February 8th, 2010 | 
Author: If you were to examine the Ford Mustang’s production time-line from its origin in 1964 to its current offerings, you would see that the Mustang has experienced several distinct highlights and low-lights over the course of those years.
Popular Mustangs
The first generation models, particularly those built through the late 1960s, were the most popular Mustangs of its kind. Not since the Mustang was rolled out have so many models been sold in a year, although a certain follow up model we will soon look at came very close.
Most recently, the retro-look Mustangs rolled out beginning in 2005 have been received with critical acclaim, cars that have recaptured historic Mustang glory while also featuring the latest in technological and engineering sophistication. Today’s Mustang is both modern and stylish, giving enthusiasts a car certainly worthy of wearing the steed’s moniker.
Ford Mustang II
But this article is not about the highlights or even the low-lights of Mustang history although the topic at hand, the Mustang II, does represent one of the lowest points in the Mustang continuum. But contradicting that point this same Mustang II was also a hot seller, with more than 400,000 units moving out from dealer showrooms in some years. Today’s Mustang sells at a much more modest clip of 50-100,000 units, but then there are so many other good choices from Ford and its competitors unlike during the 1970s when the Mustang II was produced.
The Ford Mustang II spanned a five year model run from 1974-1978 and was built on the same platform underpinning the Ford Pinto. That in itself is noteworthy: Ford had one small car platform to tap for the Mustang II and thought nothing of having the two horses share it. Though the Pinto had a certain sporty style, it was a weakly powered, budget car famously faulted for its exploding gas tank.
Smaller Warhorse
For its part the Mustang II filled a desire by Ford management to shrink the bulging Mustang down to more sensible proportions. That 1974 model featured rack and pinion steering and a separate sub-frame for the engine which helped to limit noise, vibration, and harshness. Though roundly criticized in later years for its dull styling, the Mustang II arrived just as gas prices began to soar. Moreover, the model tackled the girth which was apparent in 1969-1973 Mustangs.
The base Mustang II was powered by the Pinto’s 88 horsepower 2.3L I4 with an optional 2.8L V6 also offered. From the second year on, Ford refitted the engine bay to house a V8, placing a 5.0L engine under the hood. Still, buyers could choose from I4, V6, or V8 power, the latter helping the Mustang to perform strongly against the Toyota Celica and Datsun (Nissan) 280Z.
Though sales remained robust throughout the Mustang II’s campaign, the second generation model had the shortest run of any Mustang built. When the all-new 1979 model made its debut, Ford chose not to call it the Mustang III, allowing the steed to once again assume its original model name.
