The 2nd generation of the
Mustang, built between 1974-1978. Designed by Lee Iacocca and based on the the subcompact Ford Pinto platform. It came in basic coupe form, hatchback, or the up scale "Ghia" which had a landau vinyl roof treatment. Engines offered were either a I4 or V6 engine, but a small-block V8 became an option in '75.
During the gas crisis, it sold well, mainly due to the demand of small cars. But this generation is known to Mustang fans as one of the least
popular. Mainly due to cheap wimpy Pinto type styling and the lack of a good performace engine. The base coupe and Ghia models were boring looking. And Hatchback models tried to
hard to look sporty, what with the "Stallion" or "Cobra"
trim. They offered paint jobs with strips going down the
hood, a blacked out grill, and lots of plastic body moldings. But in the end the car just looked tacky and overdone, and was all show and no
go. Sales declined after '75 and a newer more
popular Mustang design would appear in 1979.
