody will always over do it. I'm sure if I googled "donked Mustang II" I would find at least one example, but maybe not.
@chocodiledundee1
3 жыл бұрын
I totally agree I have always though the same my friend.... should’ve kept it 5 lugs and 14 or 15 wheels for sure
@Mark-ny5rf
3 жыл бұрын
Very informative and you make good points. I've always liked the Mustang II. I have a 2007 California Special with a 5sp. I love it.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Nice
@gene978
2 жыл бұрын
You bring up very good points on the Mustang II. I was about 13 years old when they came on the scene and I do remember having so many mixed feelings. I was afraid all cars were going to look like Toys and some did well into the 80’s. I did like the Ghia Look on the Mustang II. The Marketing was affective.
@thehopelesscarguy
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks. Perspective make a big difference. One of my dads friends bought a new Mustang II King Cobra (Blue on White) while our elderly neighbor had a Green 65 notchback with wire wheel hubcaps and whitewall tires. Naturally, as a kid I was more taken in by all the scoops and stripes and fancy wheels.
@andyjones611
3 жыл бұрын
You are dead right in saying that it was a refurbished Pinto under that body aside from the toilet seat under the front suspension. The rest was a munch nicer Pinto I know I owned one with a 2.3 liter with a hot cam, headers, and an Offenhauser intake Holley 2 barrel carb it was pretty fast for the time. The sway Bars were Mustang and disk brakes direct bolt-on. The toilet seat was not a part easy to put on a Pinto You had to remove the front clip to do that, all in all, a pretty nice setup for 1976. Great video brings back memories. Thank you
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@itshalo3220
2 жыл бұрын
I recently bought a 78 cobra, original engine, original interior, but she lost her paint over the years and needs to be redone. I have a 2+2 with t-tops hatchback so I attribute my liking if the body style to the longer body. She’s old and needs a bit of fixes but she still runs just fine, and I’m not ashamed to say I love it
@thehopelesscarguy
2 жыл бұрын
Good on you. It is a classic and should be enjoyed as one.
@brentervin3686
3 жыл бұрын
I have a 1978 factory cobra that was my dad's in great shape 🤘✌️
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Nice.
@chocodiledundee1
3 жыл бұрын
Wow I love this one so much well done ❤️❤️❤️
@brentervin3686
3 жыл бұрын
It's white and red stripes🤘✌️
@chocodiledundee1
3 жыл бұрын
@@brentervin3686 I love red ❤️
@insolentstickleback3266
6 ай бұрын
Had a 78 hatchback, V8 4spd, T-Top. It was a GREAT car, one of the funnest cars I ever owned.
@clintwill8715
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for making video.My first car was a' 76 mustang 2,fastback red with black bottom ,2.3 litre good on gas,girls loved it.
@thehopelesscarguy
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching.
@HFX1955
3 жыл бұрын
My first car was a 1974 Mustang II hatchback in Saddle Tan Metallic (aka Brown) with the 2.3l four cylinder that I bought used in 1978. It was a heavy car for a four banger. That was one of the years that Ford was using bad steel in their cars - there were lots of occlusions in the body metal - contributing to rapid rust out. I am glad to see that you have brought the Mustang II from being considered as "one of the worst cars ever made" which I run across on the internet - usually written by someone who has no knowledge of the cars they are writing about. Thanks.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@michaelb.42112
3 жыл бұрын
What a GREAT documentary ! The Mustang is as American as anything we know.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, glad you liked it.
@hughjass1044
3 жыл бұрын
They were hated and resented both at the time and later on for different reasons. But surprisingly, only by a certain segment. There were others who loved them because they filled the exact same gap that the original one did. Many of us muscle car guys failed to see that. Why did we hate it so much? Well, you have to understand the feeling and the general atmosphere at the time. We had gotten used to big performance and thought it'd be around forever. Then it started to go away. In '74, we had a Mustang with no V8 while only 4 scant years before that, we could get 428 Cobra Jets. Also that same year, you could still buy 'Cudas and Challengers with 360s, Camaros with 350s, Javelins with 401s and Trans Ams with 455HOs! A lot of guys were very bitter about what was happening in the car world and this decaled up, glorified Pinto was the very embodiment of that. It never really stood a chance. It absorbed the hatred and bitterness we were all feeling towards the whole car scene at the time. It did save the Mustang model but it wasn't until years or even decades after that we came to realize that. Once the Fox bodies came along and performance started to go up again, we couldn't wait to send these things to the dump! They represented a bad time and we wanted to see the end of them. Today, it's a different story. There are so few of them left in good shape that they've become a real novelty. I was in a Mustang club for 15 years and at any of our shows, we'd have all the classics and more Fox bodies than you could count but the ones which always drew the crowds were the little Mustang IIs.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Ah yes, the era of paint on performance. Disco on wheels. Well, 4 wheels, as apposed to 8.
@johnhouchins3156
3 жыл бұрын
All I remember about my brand new II was that the T-top leaked, the engine leaked oil and the rear bumper was 1/2 inch out of level. I was told the bumper was within spec, the leaks were within spec and they never could repair the T-top correctly, although they did replace the upholstery. I couldn't dump that car fast enough and I haven't purchased a Ford since.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
There is a reason you don't see T-tops anymore.
@pattyeverett2826
3 жыл бұрын
The quality of the big 3 was pretty awful in the 1970s. I graduated from college and bought a new Mustang II(which I still have). Came from the factory with a bent axle and was repaired at the dealership before I got it. I can also tell you horror stories about friends who bought from the GM and Chrysler during the same time. My first boss and a co-worker bought Toyota Celica's and had no problems. This is how the Japanese got into the US car marker and the US manufacturers were to blame.
@chrisherman7531
3 жыл бұрын
I had a 75 with the 2.3 and 4 speed. It was a.great car.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Cool
@hooliganxmotorsports6944
2 жыл бұрын
Love it. Keep up this great educational work.
@thehopelesscarguy
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks
@bradleysear7944
3 жыл бұрын
You should have mentioned all of the modifications that we're done to the pinto platform , after they had gone over everything it was nothing like the original setup- they stretched and reconfigured the falcon platform too when they were designing the first mustang so it is a much better offering than the base pinto underpinnings and with all of the restomod parts you can have a lot of fun making this relatively light car go!
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Shortened wheelbases, bigger bodies. With all the talk of platform sharing these days they sure don't do it like they used to.
@bradleysear7944
3 жыл бұрын
I agree, now their making it a mach- e which is a really fast ass Ford but l do not like it being a 4-door? it also needs to be reconfigured with a longer hood and 2 less doors because it has the cool fastback roofline but it just has that me too design look to it that every other automobile seems to have so can't say that Lee would have green lighted this rendering if he was still running Ford but they will probably sell hundreds of thousands anyway just based on it's performance( is it any wonder why nobody as excited to go to an international auto show anymore, the last time l saw something l thought was new and cool was the Lincoln navigator and this was 1998 ) since then no coupes or anything other than 4 wheel drive station wagons and toasters on wheels and super exotics that only the elites would ever afford !
@paratrooperlane7022
3 жыл бұрын
I don't give a shit what people say, I always like the Mustang II. It was a fun driving little car.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
The "best" car is rarely the most fun to drive.
@adammarkowitz7944
3 жыл бұрын
Excellent video, sir.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you kindly
@devanfunderburk9373
3 жыл бұрын
I still have my ghia 💪😤
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Fancy
@mjrchapin
8 ай бұрын
We had one of those and it was fun to drive, stood out from other cars with the styling.
@thehopelesscarguy
8 ай бұрын
Nice.
@WineFi
6 ай бұрын
When I first met my new girlfriend/to be wife I had a 2000cc Pinto she a '77 Mustang II her kids named Pickle (It was green) true to form they named my Pinto Pumpkin because it was orange 😅 Handling - like rails Easy to work on, once you realized some shit on the II was Metric ! Both Pinto and Mustang II served us well . In a way wish we still had them.
@BillofRights1951
2 жыл бұрын
My dad bought the first year of the Mustang II, a 1974 2 door coupe, white with a dark blue vinyl top, 2.8 litre six , 4 speed and factory air. He gave it to me in 1979 when I changed jobs and lost a company car. The Mustang was very reliable, and my wrenchhead buddy who taught me everything about cars, made carburetor and timing modificaitons almost from the day my dad took delivery, that seemingly boosted response by about 25 horsepower and made it much more fun to drive. I ran it up to 200K miles. A/C never gave us trouble. The valves needed to be manually adjusted periodically, and my friend did a great job. The engine was gutsy but quiet. Pet peeves....the six was very torquey, but the gearing was ridiculous. At 60 mphin 4th gear, the engine was roaring at 3,000 RPM. The set up begged for a 5th gear for high speed cruising at lower RPM's. I always considered that a cheap move by Ford at the time.. Also, the syncros gave us occasional trouble from the start, with palm-zapping gear clashing when you least expected it. We never had that fixed, just drove it carefully over its life. I loved the rack and pinion steering...very precise. All in all a good car that never let us down. That german v-6 in particular was a terrific engine. Very stout. Never burned oil.
@thehopelesscarguy
2 жыл бұрын
Nice. Makes me wonder if it was an optional gear ratio. I too have found those 4-speeds to be a bit clumsy at times, but they were decent drivers for a car of that size and time.
@BillofRights1951
2 жыл бұрын
@@thehopelesscarguy I know my dad had ordered the Mustang (and traded in his '70 lincoln Continental 4 dr immediately, because at the time I had a company car and he drove my 68 Galaxie during the interim...which I later sold and regretted...great car as well), which was unwittingly brilliant, because the first oil embargo hit after he traded it and there was no way the dealer would have taken that land yacht if he had waited. If there had been a lower axle ratio as a choice, the car would have been so much more pleasing to drive on the highway.
@thehopelesscarguy
2 жыл бұрын
@@BillofRights1951 I know there were different ratios for the mustang II, but I don't know that you got an option with the V6. As the original performance option you would think so.
@MartinNassour
10 ай бұрын
Of COURSE it is. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
@6258RB
7 ай бұрын
I owned the hath back 1974 4 cyl 4 speed and loved it. it was very simple and easy to work on car and fun to drive. looking to get one to restore.
@thehopelesscarguy
7 ай бұрын
Good luck.
@brianhartsell4085
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video. 👍
@thehopelesscarguy
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching.
@Ready72000
3 жыл бұрын
We had one of those in the 80s. Not a great, but a good car. Very reliable.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Perhaps late 70's Thunderbird size, early 70's Thunderbirds intimidate modern pickups.
@robertcollins7025
3 жыл бұрын
My Mother in Law loved her 302 Mustang. She always said it was her favorite car she ever owned.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
People loved them.
@1963neil
2 жыл бұрын
Interesting and educational take on this car, thanks!
@thehopelesscarguy
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@glennnickerson8438
3 жыл бұрын
My buddy had one. It was a fun, peppy car (even with the 4 cylinder) but handled like a slot car. In my opinion better than some the fox bodied cars. When we finally blew it up we cut the front suspension out of it and put it under a 36 Ford hot rod! Good times.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Sounds like good times to me.
@edwalker8375
3 жыл бұрын
Beautiful car. I had a friend - he put a perf. Cam and 12 to one pistons in his stang 2 , with a built c4 and low gears he made 120 mpg in mid gear!! That's it. ..
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Doesn't take much to get performance out of such a light car.
@thomasschoon8407
3 жыл бұрын
Please tell me where he got the high enough octane(pre-ignition) fuel to run 12 to 1(compression ratio) pistons? I had to use high octain aviation leaded gasoline from the local airport in my '70 Mach1 428c.i Cobra Jet 'Drag Pack' with 10.6 to 1 pistons that i had to put into 5 gal. military 'jerry' because aviation gasoline had no 'road tax' that was applied to fuel sold at your common gas stations.
@WaysideChristianMiss
3 жыл бұрын
My 1974 Mustang II cost me $63 a month for thirty-six months. It was a solid little car.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Cool.
@SonnyGTA
3 жыл бұрын
I always thought these looked cool! The Cobra II had great effects. How about the orange one in Starman? Love it!
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Yellow means go very fast.
@Supercruze
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this vid. A good friend of mine bought a used Mustang II fastback in Red with a 302 V8 and 4 spd. trans. It sounded amazing and had some go for itstime. Wonder how many V8 Mustang IIs Ford sold? I do not see these very often. Were these Mustang II V8s with the 302 rare? It was a ton of fun cruzing the streets of Richmond VA in the early 80s.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
The 302 isn't exactly rare as it was optional on any trip package, but standard on none, not even the Cobra.
@don2deliver
3 жыл бұрын
I knew a poor guy that had 2 so that should tell you they were common. Both were bought with the same driveability symptom, but each had a different cause.
@realazduffman
3 жыл бұрын
A good and interesting take. Iacocca was right when he said the Mustang was no longer a horse but a fat pig. While some of those big Mustangs are great looking they are all that was wrong with Detroit cars. The II was one of the most right cars for the time. A sad time, but they were right.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Timing is everything, and it was the right car at the right time.
@Kamikazekims
Жыл бұрын
I've always loved the way these looked
@thehopelesscarguy
Жыл бұрын
I have mixed feelings.
@billcook9313
3 жыл бұрын
My best friends sister had one when i was in 9th grade ( 1979) it had a 4 speed v -6 she let me drive it thats how i learned to drive a standard shift on the road.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
She must have liked you.
@STARDRIVE
3 жыл бұрын
Reminds me of the 1980´s Dodge Charger. Not very popular, but often they did outperform the 2nd gen. we love so much.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Dodge has a big of history of making small performance cars that get no respect from either fans of American cars or fans of imports. It's not a V8 RWD so it isn't Murican and import fans couldn't admit an import fighter might have won. Too much like an import but from an American company means no love? Well, not no love, there are GLH clubs and such.
@confucioussay5010
3 жыл бұрын
My first "toy car" was a '77 coupe that had a 302/4 speed. I had a mildly hotter than stock motor ,and went through a few transmissions. This was '87 and it was faster than a stock 5.0 foxbody of the same era. The stock 4 speeds were like glass. I made a wide ratio top loader fit . Changing the sleepy rear end gears made all the difference in the world.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Never under estimate the importance of gearing.
@timmccreery3646
3 жыл бұрын
Everyone needs to remember- this was the 70's- a time of drastically detuned cars. Big V8's were no stronger than many small engines. The Mustang II was light by comparison so a small engine worked. I wanted one in the worst way...
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Right
@tonyadams6375
Жыл бұрын
I had a Mustang 2 Ghia that had a 302 and a 4 speed. That little car was a hoot! It would really cook those little 13 inch tires!
@thehopelesscarguy
Жыл бұрын
I bet.
@mylesakatrm4388
3 жыл бұрын
My best friend from high school had a 74 with a 2.3 when it blew up we already had a 5.0 built waiting to go in it. Made a 15.90 car go 11.40's with a 100 shot of an OG Nitrous Oxide System from Scott & Mike out of Cypress, Ca! ✌
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Cool
@JuanGarcia-vb3du
3 жыл бұрын
Always liked the Mustang II, still think is a great looking car.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
It's alright.
@randallbates9020
3 жыл бұрын
I admire the balls it took to change the way it did and the V8s were respectable red light to red light cars without spending $40 on gas to run one. I still own a 1983 GT with a 302 4bbl tremec 5 speed and I never put up the backseat its black carpet from the buckets to the taillights. That little beast is basically an engine with bucket seats bolted to it, wicked fun to drive and she can take care of herself red light to red light. I admit though that I tried to reach 140 mph cause speedometer says that much and at 132 I almost got killed front end got light and squirrelly and I almost didn't get it back, lol, I sweat a few bullets that day.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
That is why the early versions had 85 mph speedo's, to reduce temptation.
@thoof2001
3 жыл бұрын
You forgot to mention the fact that the Mustang II had the best front suspension/steering design of ANY Mustang . . . ever, including today's models (stupid MacPherson struts, yecchh). That front suspension is the go-to for hot rodding and vintage muscle cars regardless of brand. The Pinto chassis was heavily modified for the MII, and the front suspension was attached to a subframe bolted to the body for reduced NVH, while in the Pinto it was attached directly to the body structure. Agreed, the MII deserves a lot more love.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, not a fan of struts.
@richardkawucha1232
Жыл бұрын
I owned a Mustang II, MPG, hatchback - with the 2.3 liter and 4 speed. At approx. 44,000 miles the engine started knocking, because the piston cylinders were wearing (into an oval shape) due to inadequate upper cylinder oil lubrication. It had very poor acceleration, for passing. Its only benefit was mileage. At 44,000 I spent over $500 to get the engine rebuilt. This rebuild lasted to 86,000 miles, when it started knocking again. At the same time the trans gear synchronizers started to go. I checked with a garage and they wanted $400 to check it out. By the time I got rid of it at 55mph on the freeway going up a hill I had to floor it, to maintain the 55mph. When I left it as a trade in the compression was so bad it wouldn't start. I know what you're thinking, I abused it. Wrong, the miles were mostly highway miles at 55mph.
@thehopelesscarguy
Жыл бұрын
Interesting how different people can have so different experiences. I had a 2.3 Pinto wagon and it was still going strong at 200,000 miles. Although neither the transmission or the rear end lasted that long.
@althunder4269
3 жыл бұрын
I had a 1977 ford Pinto I bought in 1978 and I fixed up the suspension by adding Bilstein shocks, front and rear anti-roll bars and wider wheels and radial tires. I thought it was a really nice looking car and with the suspension mods it handled really well. But it was slow with a four speed manual and the 2.3 engine and I didn't do any engine mods.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Built to suit.
@valedslinger6290
2 жыл бұрын
I had a 76 Cobra 2 2.8. black and gold. Only the smog stuff got gone but dead stock Automatic. Then I got the 78 Black King Cobra. I I eventually put a 68 289 Cali GT motor. Eagle 1 headers TRW Cam. Dual point distributor, and topped off a Edelbrock torker intake and a dual feed double pump Holly 800. It only lost one street race which I participated in every chance I got at a stoplight LOL. The only thing that beat me was a 427 El Camino and that was in a top end deal. I got him out of the hole. Surprise me when he passed me at about 120 he just went. LOL but yeah my little cobra was nasty. I kept tearing the synchronizers out of the shifters. I took on and beat all Smokey and the bandits I could find.
@thehopelesscarguy
2 жыл бұрын
Not so much what you got, but what you do with it.
@stevegabbert9626
2 жыл бұрын
I sold by 1970 Mustang Cobra Jet to get a brand new 74' Mach 1 Mustang. At first, I hated the looks of the Mustang II, and I can't tell you why that changed. 2:04 That's what mine looked like. I would take it to the strip and turn in a "lap" that was 1 second quicker then what Hot Rod Magazine did, and I could take it to about 105mph on the highway, but was more versatile than you think. I also had a Honda ATC 90 that needed hauled around. No problem, I just carried it in the back of my Mustang. Just back the ATC up to the rear bumper, lower the back seat, open the hatch,, go in the back, take a hold of the grab bar on the ATC, and lift it up to hook on the opening. Then go out side and lift the front up, rolling it until the front wheel dropped inside the back. I couldn't shut the hatch, but I didn't need to, plus it was in there snug enough it didn't need to be strapped down. Boy, did I get looks going down the road. Drawbacks? If you left your hand on the shifter while in first or second it would wear out the fork inside the tranny, and it came with faulty Firestone 500 radials. The cords were so bad that it driving at 20mph down a smooth street felt like it had bumps everywhere.
@thehopelesscarguy
2 жыл бұрын
A friend of mine drove a 70 Mustang in High School and later got a Mustang II Ghia Coupe ( I don't recall the precise year ) that he swore was a much better car. Who was I to argue.
@georgeferrier9461
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you. Finally some respect for one of the best looking Mustangs ever!!
@thehopelesscarguy
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed.
@georgeferrier9461
2 жыл бұрын
@@thehopelesscarguy what I liked about the video is you pointed out the truth! That these Mustangs were good performance cars!! And that they were quicker than people give them credit for!! I love that!!
@thehopelesscarguy
2 жыл бұрын
@@georgeferrier9461 Thanks. One of my objectives for this channel is to question popular opinion and the Mustang II a car that often gets treated unfairly.
@bradkrekelberg8624
3 жыл бұрын
The Mustang II, even the '74 without a V8 option, is FAR less of an abomination than the Mach E. Damn you, Jim Farley!
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah.
@milfordcivic6755
3 жыл бұрын
I can remember these EVERYWHERE back in the day. I never cared for them, but some people liked them if they sold so many.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
They were a big boost to Ford sales.
@niteclydn
3 жыл бұрын
We had 3 mustang II's when i grew up back in the 80's. Those 2.3 litres weree DAMN good motors!
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Always wanted to SVO one.
@Abitibidoug
3 жыл бұрын
Yes, they were good motors. I think of how much better they would be with electronic fuel injection.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
@@Abitibidoug A fairly easy upgrade
@toddbonin6926
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for doing this video and setting the record straight. I loved the Mustang II when it came out, and I still do. I remember some of my friends back then (who were muscle car purists) deriding the II and becoming Camaro or Firebird fans. I personally hated the Camaro/Firebird bodies, not to mention the fact that they guzzled gas like crazy. The II was pretty, comfortable and efficient ... all of which mattered back then. And today, when I see one, I have only good memories.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
I'm glad you liked it.
@markchapmon8670
3 жыл бұрын
I had a 74 Mustang ll Mach I V6, 4 speed. For the era, it was reasonably quick, comfortable and easier on gas and more dependable than the 74 350 2bbl Automatic Camaro I had previously. I'd like another one just like it.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Understandable.
@marketrealist1221
Жыл бұрын
Nice job. Thank You!!
@thehopelesscarguy
Жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@AdamSchell303Racing
Жыл бұрын
No joke this is one of my dream cars along with an AMC Gremlin and a Trabant. I love oddball cars.
@thehopelesscarguy
Жыл бұрын
And 2 of the 3 may even be obtainable.
@markanthony3275
3 жыл бұрын
The rack and pinion steering system , used in many hotrods for the next 20 years.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Answering the question; Where are they now?
@nfullenwider
3 жыл бұрын
Imo, the Mustang II looks the most like a direct successor to the original 65 Mustang than many other style updates.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
It does have the styling queues.
@Ratt1959
3 жыл бұрын
I traded my '74 Plymouth Fury ex-police car in on a '74 Mustang II hatchback. There wasn't a chance in the world that 2.3 was gonna run anything like that 440 did. But it could squeal the tires going into second even with the automatic trans in it. Sure was a fun little car though.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
If you had kept the Fury you could have left the Pinto in the trunk as a spare.
@thomasglorius5730
3 жыл бұрын
Hey the cobra mustang of this era is cool 😎 as hell.....love the body graphics body style add few performance parts it will go ....lightweight
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
The Cobra should had the look.
@colibri1
2 жыл бұрын
I remember at the time consumer magazine car reviewers debating whether to categorize the Mustang II as a performance car or as a non-performance subcompact like the Pinto and Vega.
@thehopelesscarguy
2 жыл бұрын
In 1974 people were questioning the performance of a lot of cars, after the addition of catalytic converters and 5mph bumpers and such. Loosing 15hp and gaining a couple of hundred lbs at the same time can be noticeable.
@petervitti9
3 жыл бұрын
The 1974 - 78 mustang is my favorite mustang. Out sold the previous mustang version. Gotta tell us something.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Right.
@jasonrodgers9063
3 жыл бұрын
My first car was a 1967 Mustang with a 289. Dear LORD, I loved that car! My beloved late wife used to rib me about her wanting have a 1974 Mustang II with a 4-cyl, landau padded vinyl top, short wheelbase, 13" wheels, and OPERA WINDOWS! If I'm the most horrible person I can possibly be, that's the car I'll be condemned to driving through Hell throughout ETERNITY.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
I can think of worse things to drive.
@craigstiles5186
3 жыл бұрын
I bought a '75 Ghia coupe in '91. Already had a 302 in it. i blew that up and built up another one out of a van. I put all the goodies on the drive train and it ripped. Blew fox body 5.0s away all the time.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Tend to be lighter.
@bruceh9105
3 жыл бұрын
My 74 Hatchback V6 ran forever. I miss that car.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Distance makes the heart grow fonder?
@bruceh9105
3 жыл бұрын
@@thehopelesscarguyI did enjoy that car and all the adventures. I didn't want to retire it, but by 83 I need more practical transportation. It remains my favorite. I had a 2000 'stang of the same color, but it just wasn't as fun.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
@@bruceh9105 It amazing me how cars can be so much better on paper but be so much less fun to drive.
@vassa1972
2 жыл бұрын
Interesting video
@thehopelesscarguy
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you think so!
@danielventura8073
3 жыл бұрын
The Mustang ll was the perfect car to carry Ford over from the bloated, oversized 1972 Torino based mess to the sensible Fox platform. My favorite is still the 1979 model.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
My favorite is the '69, specifically the 429 Boss, but any would do.
@georgeferrier9461
2 жыл бұрын
And my favorite is the 1978 Mustang II Cobra II!! Five point O V8!!!! Either Red! Or Black!!
@geraldscott4302
3 жыл бұрын
I have owned a lot of Pintos and love them. I currently own and drive a 1972 Squire wagon with the 2.0L/4 speed. I also love the Mustang II, but finding decent Pintos is hard enough. Finding a Mustang II is impossible. They have finally became collector cars. Unfortunately, like most of the Pintos, the Mustang IIs wound up getting crushed. The most hated Mustang for me is the Fox Body. It is disgustingly ugly, and no amount of engine or handling performance can make up for that. It is without a doubt the ugliest car Ford has ever sold in the U.S. The Mustang had always been a gorgeous looking car, from the very beginning through 1978, when it did a complete reversal (Despite it's size, I thought the 1971-1973 Mach 1 was one of the most beautiful cars ever made) The Fox Body looked liked it was made out of a cut and folded cereal box. The 1994 Mustang was a dramatic improvement, but the Mustang did not look like a Mustang again until 2005. Then they messed it up yet again in 2015, and it has been getting steadily worse. Sadly the newer Mustangs became a victim of the "donk" craze, with huge ugly wheels (reehuums in ghetto speak, which is where they originally came from) with no real tires on them. I own a 2003 Mustang, with a V6/auto, in bright yellow. I am not really a fan of this iteration of the Mustang, but I'm a Ford guy, and I was looking for a 2 door, rear wheel drive, solid rear axle American car at a reasonable price. The Mustang was my only real choice. The '05 and up was more my style, but quite a bit more expensive, and I do not like the chain driven OHC V6 engine used in those cars. And a really nice low mileage '03 turned up at a great price. I have been very happy with it for the past 3 years. I've grown to like it more than I originally did. My neighbor has a late model Subaru BRZ, and I think my '03 Mustang looks a lot better.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
When did 70's cars get so expensive? I turn around and suddenly can't afford any of them.
@jameshaley8162
Жыл бұрын
....My soon to be wife..back when...had a Mustang II when we met. At this time, it was only nine/ten years old It was a good looking car. Hers was copper with a white vinyl Lando roof.... ....HOWEVER...at the time, we didn't know it, but the engine was Dying. The cam shaft was wearing out and it became slower and slower. It was 'o-k-ish for the city streets where our college was, but her Home was about 20 miles away and if we put it on the Interstate...the fastest way for her to get to her home...would have been Suicide. ....So we took 'the back roads'. When she couldn't get past 25MPH...it was beyond time to take it a mechanic. ....I guess because her Mustang II was the only one I had encountered on a personal basis, it kinda set my mind about them. "If Hers is crap, then they're All are Crap." thought was embedded in my brain. But...from what little I know of the Mustang II, I have to say that 'putting the engine problem aside" What I Really Don't Like about the Mustang II is....The Grill. Not the shape of the grill..but the squires IN The Grill. It looked like no one put any effort into designing that part...and Ford kept using it!!! They started putting it on other Mustangs, the Granada, the Pinto.. I think Ford Motor Co. was trying to use it as a "Signature". Just like how Many Pontiacs have that pointed nose...That was one of Their 'Signature' things. ....And that Ford Motor, Co...making the squire grill their Signature. If I could have changed her car's grill, I would have. ....Those are my two complaints about the Mustang II...and while I liked the side scoops as you call then, to me...it wasn't 'sharp'...it looked like it might have been an after thought. Some one was trying to 'Style' and...to Me...failed miserably. Maybe if they had added 'Fingers' across the scoops like on the '66 Mustang....Yeah...if I got a Mustang II...I would change the engine, the metal pressed 'Scoops' and grill. Get the grill material from the '73 or '66 Mustangs and do it...maybe put in Maverick Grabber turn lights as well...I didn't like those either. .....Thank you for letting me ramble and complain. Rock on, HCG....rock on.
@thehopelesscarguy
Жыл бұрын
I don't think I've ever had a car that I wouldn't have changed anything on, presuming I had the time, money and skill. My experiences with the Mustang II have been both good and bad, and although it is far from my favorite Mustang, I've also had some pretty bad experiences with some supposedly superior Mustangs. I don't think Fords like me.
@Crotal_Karma
8 ай бұрын
I want one of those. 😢
@harryshelton3496
Ай бұрын
Car design is always a reflection of the times. It's always hard to improve upon what was seen as perfection. The '67 seemed to be the peak for me.
@thehopelesscarguy
27 күн бұрын
I like the 69.
@dogcowrph
3 жыл бұрын
It was as a placeholder. It was basically a Pinto with an appearance package.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
It was a bit more than that.
@JeffDeWitt
3 жыл бұрын
So the original Mustang was a Falcon with an appearance package?
@christopherconard2831
3 жыл бұрын
If you want to know what would have happened to the Mustang without the Mustang II, look at the Cougar. It would probably taken the position of the personal luxury coupe in Ford's lineup. Then, by the early 80's when they fell out of favor, dropped. Much like Mercury bringing back the final generation of the Cougar, Ford would likely have gone through with their original plan of releasing the Probe/Mustang.
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Wow, I just said something similar in another comment like 3 seconds ago.
@gregbenwell6173
3 жыл бұрын
I owned three of the hatchback models, one was a 2.3 liter four speed car (built in 1975) while the other two were the V6 Mach 1 (one 1974 and 1975) models!! The two Mach 1 cars were OK with one being a stick shift and the other being an automatic, but honestly I hate them back then!! After all they were NOT the "classic Mustang" I desired in a time when a 1965 to 1968 Mustang could still be bought for just $500, and you have to understand IT WAS NOT MY DECISION OR CHOICE to buy and own the cars I got, because at the time I still lived with my parents who DEMANDED I own the cars they thought I should have!! And when I DID BUY a 1965, and a 1966 Mustang that I had always wanted and dreamed about.....my parents FORCED ME to return them to the places I had bought them from, stating "I don't want a piece of junk like that sitting in my yard!"!! So literally I was TOLD what I could own and what I was "allowed to drive"!! Things didn't get any easier the older I got either!!! At 27 years old I found a 1965 Fastback sitting on a used car dealership and the dealer told me "Bring your parents back with you the next time you visit!" which was stupid, because I was LITERALLY 27 YEARS OLD, not 7 years old!! In another case I stumbled across a 1968 notch-back and was told again "I would sell you this car but I have something "better" for you!" and was then shown a piece of crap Geo Metro instead by the dealer!! In yet another case I found a 1966 Mustang sitting in a field that the guy claimed was some how worth $22,000 for a car that was better suited as "spare parts" than a complete car. The Mustang II was in my opinion JUNK!! The reason I hated the cars so much was the fact that Ford seemed to have a weird engineering staff working on it!! Half the bolts and nuts on the car was a mix of standard and metric! For example the three bolts holding the thermostat housing on TWO bolts were 7/16 inch while the third was 10MM!! And other things on the car were the same way!! Besides that stuff in the car was very cheaply built! I recall the temperature gauge in the one Mach 1 only worked half the time. And in the other Mach 1 I owned the replacement clutch cable for it was actually called out as a part for a Ford Pinto!! And the 2.3 Liter car I had was a joke as well, because it was so under-powered for a car that should have been a "performance car" that left me wanting way more car that it actually was!! I never hated the "look" of the cars, just how they drove and actually "performed" was the problem! And if I had a chance to buy one again NOW I would have to demand that it had the V8 with a stick shift, because the automatic was a total dog in these cars as well!!
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Okay then.
@eknuds
2 жыл бұрын
I prefer the looks of the Maverick, but the Mustang II did have a few new things to offer, like rack and pinion steering. Maybe if they had kept the wheelbase. I have owned a number of Fairmonts and Fox body Mustangs. After trying in vain to road race them I grew frustrated and switched to BMWs and Mazdas.
@thehopelesscarguy
2 жыл бұрын
The Maverick feels like it is going faster than a Mustang II, but it is mostly because the ride and handling are so . . . sloppy, at least on a V8 Maverick.
@pancudowny
3 жыл бұрын
Read about that Pinto drag car with the offset scoop: Turbocharged 2.0L OHC engine w/draw-through carb, churnin' 306-hp and taking the class across the board! Too-bad the cam was too radical for the street, because option of such an engine in even 200-205 horsepower trim would've helped the Pinto-'Stang in sales immensely, and that would've helped push the "hot hatch" movement in America well-before the Volkwagen Golf GTI debut. But, the one thing that would've made that possible (EFI) wouldn't be seen by any American automobile manufacturer for several years. And when it was, they tried to kill/quash it... to spare the image of the 200-hp 5.0L V-8 offered at the time. :\ Oh-well... at least they didn't allow it to become a Mazda-based coupe, just to follow suit of Chrysler's success with their FWD lineup, respectively! ;)
@thehopelesscarguy
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, the Mustang almost did become a Mazda based coupe. Imagine where we would be now if the Probe had arrived with Mustang badges.
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