Ford Mustang II History Part 4: Cobra

1977 offered very little along the lines of big changes aside from the addition of a T-Top roofline option, and some new, brighter colors.  The trim lines back for 1977 were the base model, the Ghia, the Mach 1, and the Cobra II, with the same engine offerings as 1976, although the 5.0L Mustangs received a decline in horsepower, to 134.  Nothing changed about the base model or Ghia (other than the aforementioned T-tops), but the Mach 1 received the addition of the Cobra II chin spoiler, a more linear grille, and four-way adjustable seats, giving the one time performance trim line a more luxury feel.  The marketing campaign for the 1977 Mustang II keyed on the T-top option, since convertibles were still being scrutinized by the US Department of Transportation Safety Board.  Even with the addition of the T-tops, sales took another hit, dropping by roughly 20%.

1978 was another slow year for changes and the last year of the Mustang
II.  All changes made to the 1978 models were cosmetic; Ford intended
to make the Mustang II more appealing to female buyers.  There was a
“fashion accessory package” that included special cloth inserts on the
seats, titled Fresno Cloth, illuminated mirrors mounted in the back of
the driver’s side sun visor, map pockets in the door panels, and
exterior striping.  The only change seen in all of the 1978 Mustang
II’s was the rear seat going from one piece to two, giving it a more
firm, “2+2” feel (another popular import feature), especially to
rear-riding passengers.

There were no changes made to the engine offerings, but there was the
addition of seven new colors.  The Cobra II received a change to its
appearance, with the dual stripes on the hood replaced with one thick
stripe, and the stripe running along the bottom of the car was shifted
upwards to the middle of the car, with large COBRA font running across
the doors.

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