Mustang II: A Touch of the Classic
by Michael E. Maattala
Mustang II puts the joy back in driving.
When the Classic Thunderbird Club International (CTCI) held its 1974 convention in Dearborn, Michigan, early last summer, 20 members were given a chance to test-drive the 1975 Mustang II.
Afterward, club president Fordham L. Johnson summed up the group's feelings: "Mustang II has the spirit, fun and flair of the original Thunderbird concept, but has the design that is compatible with today's environment. Like the 1955-57 Thunderbird, around which CTCI is founded, it has the characteristics that make an automobile a pleasure to look at, and fun to drive."
As the club's name indicates, the Thunderbirds of the mid-50s became classic cars. Mustang II, introduced in September 1973, started a class of its own with a design that combines sporty flair and luxury, excellent fuel economy and nimbleness. The car doubled the previous year's Mustang sales and received Motor Trend magazine's "Car of the Year" award.
Just how do these two cars match up? The 1975 Mustang II is shorter and lighter than the classic Thunderbird, yet front seat dimensions are comparable. Mustang II has rear seating, Thunderbird didn't. Fuel economy and performance levels are close, although Mustang II has emission control equipment to meet the 1975 Federal standards. Mustang II also features major technical improvements, and increased comfort and luxury appointments not available in the 1950s.
As for prices, a 1956 Thunderbird equipped with 13 popular options cost approximately $3800 at introduction (excluding title, destination and delivery charges, state and local taxes). In today's dollars the car would cost about $4800. The manufacturer's suggested retail price for a 1975 Mustang II Ghia with similar equipment and many other standard items ot even available in 1956, such as solid-state ignition and steel-belted radial-ply tires, is $4589 (excluding title, destination and delivery charges, state and local taxes and dealer prep).
Where Mustang II really shines is in the area of "fits and finishes." Design and production engineers worked closely to help ensure that every part would fit and look right. The resulting car has a look of finely detailed quality - a look of European craftmanship.
The new Mustang II comes in the same four models that made it the success car of 1974: Two-Door Hardtop, Three-Door 2+2, Ghia and Mach 1. And appearance changes and new options make this year's car even more exciting.
Mustang II adds V-8 power as an option; the peppy 302 CID engine teams with SelectShift transmission, power steering and power brakes. The V-8 has a displacement more than double that of the standard 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and 77 percent larger than the 2.8-liter V-6, which was the top engine for 1974 and is available in 1975.
Solid-state ignition and steel-belted radial-ply tires are standard on all models this year. Appearance changes include a new grille; Ghia also features a new opera window and new half-vinly roof. New options include cast spoke aluminum wheels, a 3.5-gallon extended range fuel tank (standard with V-8) and a Silver Luxury Group (Ghia only).
Rack and pinion steering and a 96.2-inch wheelbase give Mustang II exceptional maneuverability. Front disc brakes are standard; so is a four-speed, floor-mounted transmission. To help soak up road shock, engineers provided precision-designed rubber isolated front and rear suspensions and an isolated rubber-mounted front sub-frame.
Standard exterior features include color-keyed urethane-coated bumpers, European-style rear taillights with large amber turn signals, new one-piece fiberglass reinforced front end, wheel-lip moldings and recessed exterior door handles.
Inside, Mustang II has all-vinyl front bucket seats, plush color-keyed carpeting on the floor and lower door panels (except with white trim), full instrumentation and burled walnut woodtone applique on the instrument panel.
Additional items on the Mustang 2+2 are fold-down rear seat and styled steel wheels. The Mach 1 also comes with 2.8-liter V-6 engine, rear tape and fender decals, and black paint/bodyside molding.
Ghia provides that extra level of luxury. Standard items are vinyl roof (full or half), opera windows, dual pin stripes, color-keyed remote control mirrors, deluxe spoke-style wheel covers and Ghia ornamentation. Interior features include deluxe seat trim - Westminster cloth or super-soft vinyl, deluxe door and rear interior quarter trim, digital clock, color-keyed shag carpeting (10 1/2-ounce gray carpeting in the luggage compartment.)
A Silver Luxury Group is offered as anoption for the Ghia. This includes silver exterior paint, silver padded half-vinyl roof, bodyside paint stripes, unique Mustang II hood ornament, and a cranberry interior with crushed velour seat trim and full console. A new optional silver-tinted power glass moonroof is available with this group.
Buyers can select from a long list of options. Functional items inclue power steering, power brakes, SelectShift and a competition suspension consisting of heavy duty springs, adjustable shock absorbers and rear stabilizer bar. Buyers may also add SelectAire Conditioning, electric rear window defroster and manual sunroof.
Other options include vinyl roof, glamour paint, AM/FM Stereo Radio and Luxury Interior Group.
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