The Worst Years of the Mustang
The Mustang II is considered by most Mustang enthusiasts as the
worst of the line. By 1974, pollution controls and gas mileage
concerns were destroying the previous generation of classic hot
rods. Horsepower was becoming a thing of the past, and the
Mustang was brought to a lowly state in order to survive this
difficult time. The Mustang II incorporated two body styles
featuring a two door hard top, and a pinto-like hatch back.
There were no convertibles available that year.
The car had two available engines: a 4 cylinder engine with only
88 horsepower, and a German-built 171 ci 2.8L V-6 rated at 105
hp. In 1975, Ford reintroduced the 302 cubic inch small block
eight to the Mustang II, but with only 122 horsepower. Compare
that to the 2005 model that gets up to 300 hp.
The Mustang II was smaller than the 1960's version, but weighing
in at 3,000 pounds and getting a meager 88 hp meant a very
sluggish ride. Thankfully, the very popular 2005 Mustang as
stated earlier has a lot more power. The Mustang Ghia was Ford's
luxury Mustang that included deluxe seatbelts, digital quartz
clock, vinyl seats and door trim, door courtesy lights, rear
ashtray, outside remote control mirrors, parking brake boot, pin
stripes, and a vinyl roof. Why anyone considered a vinyl roof a
luxury is unknown to this day. Maintenance for a vinyl top can
be a pain as anyone who has owned one will attest.
The 1970's were a terrible time indeed for Mustangs, but the
1980's would see more of a return to performance. Today's model
of Mustang is not only the most popular sports car on the
market, it does the original Mustang good with it's 300 hp, and
awesome looks.