Ford Mustang
Mustang
The Mustang was finishing up one of its generations in 1973. This era of Mustang (’69-’73) was the longest at 190 inches. Body styles available were a coupe, fastback coupe, and convertible. Trims offered were base, Grande, and Mach 1. Engines this year were a 250 I6 (88hp), 302 2bbl V8 (135hp), 351W 2bbl V8 (156hp), and a 351C 2bbl V8 (154hp). Look at those horsepower numbers— certainly not the best of the generation. You could back these engines with a 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, or a 3-speed automatic. A yellow ’73 Mustang named Eleanor was a main character in the 1974 flick, Gone in 60 Seconds.
The Mustang (a.k.a. Mustang II) got a radical redesign for 1974, just in time for the tail end of the first oil crisis. At 175″ long, the ’74-’78 ‘Stangs were the shortest. These were based on Pinto architecture. While the car itself was scorned by purists back in the day, this generation was one of the top selling Mustangs of all time. Bodies you could choose from were a 3-door hatch or a coupe. T-tops were an option for 1978. Engine offerings in all four years were 2.3L I4 (up to 89hp 1977) and 2.8L V6 (up to 105hp 1974). As of 1975, a 302 2bbl V8 (up to 139hp 1977) became an option. Bodies available were a coupe, and a 3-door hatch. Trims were base, Ghia, Stallion (’74-’77), Rallye (’76-), Mach 1, Cobra II (’76-) and King Cobra (’78 only). On a side note, Mustang II front suspensions, and aftermarket units designed after them, are still very popular to swap under street rods, early trucks, etc., due to their compact design.
The Mustang received another extensive redesign for 1979. This time it was based on the Fox-body architecture, which until then, was used under the Ford Fairmont/Mercury Zephyr. Body styles were a 3-door hatch or a notchback coupe, with a convertible being available as of 1983. T-top roof was available once again as of 1981. Engine choices were a 2.3L I4 for 1979-1983. The 2.3L Turbocharged I4 was sold in 1979, 1980, 1983. The 2.8L V6 was available in early 1979 only. The 3.3L I6 was offered from 1979-1982. The new 255 2bbl V8 was around for 1980-1982, and knocked the 302 off the list for 1980 & 1981. The 302 2bbl V8 was available in 1979 & 1982. A 302 4bbl V8 replaced the 2 barrel version for 1983. You could shift a 4-speed manual, 4-speed O.D. manual, or a 3-speed automatic. As of 1981, you could also get a 5-speed manual. The California Highway Patrol used over 400 1982 Mustangs for special patrol duties.
