No matter how anyone, even Ford themselves, spins it, the Mustang II is still the bastard child nobody speaks about. It was a sales success, had a great front suspension design, and once Ford remembered that a Mustang should have a V8 (it didn’t have one at all for 1974) everything was in place that allowed the Mustang nameplate to weather the worst of the Malaise Era. Nowadays the Mustang II is either a curious oddity or scrap fodder, depending on viewpoint. I personally like them and not just because they are against the norm: the size is right for a good handling package, a few choice modifications wakes up the otherwise sleepy platform, and once you remove some of the worst visual cues the II becomes a reasonably handsome car, especially in hatchback form.
Then there’s this 1977 notchback coupe, and for the life of me I’m torn on whether or not I like what I see. Part of it is awesome, especially when you look at the car from the back. The front end, however…yeah. Not a fan. But is it worth it overall? Let’s analyze this…
It started life as a 1977 notchback Mustang II, but the seller claims that he was inspired to build a GT500KR-inspired car.
The tucked bumper up front is a nice touch, but the air dam looks out of place, and the hood scoop isn’t doing it. The grille should also be returned to stock and blacked out.
Did you think a 1968 Camaro spoiler would look that good on a Mustang II? Neither did I, but it’s a great choice. The all-red taillight mod is a solid choice, and the tucked rear bumper really improves the overall shape back here.
Performing a five-lug swap on a Mustang II should be one of the first modifications done, but not for late-model V6 wheels. They just don’t look right here.
Normally I’m not a fan of flat-black paint everywhere, but I’m even less of a fan of the factory blue. Interior is a mismatch of Cobra II pieces, late-model seats and aftermarket bits. But hey, three pedals!
Subframe connectors and a significant amount of suspension upgrades like a Flaming River manual rack and QA1 adjustable shocks sound like fun, and with a Helix 11″ disc setup on the fronts, the stopping is at least improved. The 1″ spacers for those late-model wheels would fly straight to the trash can.
A .040 over 1968 302 is fitted with 1970 302 heads that have been worked over, a Comp Cams HiPo 289 cam and Torker intake is the kick in the ass the Mustang needed. Backed up against the four-speed and turning 3.80 gears, it would be a fun drive.
Keep in mind that this is a project vehicle and that there are issues that still need to be addressed, but on the surface: Decent motor and running gear, light body that’s been frame-tied, some decent suspension pieces, modern seats, and some custom touches that are welcomed. Downsides: the car needs a nose job badly, needs wheels and tires that fit the build better, and needs finishing and polishing. After seeing the video of the car running, I’d finish it up. It’s so close to being done in my mind that I’d just put the finishing touches on it, address what I have issues with, and drive the hell out of it. But that’s just me, what do you think?
I actually kind of like the hood, I’m a little afraid to admit it.
The useless intake snorts and the filter poking out up top is just so ridiculous, it’s amazing. Kind of a weird Millennium Falcon/ used-future sci-fi vibe.
I hate the air dam, it looks craptastic. The Camaro duck tail looks like it belongs, and the interior could stand some tinkering, but it’s otherwise a solid car.
Tear it down and start again. This time get rid of the hood and air dam. Put a blower on it and upgrade the brakes better. A new set of wheels, a paint job and it should be ready to go.
Slam it into the weeds and fit 17inch black multi-spoke wheels – and lose that hideous air-cleaner.
Better still stick two turbos on it with some nice sheet metal manifolding and silicon hoses.
Tasty!
I think it would be worth finishing, just ditch the Hood and Air dam.
Finish it alright, with a Remington 12 gauge and 400 rounds of deer slugs.
Uchk……………….
No matter what you try to do to it ! Guess what “you still have a Mustang II, A piece of Sh…!!!!!!”
Put the air cleaner under the hood, add some red pinstriping, and it would be pretty decent. For a Mustang II notchback.