1974 Mustang To 1978 Mustang Pictures

The Mustang II was built based on the smaller Pinto platform. In 1974 the engine selection was limited to either a 2.3L four cylinder or a 2.8L 105 horsepower V6, from Ford of Germany. This was the only year a V8 engine was not available in a Mustang and it was also the first year no convertible was available. From 1975 through 1978 the Mustang II did offer a 302 2bbl V8, but as with all engines of the time, it was low on power with only 122 to 140 horsepower, depending on the year and whether it was 49-state or a California car.

These were the "Dark Ages" of automotive performance as the industry got hit with a double whammy of pollution controls and gas mileage concerns. It took about ten years for computer controlled engines to return performance to us. While the Mustang II was smaller, more fuel efficient and handled better than previous Mustang generations, however it also lacked the performance of other Mustang generations.