Rare Mustang II Comparison

Mustang II enthusiast/historian Robert Kennedy provides a quick, casual comparison tour of his 1978 King Cobra and his ultra-rare 1977 Classic II convertible.

[@SimirJohnson]

Everyone loves to hate on the Mustang II, but that convertible is ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! I never knew any existed. Thank you for that great video.

[@robertmeeks6288]

444

[@toyhunterslasvegas]

Only a few were built. By a company out of Florida. It was a $4500 option. Crazy high for the time. Only a few thousand below a Porsche 911!

[@19553129]

I loved my 2 Mustang It's .It is nice to see them appreciated after all these years.

[@theman9907]

A real sport car size now there limo size

[@jeffkenyon1145]

The Mustang II served a great purpose. Yes, it was small and anemic compared to what it used to be (ALL American cars were anemic at the time), but it kept the Mustang name going! And it's got all the main Mustang styling cues. It's got the wide grille with the pony in the middle. It's got the "C" scoops. It's got the 3-bar taillights. The Mustang II LOOKS more like a Mustang than any Foxbody Mustang EVER did! Great video!

[@sdmercuryman]

Thank you Robert, great job on the video. I always liked the Mustang II. I also had no idea a convertible was offered. Looks stylish.

[@slikrhodez3336]

Couple of unicorns there! I've never seen a convertible Mustang II! Very cool!

[@EmmyPierz-ek7hi]

Another GR8 Mustang II video, Bob, Keep ‘ Em Coming! CB

[@wesleysept6536]

Just had to check out your video. I've owned 7 different Mustang II'S, including a real King Cobra, and a real Cobra II. Great cars dude!

[@LeachimSagrav333]

These are nice. I bought a black 4 speed king cobra back in 95 for 600 bucks from an old man that purchased it new. Needed some work but I loved that car. Wish I still had it.

[@robertkennedy8420]

Thanks. Kings are cool! Thanks for watching. Please feel free to subscribe. I recently authored a new Mustang history book about all seven generations. That book, “UNBRIDLED: The Passion, Performance & Politics Behind America’s Favorite Pony Car” is available exclusively at UnbridledMustangBook.com. You can also follow @unbridled_author on Instagram and the @unbridledbook page on Facebook if you’re curious.

[@bryangarrett8425]

Absolutely fabulous! It's terrific to see someone give the Mustang II some love without having to read all the uninformed and boring comments on how it's not a real Mustang. Bravo!

[@tdeje]

another great informative video ! thanks Robert !

[@f150bft]

There is a lot of info I missed out on because of the sound quality.... Awesome cars. Would watch a remake of this.

[@normanrhone2791]

Thanks for this very interesting lesson Robert. I learned plenty.

[@normanrhone2791]

@@robertkennedy8420 I definitely will.

[@19chucki74]

A girl I went to school with in the late 80s had a clean Mustang II notchback coupe. Nice car. Wish a droptop version was offered from Ford back in the mid 70s, would have sold even more than it did. Great cars yet so underrated.

[@chocodiledundee1]

Ohhhh man you’ve blown my mind , absolutely Mustang Automotive history, I am a huge fan of those Mustang ❤️❤️, one ☝🏼 only thing that upsets me is that Ford should’ve kept the Mustang 5 lugs wheels but it’s gorgeous T-Top Kind Cobra omg so gorgeous the convertible orange 🍊 gorgeous colours both cars are stunning both together omg so perfect 👌🏼 amazingly beautiful colours man you deserve ‘em I can see you love thank you for showing ‘em thank you for preserving a such iconic muscle pony even though they are not as sort out I’ve always loved them for this one particular reason that you just don’t see them around that makes them so special to me as I like unique things. All the best from Australia 🇦🇺

[@chocodiledundee1]

@@robertkennedy8420 looking forward Robert , do you have Instagram? I was looking for your Instagram page , I’ve got an extremely rare ford you may like I’ve got a 67-72 Bumpside SR Country/ Bronco Made in Brazil only 3 still exist right now I am restoring it very unique and rare all the best Robert thank you

[@georgewettig1860]

very nice documentary.

[@tomfisher5321]

Again excellent.... The King Cobra is stunning!

[@lunaticfringe8066]

Thanks Robert, very informative. Sure would like to see a demonstration of the convertible top function and its frame modifications someday.

[@lunaticfringe8066]

@@robertkennedy8420 Thanks Robert, look forward to it!

[@markwoodley712]

My first car was a Mustang II purchased used and it was red with a white vinyl roof, notch back body style, I definitely preferred the fastback style but I wasn't complaining at the time. Well equipped car for the time and I didn't realize its horsepower was so low but it came out during the fuel crisis, later I owned a Volvo diesel that came with lower horsepower. The Mustang II had good fuel economy, it shook at any speed above 65 mph, but was reasonably reliable especially in comparison with a Land Rover I owned in 1997, I spent more time at the dealership than on the road with the SUV. This was the only North American car I've owned and it was lots of fun. Thanks for the informative and brief video!

[@matthewwert1901]

I cannot wait for my 1977 coupe restoration to commence that was factory painted pink. Love all my MII's.

[@ronbridges678]

Hey Matthew I want to see that one!!!!

[@BigBoss1292]

The Mustang II is a beautiful car that gets too much hate.

[@francescotrevisan4453]

The mustang 2 convertible is so rare! It would have been nice to see a full view from the sides to enjoy the lines.

[@dallisb1047]

I love The Mustang II! I have had 3 Mustangs. And 2 of them were IIs.

[@brianmoore6306]

thank you! Oh how I miss my '78 Corbra II....

[@richardbeaudoin9589]

I had two king cobras and two cobra II...i miss them so much...you red one is rare..and me too, have to admit i barely saw convertible. Therefore, in one revue i still have is one of 2 king cobras convertible version. Personnaly, i prefer t tops. Nice cars!!!

[@brianhartsell4085]

Thanks for this video. Had a1976 Cobra, loved the car. And it does bother me, that the Mustang II was misunderstood, as you said. And that it's not accepted by Mustang enthusiasts. I'm a Mustang enthusiast and I understand that without these versions. The Mustang may not be what it is, today. Really do appreciate this video. And, I did learn something, I didn't realize there was a convertible, thanks again.

[@Gariandjulie]

Amazing to get such an in depth view of these cars! Especially the stiffer chassis of the convertible and the firewall braces of the T top, I wonder if there are aftermarket parts for it to install it on other two’s For the king cobra, what wheels did you use? The car looks wider and way nicer!

[@Gariandjulie]

@@robertkennedy8420 awesome! Would love to see those in the future. Myself I’m looking at some 15” aluminium Magnum 400 wheels to replace the 13s I have now

[@DM-ye9mm]

i had a 78 hatchback V6 auto when i was going to college. the thing i remember the most is how difficult it was to drive in the snow. that car would fishtail so easily. i ended-up in a few snowbanks.

[@wesleysept6536]

So, an observation, their were 11 Monroe Handlers. The steel one had a Boss 302, also this is the only Mustang II convertible I've ever seen! That is why there is no extra bracing in the engine area, and even though I hate convertibles, I just love this one. Throw on a King Cobra front air dam, and ensure that that engine puts out!

[@rx6180]

Those under-hood tags you showed at the end seem strange to me, secured as they are by one screw. I currently own a 1998 European model Ford Escort Ghia, that has what looks to be a similar tag under the hood, on the slam panel, probably containing similar information, and while mine is hardly tamper proof if someone really wanted to create a 'ringer', my tag is rivetted on with two rivets, and that seems to be common practice in Europe. Yes in the 80s cars began to have the VIN number stamped into the floor pan or visible through the windshield on the dash, unlike earlier cars where the entire car's identity could be removed by drilling out the rivets on a VIN plate, but the self-tapping screw on your Mustangs does seem a very temporary fixing. Is that a common thing in the USA? Another informative video!

[@brianogram7342]

another great video. Thanks Robert. Having a rare car is nice. I have a 65 Mercury Comet convertible not as rare as your convertible.

[@a_Fax_Machine]

Audio is pretty soft until you move closer to the camera. I would suggest that if you keep doing videos like these to get a lapel lavalier mic. Otherwise, fantastic video!

[@jaymehl8379]

True

[@samconway5288]

I remember when was about 11 years old, my brother-in-law had a black king cobra

[@billydoyle9984]

Thank you for the nice response --- It is a fun car - I had a 75 coupe as a kid and was ALOT of fun --- Does the 77 KC come with a Garrity Turbo on the 302? with a turn knob button on the bottom right side of the steering wheel? Thank you again Billy

[@jimbower9268]

I had a couple of them…liked them.

[@ChristopherCobra]

I've worked on mustangs from 64 to 68 and 1976 - I still have one of the 68's. I would love a KC - or one of the Cobra II's. I think they had a lot of potential to be great performers with only minor changes. Folks really underestimated them. I am actually less of a fan of the early foxes. They were more cheaply made and Ford really didn't seem to care about them until ~'86. ALthough, I do have to say the foxes did handle great. Thanks, great video.

[@ronbridges678]

@@robertkennedy8420 I can't wait to see what you publish next!!!!

[@ronbridges678]

Christopher I have fallen in love with the New Edge Mustang. I have an 03 that's mildly modified. I have taken Camaros and a few older Trans-Ams. I am planning on doing a Coyote swap soon. I intend to make it a street legal strip car!!!!

[@imp81]

i was hoping to see the top up and a side shot of the convert

[@ilanoliveira4237]

Nice Mustangs IIs!!!

[@bkmusic5941]

Crazy you’re in Omaha! I got a tangerine orange cobra in Crescent

[@perkitaseaman3290]

I am so in love with this car ❤🐎👑🌑🌚

[@robertkennedy8420]

Thanks for watching. Please feel free to subscribe. I recently authored a new Mustang history book about all seven generations. That book, “UNBRIDLED: The Passion, Performance & Politics Behind America’s Favorite Pony Car” is available exclusively at UnbridledMustangBook.com. You can also follow @unbridled_author on Instagram and the @unbridledbook page on Facebook if you’re curious.

[@jeffschwartz5199]

Interesting 👍

[@shawndcollier]

Need to do a comparison video between the V6 4 speed convertible and the V8 Auto Convertible

[@shawndcollier]

Also the pinto Cruising Wagons got the air duct cooling same as King Cobras

[@invisiblekid7374]

My dad had one of the regular hatchback mustang 2’s. I don’t remember what year, but I’ve always thought they were a cool looking car. They definitely have some style over the other small cars of that era.

[@gunfighterzero]

Wow nice ponys, I have never seen the convertible and that king is pristine. Does it have a manual transmission too?

[@danamoslander1223]

Awesome

[@mwalker7922]

I have a 1978 mustang 2 Mach 1 all original, all matching numbers, engine & trans. Unfortunately parts for my car seem impossible to locate due to my mustang year seeming as if it didn’t exist. Any advise???? I have yet t locate one that even resembles mine. It’s not a type it’s a hard too hatch back. Though it’s paint is two tone white body, black belly. Know of any like mine anywhere?????

[@billydoyle9984]

Wow thank you I just got Lucky because I bought 1 of those 1,724 with the T-tops

[@wildman510]

How amny of those convertibles existed/survive today? I can find no info or pics apart from pics of one car and this video

[@rustybritches6747]

I thought there was 4,313 KC built? I'm finding it's kind of hard figuring out the correct build numbers!

[@johnprins6468]

REAL COOL.CARS LOVE THE STANGS FROM THOSE YEARS SMALL SPORTY AND QUICK...PS MY NEIGHBOUR HAS A 1977 MUSTANG COBRA THAT HE BOUGHT NEW..BLACK WITH WHITE STRIPS...

[@karenm6914]

Hello Robert, I live in Mexico and I have a couple questions, the first one is what is the average price for a 77 or 78 mustang without any restoration, but with all pieces, my idea is maybe buy one in USA and import to Mexico and restore here, the reason is because in Mexico is not easy find a Mustang II with the original parts, and also it's hard find these parts, this is my second question is easy and reliable find parts in USA? I apreciate a lot your answer, cheers.

[@pattyeverett2826]

I just ran onto this video. I see a Mustang II all the time, I have one. Mine is a 1978 coupe with the V-8 option. I have had it since new. It does have a replacement radiator to help handle the Texas heat here. Coupe's are probably not that rare, but much rarer than the 1963 Falcon I have. I only know of around 4 here in Austin, there is a whole club dedicated to Falcons.

[@pattyeverett2826]

@@robertkennedy8420 I have subscribed. I look forward to your new videos.

[@jdnrotterdam2150]

In the end of the 70s beginning of the 80s my dad owned a Ford Mustang 2 hatchback. It was not a cobra. But it had a 5.0 v8. There is not much to find about that car but when you see the same model you mostly see the V6. The cobra had a v8. He had a light blue hatchback with blue leather seats. It had a little spoiler on the back. Is it posible that it was a normal mustang 2 but that owners before out a v8 from a cobra in it? Or did the normal ford mustang 2 hatchback exist with the 5L v8?

[@jdnrotterdam2150]

Later he imported a Oldsmobile cutlass salon 4 door sedan. From around 1973. 74 also with a v8. On youtube you only see the 2 door versions . And google also. So nothing to find about that car also

[@jdnrotterdam2150]

@@robertkennedy8420 nice we are from holland so we had some anerican import shops

[@markallen2984]

The Mustang II convertible is such a rare car and I am very frustrated you didn't include an establishing shot giving us a long look at the exterior of the car! I mean, thanks for making the video but the first thing you do is open the hood to obscure the view of the car?

[@markallen2984]

@@robertkennedy8420 Wow! Thank you that was extremely thoughtful of you. I don't know if I mentioned it, but I had never been aware of a Mustang II convertible. Yours looks great in your new video. After watching your new video, I understand you have a lot of upcoming plans. I hope amongst your plans is a thorough video on the convertible showing it with its top up too at some point. I always thought the Mustang II was a well-styled car and was not in agreement with much of the criticism. In fact, I thought the Fox bodies were rather bland in comparison. A friend and I drove his mother's Mustang II from Los Angeles to Vancouver BC in the Summer of '81 or '82...... trying to sleep in those very sculpted and small back seats was kind of a challenge.... we drove straight through without stopping (except for fast food and gas) That car was a yellow Ghia with a manual transmission. Later, my older brother married a woman who drove a blue Mustang II with a white vinyl "half top" (I think it had "opera windows, too). My oldest son's first car was a '99 Mustang....he loved it ( but it was totalled when a street light pole fell across the road.) Anyway, TMI......I guess, but thank you very much for including the image of your very cool crop-top and your most recent video. And thank you for notifying me about it. Good luck with the book and your KZbin channel!

[@markallen2984]

@@robertkennedy8420 I should also say that your Cobra is spectacular, as well. But, as Nick Nolte said to Eddie Murphy in 48 hours: "I'm a ragtop man"

[@markallen2984]

@@robertkennedy8420 I have already subscribed, Robert👍

[@josephbaesa1600]

I have one

[@robertkennedy8420]

One what? A Mustang II, a King Cobra, or one of the convertibles?

[@chocodiledundee1]

Yes man those Mustang ll are warriors they went to war fighting against “The end of muscle era / petrol crises “ they sacrificed HP size and muscle era glory days to keep the Mustang dream alive, absolutely the true “Bridge “ connector from Mustang keeping galloping pride since 1964 1/2 until now , for sure without the Mustang ll in those crazy times Mustang would’ve not survived....

[@chocodiledundee1]

@@robertkennedy8420 yes I heard you saying it I actually want to watch it indeed ... I will watch it and let you know thank you Robert

[@legalpitbull3623]

Anyone know approx how many V8 4sp cars were built .

[@legalpitbull3623]

@@robertkennedy8420 Thanks , I was just curious , didn't know they had made the 4spd available with the 302.

[@legalpitbull3623]

@@robertkennedy8420 Do you know what 4spd trans was used behind the 302 ?

[@legalpitbull3623]

@@robertkennedy8420 👍

[@MrHarleyoldfart]

You need a better sound system, you can't be heard without turning the volume right up.

[@Hazztech]

Aren't these fwd though

[@robertvance1873]

Some people still call them re badged pintos and it Piss's me off because they are not in my book.

[@christopherboyd5639]

cant hear you

[@buzzbbird]

I have ALWAYS liked the Mustang II, but stating a factory 1-of-1 car loses its meaning once changed and modified. Being modified, it has no 1-of-1 value. Historically that car does not exist unless retired to factory spec.

[@p71collector]

I bought a new 75 Mustang in the fall of 1975. It was too small and underpowered for my liking. I kept it for 13 months and traded it for a new 1977 Mercury Cougar. The Mustang got twice the gas mileage of the Cougar. Still wish I had both of them again.

[@p71collector]

@@robertkennedy8420 The 75 Mustang had the 4 cylinder with a 4 speed transmission, the 77 Cougar had the 351 V8 with a c6 automatic transmission.

[@michaelhickey7403]

Audio is WAAAAY too low! can barely hear.....

[@greek440bc]

@@robertkennedy8420 Excellent video, if you do more, next time you can use a separate voice recorder with a lav mic that you are wearing clipped onto your shirt so your voice gets picked up right off the close mic a few inches away instead of off the one on the camera a few feet away, then you can replace the audio in the video later..check out some other youtbers' videos that explain how they do that...cheers !

[@mjw1955]

My first new car was a '78 Mustang II. The purists may look down their noses a the MII,. but I say fuck 'em. The original Mustang was getting out of hand, and I've always thought the Mustang II was one of the smartest thing Ford ever did.

[@intergalactic4160]

You sound older than you look

[@Braglemaster123]

You need a microphone 🎤