| |
MISUNDERSTOOD MUSTANG
The case of the misunderstood Mustang.
by Bob McClurg
|
"Top that!" Perhaps Ford's management hurled those very words at the boys in Product Development one day in late 1972.
What were they supposed to top? Just one of Ford's all time bests they were to create a new Mustang. These were tough times for Detroit-- Japanese imports, Nadar-ism, EPA,/DOT regulations, and the insurance lobby sent Detroit's automotive barons home with migraines. Almost overnight, performance became a dirty word. It no longer mattered that Mustang was a major shareholder of "Ponycar" sales. That kind of car had been regulated virtually out of existence by the insurance lobby. Ford had a winner with the classic Mustang, and it was hard to change "horses" in mid-stream. But having little choice, Ford acted quickly.
The outcome was Mustang II, an alternative product built on a Pinto platform, introduced in fall, 1973. By trading on the Mustang name, Ford hoped to sell and conform to the revolutionary mandates of Capitol Hill.
Featuring rack-and-pinion steering and disc brakes, the compact Mustang II looked great and responded as expected. Easy on the wallet, it satisfied government and insurance moguls as the "proper" car. But the traditional Mustang establishment was unimpressed.
The new Mustang wasn't a bad car; it still isn't. But Mustang II didn't convince consumers that it was a "real" Mustang. The II may have fared better if Ford, instead of the lackluster 2300 C.C Pinto four-banger version, had sprung the Capri V6/Ghia version or the later model 1977 302 powered Mach 1 Mustang II on the market.
Later on , Ford did introduce V6 and 302 powered versions, which helped, and cooperated with motorsports representatives to improve the II's public image. The II became the body style of the AA/Fuel Funnycar set. Gapp & Roush, "Dyno Don" Nicholson, Bob Glidden, and others ruled NHRA Pro-stock with Mustang II facsimiles, and Charlie Kemp fielded a successful IMSA GTO/Mustang II.
Despite the seemingly successful effort to boost the Mustang II's image, Ford committed a grave error by leaving the II's repackaging to the boys in-house instead of to freelance designers. And the car, which according to official records wasn't selling too badly, got yet another kick in the teeth with the introduction of the Mustang II Cobra editions.
The Mustang contingent was again unimpressed - a mild reaction compared to that of the real Cobra contingent ! Even with a V8 under the hood, the Mustang II Cobra fell short. The car's vinyl-tape graphics rivaled a '60's style, drug-induced flashback, and any ground that Ford had gained was washed away.
Unfortunately, the Mustang II never stood a chance with the classic Mustang set. The II may never achieve the immortality of its predecessor or enjoy the distinction of being the last surviving American produced musclecar in the U.S., but it's still an important part of Mustang history.
I think the Mustang II V6 and 302 II's will become the interim Mustang collector cars of the 90's. There's a limited number of early 1964 1/2 to 1973 vintage Mustangs, and with fame come higher prices. Recent Mustang converts caught between high priced classic Mustangs and high priced contemporary ones are actually in an enviable position. The II is affordable, and v6 and V8 versions are sure to become collector items due to their scarcity.
M.I. welcomes letters from the Mustang II minority. Send photos of your prized II's, and maybe you'll see a Project II series in upcoming issues. How about a down on the ground , 16 inch wheeled, fat-tired Mustang II guaranteed to excite all Mustang middle of the roaders? Top that !
|
|
