1978 Ford Mustang II King Cobra a Star (Lord) at New Petersen Exhibit

By S.J. Bryan - May 7, 2019

**Classic muscle car made its film debut in blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and is on display in L.A. alongside over 50 star rides.**

The Petersen Automotive Museum just opened their latest exhibit and it is a hit. Mustang Forums was there, checking out the incredible “Hollywood Dream Machines: Vehicles of Science Fiction and Fantasy.” The exhibit features vehicles on film with an emphasis on those that played a role in bringing futuristic, fantasy, sci-fi rides to life. So why are we featuring a 1978 Mustang?

In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2., directed by James Gunn, the car is driven by “Ego,” the one-and-only Kurt Russell. Russell is the (very) long-lost father of Star-Lord (Chris Pratt).

When we are first introduced to Ego, it is in a flashback. Russell is driving the 1978 Mustang II King Cobra T-Top, his long, feathered locks in the wind. In this throwback to another era, it is eternally cool. Well, it is a Mustang, after all.

The car’s designer was Dick Nesbitt, Ford Design based on the Mustang II King Cobra, and it was built by Mick’s Restoration.

Seeing the car up-close is awesome. It is pristine, yes, but it is a trip back to another time, another dimension.

The car just screams 70s muscle car. Yes, yes, we know the special edition Mustang II King Cobra of the era didn’t exactly set the world on fire, and did face some criticism and poor sales. But we contend that this car is cool as hell. It was also styled perfectly, and a great choice for Russell’s character. Don’t worry, no spoilers.

That T-Top along is worth the price of admission. The interior is clean and very, very brown. And interesting choice against the teal. Hey, it was the 70s!

Did you think it wouldn’t have hood art? Come on! Of course it does. And it is perfect.

If you are in the Los Angeles area, be sure to catch this exhibit. It runs until March of 2020. Some other cars featured are the DeLorean from Back to the Future, Black Panther’s Lexus LC500, a Frd Flathead Roadster from Iron Man, “K.I.T.T.” from Knight Rider and many more. For more info, visit the Petersen website.