Conceptualizing Ford Mustang II Vehicles

When the Mustang II was released for the 1974 model year, the tri-bar fender badge was updated to a Roman numeral II with a re-sculpted horse. The horse had a more upright head and straighter tail. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Company) Another sketch showcased a slimmer version of the shark-nose grille with hidden headlamps. The side glass was closer in shape to what would eventually be produced in 1973. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Company) A more daring approach to the hatchback layout on the shorter-wheelbase platform was depicted in this sketch. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Company) This model was also built on the larger platform and hinted at what the production car would look like with shrouded headlights separated from the grille. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Company) A tape drawing illustrated the substantial reduction in size from the 1973 Mustang and one of the first proposals for the 1974 model. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Company) This model took the basic profile of the Ghia hatchback and added a forward-leaning “shark-nose” grille while retaining hidden headlamps. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Company) By early 1971, it was decided to shift to a smaller, lighter platform, but this design proposal was considered too conservative and formal for a Mustang. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Company) This model took the conservative design theme even further with an upright grille, quad headlamps, and none of the Mustang’s fun spirit. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Company) In mid-1971, the Ford-owned Ghia design studio in Italy was tasked with designing two proposals for a fastback and a hardtop. This three-door hatchback led the way to a sleeker-looking theme for the Mustang II, including the molded-in faux side scoops, a detail that survived for production. (Courtesy of the Ford Motor Company) This hardtop proposal further developed the theme from Ghia’s hardtop design, providing a more contemporary interpretation of the original 1965 hardtop. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Company) A November 1971 model had a front end nearly identical to the production 1974 Mustang II. The sloping rear glass of this hardtop design eventually shifted to a more upright design. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Company) The primary differences between this model and the production Mustang II were the taillights and side scoops, which would eventually lose the strakes. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Company) The basic profile of the hatchback Mustang II was finalized in this tape drawing, although the rear quarter windows would be expanded. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Company) Prior to the public introduction of the 1974 Mustang II, Ford showcased a targa-roofed concept called the Mustang Sportiva II. Like the 1963 Mustang II concept, which was built from a modified prototype of the production 1965 Mustang, the Sportiva II was derived from a preproduction 1974 model. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Company) In the fall of 1973, the all-new Mustang II debuted in hardtop and hatchback bodystyles. Initially available only with four-cylinder and V6 engines, Mustang II arrived just in time for the first big spike in gasoline prices, and helped to reverse years of declining sales, hitting nearly 300,000 units in its first model year. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Company) This article, by David P. Castro, was originally published on ClassicCars.com, an editorial partner of Motor Authority.