Second Generation (1974-1978) Mustang Photo Gallery

The Mustang II arrived with a smaller engine and less power

By

Updated on 06/09/19

For almost a decade, automotive consumers had come to know the Ford Mustang as a powerful performance machine, with power increases delivered on an almost yearly basis.

The Ford Co. took a different approach with the second generation Mustang. Beginning in 1974, the year after the Arab oil embargo dramatically raised gasoline prices and reduced supplies, Ford downsized its engines. A completely redesigned Mustang II was launched, available in either a 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine or a 2.8-liter V6. Neither engine was particularly powerful, putting out just 90 and 100 horsepower, respectively.

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1974 Mach 1 Mustang II

The Mach 1 Mustang returned in 1974 as a hatchback model.

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Mustang II Trotting Pony

Mustang II's front pony emblem was modified to symbolize more of a trot than a gallop. Given the lack of power under the hood, this makes sense.

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1975 Mustang II

Consumers spoke and Ford listened. In 1975, the V-8 engine returned to the Mustang lineup. Despite its return, this new 302-cubic-inch, 4.94-liter engine was nothing like engines of the past.

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1975 Ford Mustang II

In the 1975 version, Mustang's V8 produced just 130 horsepower and was only available with an automatic transmission.

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1975 Ford Mustang II Grille

Here's a look at the 1975 Mustang II grille.

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1975 Mustang II Downsize

1975 Mustang II Rear — Photo © Jonathan P. Lamas

This Mustang was 19 inches shorter and 490 pounds lighter than the 1973 version.

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1975 Ford Mustang II Emblem

Ford's Mustang II emblem this year returned to the galloping horse.

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1976 Mustang Cobra II

Inspired by the Shelby Mustang, Ford introduced the Mustang Cobra II in 1976. In the spirit of racing, the Cobra II featured a nonfunctional hood scoop, a distinctive front, and rear spoilers, as well as racing stripes.

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1976 Mustang Cobra II

1976 Ford Mustang — Photo © Ford Motor Company

The 1976 Mustang Cobra II resembled the look and feel of the original Shelby Mustang though it lacked the power.

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1977 Mustang Cobra II Racing Stripes

Racing stripes for the 1977 Mustang Cobra II also came in black and gold.

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1977 Mustang Cobra II Rear

The Mustang Cobra II featured dual exhaust pipes.

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1977 Mustang Cobra II Lettering

Like the other Mustang Cobras IIs, the 1977 model featured Cobra II lettering prominently on the right rear end of the car.

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1977 Ford Mustang

The 1977 standard Ford Mustang featured T-tops.

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1978 King Cobra Mustang

1978 Ford Mustang — Photo © Ford Motor Company

The special edition King Cobra Mustang made its debut in 1978. It was the first Ford Mustang to officially feature the 5.0 badge. An estimated 5,000 units were produced.

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1978 King Cobra Mustang

The King Cobra had a distinctive exterior style, featuring a prominent air dam and a Cobra decal on the hood. Other than this release, the Mustang lineup remained mostly unchanged.

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1978 King Cobra Rear Lettering

King Cobra lettering was prominently featured on the right rear end of the car.

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1978 King Cobra Mustang Engine

Here's the special edition King Cobra Mustang engine compartment.

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1978 King Cobra Mustang

The special edition King Cobra Mustang wasn't renowned for its storage space, but there was still ample room behind the front bucket seats.