1978 Ford Mustang II King Cobra in Orange & 302 Engine Sound on My Car Story with Lou Costabile

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On "My Car Story" we're in Wisconsin on 8-30-19.
We're looking at a 1978 Ford Mustang II King Cobra in Orange Paint. The car comes with the factory 302 CI V8 engine.
The car's Owner is Steen Traxler. Steen’s had this car since 2018. Steen shares he had a King Cobra, sold it, and had Buyer’s remorse and found this one, and his Brother restored it for him.
ENJOY!

[@scottwright388]

I remember seeing a black one on a used car lot around the mid 80's that caught my eye. I think the graphics were gold, but I can't remember.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Scott, Happy to read this car brings back memories of the black one you remember :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@slikrhodez3336]

I love the Mustang II and I don't care who knows! I would have gone restomod instead with an Edelbrock intake and carb with true duel exhausts. Nothing too crazy. 2600 pounds and 200+ horsepower could be pretty entertaining.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Slik Rhodez, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@tinagrier6641]

That kingcobra sounds and looks mean love the orange paint great restoration on that car

[@loucostabile]

Hi Tina, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@chuckhaugan4970]

LOL..... All I can think about now is weekend TV: BJ and the Bear, Fantasy Island, Dukes of Hazard, Love Boat, and Saturday Night Live...… All because somebody had to say Carlie's Angles..... Crap. My week is ruined. But, what sums up Ford of this vintage is "Burning Oil." This car is a true labor of love.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Chuck Haugan, Good memories of good times :-) Lou

[@ronbutler6502]

HI GREAT LOOKING CAR....NOT MY CUP OF TEA..BUT A PART OF FORD HISTORY...TKS LOU

[@loucostabile]

Hi RON BUTLER, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Lou

[@dc76384]

Years ago the neighbor had a Mustang 2 King Cobra...modified. he put on an aftermarket intake, with a 4bbl Carb, and aftermarket exhaust. You could hear that car from 2 miles away.

[@loucostabile]

Hi david czapla, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your neighbors car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@Cristopher1976]

I miss my cobra II. My dad bought it new in 78. Unfortunately it was the 2.8 with the 4speed transmission.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Cris Cummings, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@Red-rl1xx]

I have to say it looks pretty good, even if it doesn't have a whole lot under the hood. There's one of these (not a King Cobra) sitting in somebody's driveway about 20 minutes from where I live but it's pretty much a junker, which is the only one of these I know of far and wide.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing.

[@glenkepic3208]

Pretty cool little car. Had to stop when Lou mentioned a GF, man, '76 and a guy I knew was dating a girl who just got a Mustang II with a V-6 and takes 3 of us on a cruise, one of the hillier roads in the city,,,,"Look how gutless this is!!!" and stomps it up a hill. We're all 6', 170 at least! Car was ok by me. I guess he was spoiled by the '72 Coupe De Ville (472) he'd borrow from his folks.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing.

[@charlesgreer7641]

All the mustang 2s were 2+2. They were 4 seater cars two front two back the drive shaft jump separated the two back seats. Had a 78 coupe that was same way they all were.

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge.

[@charlesgreer7641]

I love these little cars. My pops bought the little coupe when I was in about 7th grade he sold his brand new pickup to buy a 79 fox body cobra and the guy backed out of the deal after he sold the truck. My dad and mom went car shopping and the last place they stopped had the 78 coupe it was a v8 4speed car so he seen sleeper potential in it and bought it. He and I built one heck of a sleeper out of it. When i got my license he made me buy a datsun pickup from him as my first ride. After a year of driving experience he gave me the mustang. Only reason he gave it to me is bc i was there turning wrenches with him from day one i had just as much blood sweat and tears in it as he did. Let me tell you i took so much money with that car it wasnt funny when people would see it and you ask to race they would say man those mustang 2s are a joke. Little did they know what lay beneath that hood was no where near stock and was about to give them the grand view of the taillights "that's if they could stay that close to see them". I sold the car my senior year of high school to a girl I worked with. Of corse I stripped the heads intake and carb of and put stock stuff back on with a 2barrel. I'd give anything in the world to find that car right now. My pops passed bout 5 years ago and I wouldnt care if it was in a cow feild with a tree growing threw the engine bay I'd pay good money for it and restore it exactly the way pop and i did it back in the 80s. I'm sure it long ago found it's way to a junkyard somewhere and has since met the crusher. Maybe its metal found it's way to a new mustang somewhere. Awsome vid thanks for the memories of a past long ago.

[@JeffKing310]

Great video Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jeff, Happy to read you enjoy this ride down memory lane with us :-) Lou

[@Jason-zw2dg]

That's one shinny boat anchor. Lol

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jason, Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts. Lou

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

Actually not a bad bark to this with a single exhaust...

[@loucostabile]

Nice little surprise.

[@HellJumper11117]

Still better looking then the Dodge Challenger in the 80’s or let 70’s still think the 60’s stangs and cobras and 05-current are the best body styles fox body’s are cool this is too but yeah hmm very awkward set of years for cars and trucks 70’s to 90’s not all but good majority look at that 1980’s challenger and you’ll be like what the hell was dodge thinking back then went from Badass 60-early 70’s Dodge Charger and challenger to that back to what we got now just saying the demons are top notch fortune though the chargers are coming around more I think we should honestly just make all muscle cars 2 door coupes chargers are cool and all but I’d pick an old one over a new one body style any day that’s why the mustangs still winning they get it you keep a good piece of machinery that’s both sport and muscle a coupe only way to do it

[@loucostabile]

Hi Hell Jumper117, Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@terryburnett797]

Thats not a stock 302. Definitely cammed lol

[@loucostabile]

Hi Terry, Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@eljuezdredd798]

King Cobra of the worst generation of Mustang

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts.

[@camwil7502]

It's not a pinto

[@loucostabile]

You're right.

[@fordxbgtfalcon]

Beautiful car! I’ve always been partial to the Mustang II’s, I had 2 king cobra’s at the same time. Swapped the motors with 5.0 H.O. Motors out of 89 GT’s. Unfortunately had to sell 15 years ago due to my mother passing away and I needed money.

[@loucostabile]

Hi You need a Tic Tac, TWO KING COBRA'S!! Twice as nice! Lou

[@scottbivins4051]

Sorry for your losses.

[@davidbartley989]

Really like the Mustang II even though it gets no love from enthusiasts. By 73 the Mustang was really no longer a pony car. The II brought it back to its original mission. Plus they sold like crazy - hard to argue with that.

[@loucostabile]

Hi David, Happy to read this is a car you like :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@fatbuddy719]

Thank you for doing videos on these cars that most enthusiasts would probably scoff at. Younger people like me can appreciate them since we weren’t there for the “real” muscle cars.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Totally Kyle, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Lou

[@paxhumana2015]

@@loucostabile , I would restomod one and get a Shelby 1000 crate engine kit, as well as upgrade its handling, torque, brakes, suspension, shock absorbers, frame, and, if needed, its body panels and any other information things that were built poorly in its stock form.

[@impalaboy776]

I'm 34. I wasn't around for these cars. I never understood the hate for them. I think they look better than the Foxbody which is so popular. The Mustang II is one of my dream cars and I've always wanted one.

[@maxhenry9724]

I guess. You do realize that the baddest muscle cars ever produced have been produced in the last 17 years?

[@impalaboy776]

@@maxhenry9724 Performance wise, yes. If they are stock. But overall, the look & the feel of the classics is something you just can't recreate with a new car. You can always mod a classic to perform just as good or better than a new one.

[@Root1966]

I remember someone in my neighborhoods dad getting one of these and he was stoked on it. And us little A Holes gave him such a hard time about that it’s not a “real” Mustang. As a 5O+ dude with a 91 Mustang GT today I feel for the guy now. I love these Mustang 2’s now.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Root66, Happy to read you come around to appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@thetreblerebel]

I think the II is a great looking car, better than the Fox body especially this Cobra model.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Stevie Jo, Happy to read you enjoy the design of this car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

A very IMPECCABLE restoration on this!

[@loucostabile]

Looks showroom new :-)

[@dennisconner8014]

@@loucostabile Cree 3b

[@SonnyGTA]

I’ve always loved these cars. What a great look!

[@loucostabile]

Hi SonnyGTA, Happy to read you "always loved these cars" :-) Lou

[@zAvAvAz]

cooL i want to get a maier fiberglass monroe shocks handler mustang body work and build one from scratch.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dennis, Happy to read you appreciate this "cool" car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@yeahright302]

luv the car.i have a 78 kc mustang as well,with t tops and enjoy it.great video.thanks

[@loucostabile]

Hi jeff e, Happy to read you have one too :-) Glad to read you enjoy the video, you're welcome, Lou

[@docbhowe]

Lou, thanks for sharing this wonderful King Cobra and its great restoration. I've had a couple Mustang II's including a 75 Mach 1, 76 Cobra II and still have 2 King Cobra's. I have several classic Mustangs as well and they all have their unique qualities. I always appreciate the videos you do with these underappreciated cars that are still historical. Please keep sharing cars like this. Thanks again for your great videos!!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Brenden Howe, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your cars :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing encouraging words, and you're welcome, Lou

[@Northedoggie]

Damn beautyful CAR !!! Thank's for showing mr. Costabile.... 💥🔥

[@loucostabile]

Hi Tom Vidar Nordmarken, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Me too. My pleasure sharing with you and you're welcome, Lou

[@cookcars1]

I enjoyed this video way more than I thought I would. It really is unusual! Love the interior and all the details he put in the trunk. The brochure was super cool. Thanks Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi cookcars1, Happy to read you enjoy this episode :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome, Lou

[@j.p.belanger8323]

My first car...loved it

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing.

[@Zack-nj3ej]

I’ve always loved the design of the sticker packaged Mustang II’s from the last 2 years of their production run. They look great and I dig all the 70’s goodness. I just don’t understand why Ford couldn’t have at least bolted on some factory dual exhaust, a slightly better manifold and 4-barrel carb. to give it a little extra oomph and make it sound more aggressive. At least those 302’s are easy to hop up to inject a little life into the car. With all that being said, your orange ‘78 looks fantastic!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Zack, Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) Yes, a dual exhaust, and better flowing intake was desired by all, and yet regulations starved us looking for more power. Lou

[@DanEBoyd]

I kinda wanted a set of those lacy spoke alloys to replace the 15.3" TRX's on my old '82 GT 5.0, but I don't think 13 inchers would've fit. What no one ever talks about is how the Mustang II actually at least still looked like a Mustang. The '79-'93s did not. The '94-'04s had some traditional styling cues, but still did not, much. However, my '05 GT sure does...

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dan, Happy to read your 05 brought it back to the beginning, Lou

[@jackdundon2261]

400 comments, 400 king cobras left... (mine is black). Lol

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jack, Happy to read you have a black one :-) NICE!

[@jackdundon2261]

@Lou Costabile when I bought it, I popped the hood, and saw a 1970s SMOG 4v carb. And under it I read the code on the intake D8Ze-xxxxxxx I went "Holey crap, I found the holly grail 78 cobra, they never officially made a 4v one", when I got home I looked closer C8Ze-xxxxx crap!!!! 1968 302 mustang intake. oops, but, for a few hours, I had the only factory 4v king cobra, lol. Your thoughts: jeap grand Cherokee, had a 15" "snow flake" wheel that will bolt on a 5 lug mustang bolt pattern. Simple swap our 4 lug wheels to 5 lug, and put the cobra center caps on the jeep wheel. -- look stock BUT, be 5 lug. Think it would detract, or add to it?

[@leelane9929]

There were Cobra emblems on the steering wheel center and door panel and also a Chrome Cobra badge in grill. The Cobra was also available as a pkg. for the V8’s also there was a Mach 1 and a Stallion package available. I’ve still have mine bought new in 1977 302 4 speed.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Lee, Hope we meet and we can video your car you bought NEW! Thanks for being a great Caretaker! Lou

[@robertraber4770]

I got a 1976 mustang I cobra ii blue white stripes v8 auto payed 127.88 for 48 months New it 1976 it now has 42,000 miles on it.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Robert, Happy to read you have a cool car :-) Thanks for sharing, Lou

[@johndrake2729]

The King Cobra's should have gotten the 351 instead, just to distinguish them from the Cobra II's 308. Just saying.

[@loucostabile]

Hi John, I like the 351 engine idea. Lou

[@dennisjager4255]

I owned a black KING. Bought it new. I dont think that the KING Came in orange. I thought that they only came in black, white and red......Am I wrong??

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dennis, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) They did come in orange, and blue too. Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou P.S. Here is another orange one. Enjoy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXjCdZ2dpMuVnZI

[@jokerzwild00]

You guys laugh about the Pinto, but the Mustang 2 is based on the Pinto platform! Not a lot carried over, but still. This is a great looking car, it's too bad Ford never gave it's engine the same special treatment that the style package got. I'm glad Mustang IIs are not getting quite as much hate these days, they essentially preserved the brand during a very tough time for cars like this to exist.

[@loucostabile]

Hi hey yo, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@scottbivins4051]

I can't believe Ford didn't put dual exhaust on them. I love and remember and drove one of the ole Mustang 11's.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Scott, Dual exhaust would have been a good idea. Glad to read this car brings back memories for you :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@michaelwalter3399]

I live in California, and I'm not this car would have been available there, due to the state's more stringent pollution laws. This was the heyday of the 49-state car; one model for California, one model for everyone else.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Michael, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Lou

[@gregsmith4897]

Lou, I have one of the tangerine King Cobras. It is in original condition with approximately 44,000 miles and is a 4 speed.

[@loucostabile]

Greg, Happy to read you have a cool car too :-) NICE! Lou

[@brianmoore6306]

This interior is not the deluxe interior either as the other My Car Story Orange Cobra you featured. This one, however, has black on the doors where the other one had the orange. I think I like the orange trim better than this one. Love the brochure in the trunk. I have one too. It did not seem fast at all, but it was fun to drive and fun to have. Love it! Thanks Lou. I forgot to give a thumbs up to the last video of yours that I watched...so I went back and made sure I gave it a thumbs up!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Brian, Thank you for sharing you love it and a thumbs up too :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@jimskenadore1791]

I have one. Hoping some day it might run again. Been resting since 1990. Was getting married. A mustang guy told me to keep it cause nobody wants one and it could be rare in the future.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jim, Happy to read you have a car like this :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@ericamidon4775]

That is absolutely gorgeous. My sister had a white with the blue in the center of the side blue cobra II and a silver and red King Cobra I loved both I'm trying to find one today to restore.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Eric, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Sisters car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@kevinfestner6126]

This Car is a treat. Charlies Angels, LOL. Kate Jackson I think drove a Pinto in the series or a notch back Mustang II Ghia.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Kevin, Happy to share this "treat" with you :-) Lou

[@fubarmodelyard1392]

The Rodney Dangerfield of mustangs. They looked better than the bloated 71-73 and the plastic junk that followed. Cool that these are being restored. You need to wear aviators while driving one. Great find Lou. Now if you happen on an aspen r/t or super coupe...

[@loucostabile]

Hi FUBAR Model Yard, Happy to read you appreciate this "find" :-) I'll work on the Aspen R.T and or Super Coupe. Stay tuned, Lou

[@shvlhed1975]

I really like the mustang 2s. I have a 78 that I've had since I was 17 I'm 48 now and it hasn't been on the road in a long time. It's always been a dream to re model it but just never got around to it.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Hershal, Hope this video motivates you to get yours on the road again, Lou

[@dalerabe4161]

I invite you to join Facebook MustangII Owners World Registry and register your King Cobra.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dale Rabe, Thank you for sharing, and if you like, please share a link, Lou

[@maryrafuse3851]

Some people had suits like that seat cover the best example being Herb Tarlek @ WKRP.

[@loucostabile]

You're right :-)

[@babyblue8214]

why does everyone assume that in the late 70s, EVERYONE listened to disco?? there were good bands still making good Rock music.. Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Foreigner, Ted Nugent, Heart, Styx, Bob Seger, etc etc.. people are so ignorant! lol

[@loucostabile]

Aerosmith, Van Halen, Donna Summer ...OPPS :-)

[@jamesfrazier1731]

It was the nostalgia of the time I guess!

[@MrTrack412]

My brother had a Mustang II, but I've never seen a Mustang II Cobra (at least that I can remember).

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jed, Happy to read this is a new Mustang for you to see, Lou

[@davidschluter6639]

Lou has the best job in the world.

[@loucostabile]

Hi David, ....and I'm glad you're along for the ride, Lou

[@SonnyGTA]

This car is not my cup of tea….ITS MY POT OF COFFEE!!!!

[@loucostabile]

NICE !!!

[@SonnyGTA]

@@loucostabile Lou. If you don’t mind me asking…how do you get your car featured on your channel? I might have a great ‘70’s car soon!

[@rgbigdog]

Yeah Herb on WKRP had suits like your seats.

[@loucostabile]

:-)

[@Crashking14]

Lou I had the Blue with orange King Cobra...but I had one in the mid 80s !!! Man this brings back so many memories..I wish I still had it !!! I have looked for one and they are not cheap !!! I don't understand why true Mustang owners/fans hate on this Mustang..

[@loucostabile]

Hi crash 30179 , Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@rogerfletcher4206]

Love it! Had a white 78! Loved that car. Certainly have seller’s remorse. Hope to see you around town.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Roger, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your white car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@oohgee3093]

I remember I junked a set of those rims when I younger , got a couple of dollars worth aluminum . Love the show!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Ooh Gee, Thank you for viewing and sharing :-) Lou

[@dodgyg3697]

That is a car Id be thrilled to own.

[@loucostabile]

Hope you're behind the wheel of the right one for you soon.

[@mreinstein48]

Whatr a BEAUTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-)

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Oh yeah! The Cars first album came out in 78! Of course that was "Candy-O" in the deck. Does that still play? Anyway, this video today is "Just What I Needed". 😊😊👍👍

[@loucostabile]

Hi Michael Bacon, Cars on the radio & car in the video....NICE :-) Lou

[@hensleyshobbies-doug7761]

A friend of mine, his Mom got one of the first Mustang II Cobras that came out back in the day, white with the blue racing stripes, and a 302 also! That was a wicked little car! Course him and his family were big Ford fans, nothing wrong with that, different strokes you know! Anyway, my buddy drove a 64’ Galaxie 500XL HT, that his Dad bought brand new back in 64’, and it had the 390 with factory 4 speed and that car was pretty cool too! I remember his Dad telling us that he could have ordered that Galaxie with the 427 but for that time the 390 was plenty big enough! Anyways, another cool one Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Hensley’s Hobbies, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Friends Mom's car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@jamesveach6918]

it funny back in the seventies you got a hell of a lot more car for your money and they all didn't look alike

[@loucostabile]

Hi James Veach, Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts. Lou

[@MisterMikeTexas]

You just had to put away your stopwatch, and get out your calendar. Good ol emissions controls!

[@richardcarr6493]

STILL NEEDS DUEL EXHAUST AND A 4BBL CARB

[@loucostabile]

HI Richard, Would have been the right idea from the factory. I agree. Thanks for sharing, Lou

[@stevekowalski7936]

Brings back memories. My first car was a 1978 mustang ghia that was originally my mom's car, think my parents got it for free in 1986. My dad had the 1978 hatchback as a beater he bought for like $150, had ttops that leaked bad abd he hated. I wanted that one but he was still driving it and it wasn't as rotted out. The 78 ghia was completely rotted out by 1993 and I restored in in 1993-1995 as it was a free car and I had all the restoration tools on hand. Was good practice. Painted it with some free dark maroon paint and did black vinyl top, made it look more 60s style as the only older mustang at the time that got respect was 1960s. There were hardly any mustang II's around by the mid 90s and not a lot knew what it was. Amazing that these cars are still around, actually might be easier to restore 25 years later today. At one point I rebuilt the engine and converted the auto to 4 speed. Car was totalled in 1999 from someone hitting me. I still own the 1969 mustang I bought in 1994 to restore as a "real car that was worth restoring....". I mean in the 1990s no one restored a mustang II unless they were in a very unusual situation like I was. The was a guy in CT who ran CT mustang II at the time he had some nice inventory not sure where it all went, I had to grab a few extra parts I didn't have from him when I converted to 4 speed. He mentioned he had a mustang II back in the day and it was a real junk. I later got a 1984 firebird 305 , 5 speed car. That firebird they laugh at how underpowered they were but it had a ton more power than that 2.3l Ford and only used more gas around town and really handled well.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Steve, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your 1st car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@colinj5291]

Beautiful restoration job.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Colin, Happy to read you appreciate the restoration on this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

These are actually sharp looking cars.. Too bad they didn't put a 4bbl 302 or 351 in these... If they did these would have been a more formidable opponent to the Trans Ams and Z28s of that era..

[@loucostabile]

Hi Thomas Barnard, The 4 bbl or 351 (if it fits) would be a great idea with dual exhaust. Lou

[@lect0n7]

“This was Ford’s Answer to the _Bandits”_ ...No...it wasn’t... it may have looked like an answer to the _Smokey and the Bandit_ era Pontiac Trans Am, but Trans Am’s from that time had engines like the 400CID (6.6-Liter), or 455CID (7.5-Liter) V8’s and the 302CID (4.94-Liter) is no competition for a 400CID (6.6-Liter) or 455CID (7.5-Liter) engine..,it’d be a joke...

[@loucostabile]

Hi ΣLECTЯ0N, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@Clarkecars]

He's done a nice job and my guess is this is better than factory because they were horrible at speeds above 100. I bet I sold maybe 6 Mustangs total in `78. T-Birds, LTDs, LTD IIs, Fairmonts and Granadas sold like hotcakes. The Mustangs and Pintos were slow movers. I am glad he changed the seat fabric. Ford and Chrysler offered some funky looking interior fabrics.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Clarkecars, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Lou

[@relaxingthesoulmind1879]

Nice car but it needs dual exhaust system

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing.

[@ralphvalkenhoff2887]

I’m sorry, just waiting for Charlie’s angel’s to step out with Farrah Faucets hair blowing in the wind. It’s the ugliest Stang Ford made. Always hated the 4 bolts holding the wheels on. A sure sign the power or lack of , wasn’t going to need 5. I sold these at a ford dealership in SOCAL back then and nobody liked the cloth seat pattern. We were told to say, “it’ll grow on you”. Hahaha . Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Ralph Valkenhoff, Would be happy to interview a Farrah Faucet look alike coming out of a car like this, and would probably get more views too :-) Happy to read you enjoy this episode, and hope you see many more on this KZbin Channel you enjoy, Lou

[@larryborkstrom3580]

Another great blast from the past 😊

[@loucostabile]

Good times, good times :-)

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

IMO the Ferrari 308 fits Tom Selleck more than a Mustang King Cobra... No offense to this Mustang...

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts.

[@ryanslibrary8851]

Saw one of these for sale in my area in decent condition and i’m really tempted to buy it, anyone know the mpg on these? As a mustang fan i appreciate the video i understand most enthusiasts don’t call the mustang ll an actual mustang

[@loucostabile]

Hi Ryans Library, Here is a link for MPG www.cjponyparts.com/resources/mustang-mpg-ratings Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@angelobovara317]

Back in 1977 I worked at a Chevy dealer used car lot. We got a used white & blue King Cobra with 302 eng and stick shift. I ran the heck outta that car. It could power shift at full throttle. At the time it felt fast. I beat up alotta cars back then.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Angelo Bovara, Ahhhh....good times....good times :-) Lou

[@ScrewheadChava]

Thanks for sharing this car with us! Truly appreciate it!

[@loucostabile]

Hi salvador cortes , Happy you enjoy this car :-) You're welcome, My pleasure sharing with you, and glad you're along for the ride, Lou

[@Cola64]

Very nice 🤙🏻 FYi I had a pair of pants back in the 70’s that were the same color and fabric of your seats

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dane Ta Tua Tonka, Sounds like back in the 1970's your pants would have been perfect if you pulled up in this :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@Cola64]

Lou Costabile I think i still have them wrapped in moth balls somewhere 🤣 Love the show Aloha🤙🏻😎

[@charliejohnson4166]

@@Cola64 if you still. Got them . They eill bring you big$$ on line. Lol

[@Cola64]

charlie johnson maybe if Andre the Giant were still Alive lol they would make good bed spreads for some hipsters possibly 😎🍻🛏🤣

[@charliejohnson4166]

@@Cola64 i can picture those on andre. He wore those brown pants like that. Simlar to the interior of a 55 Dodge.

[@jacobbales3692]

Another great ford love this show

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jacob Bales, Happy to read you're enjoying the episodes :-) Lou

[@JeffKing310]

Jacob Bales This is one of my favourite channels! Great stuff.

[@mokeimusic]

These are really cool cars,people talk down about these cars all the time but its usually from people who dont even have a classic car now. Also so many street rods used Mustang II front suspension for decades.

[@loucostabile]

Hi mokeimusic, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@jjp.8690]

When the mustang stopped being a mustang. Imo

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts.

[@glenkepic3208]

yep. I remember '82 walking in the parking lot of a record store and a 'new' Mustang waits for us,,,V8 and a 5 speed. knew it was back.

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Now now now! This car kept the brand alive. And the V8 version was pretty impressive for the times.

[@calvincooley1074]

The important thing about the 74 through 78 is that even though they dont get much love they ARE the main reason that the Mustang has neen around for 55 years now.

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts.

[@gregakinson2800]

The ugliest and most piss poor mistake that Ford EVER MADE! OMG!!!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Greg Akinson, Clearly this one is not for you :-( Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you'll enjoy :-) Lou

[@willyhwang1059]

this king cobra is way too cool! Rock it large with STYLE!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Willy, Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) Lou

[@28ashcat]

if you do some research, you'll find the steering wheels did have a cobra design where the horse was.

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for sharing.

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

The Marti reports on Ford Muscle Cars are like a Galen Govier report on a Mopar Muscle Car..

[@loucostabile]

Correct

[@michaelb.42112]

I LOVE that you kept the original interior !!!! This car is fascinating.

[@loucostabile]

Hi michael balazki, Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@maryrafuse3851]

What a beautiful memory machine. Love to all car people from Nova Scotia.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Mary from Nova Scotia, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@dc76384]

A 302 with a 2 bbl carb isnt pushing 250-300hp. Come on.

[@loucostabile]

Might have a few less "1978" restrictions on it, so maybe.

[@georgeshadrick640]

thanks beautiful car but the sound and color G out

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing.

[@firefightingvet9181]

Ugh nice resto HORRIBLE YEAR MUSTANG

[@loucostabile]

Nice resto = :-) Year Mustang = :-(

[@michaelmappin4425]

I'll give you full sticker price right now.😂

[@loucostabile]

:-)

[@charliejohnson4166]

Boss bought the White and blue model From Charlies Angles t.v. show. Driven by the late F. F. Only bad part was you could not get a 4 speed with a 302. Only with a 6. Fun and quick,little car. Not to bad in the snow as well. But. Still,was not a Mopar...

[@loucostabile]

Hi charlie johnson, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Bosses car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@docbhowe]

A 4 speed was readily available with the 302/5.0. he even mentioned production in this video going over the Marti Report. I have 2 of them.

[@charliejohnson4166]

@@docbhowe sorry for the error. . in 73 or 4 when the mustang 11 came out it was first a 6 cyl. Only. Then they added the 302 automatic., and later models allowed the 4 speed. I did not realize this was a 78. Another cool note was the early. Cobras had a decal cobra on the fender . Then the king cobra later had the. Huge cobra on the hood. And you could order it without the decal as well. If you khew the right people. Cool ride either way. I love Ford how they call the 302 a 5.0. When it's actually a 4.9 .. . Little more prowness perhaps.

[@jkmsaturn]

Love it! Perfect seat fabric choice! Showroom quality.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing.

[@bradleyslusser2279]

Very nice looking Pinto, lol. Just kidding. Nice car

[@loucostabile]

:-)

[@smokey13smiles]

I have a yellow one, all factory, but I dont have the louvers on mine

[@loucostabile]

Hi smokey13smiles, Happy to read you have a cool car too :-) Lou

[@Danroxye01]

Me again Lou, On my KC I traveled a lot across canada and the states, slept inside so many times during my trips, I remember those darn firestone 721 so bad ,and the wheels balancing was a real problem , weight kept flying off for some reason , years later replaced tire with pirelli and that changed everything, different car, much better.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Danroxye01, Sounds like some good times :-) Lou

[@michaelmappin4425]

I hate to argue but there is no way you're making 250-300 hp with a 2 barrel.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Michael, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@michaelmappin4425]

@Lou Costabile I still love your car very much, though.

[@MisterMikeTexas]

4:57 The whole car on that brochure page is tangerine! 😊😊

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge.

[@billramsey7455]

Napoleon Dynamite should have had that car to drive to the prom

[@loucostabile]

Hi Bill, Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@mgmnfld3109]

If this was Ford's answer to the Trans Am it was the wrong answer.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Forrest Jones, Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@garymckee8857]

I remember the King Cobra but not this orange version.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read this car brings back memories :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou