1978 Ford Mustang II Monroe Handler

The automobile landscape of the 1970s was dramatically different from the 1960s, as performance gave way to practicality and luxury in the wake of increasing insurance premiums, government regulations, and safety concerns. The oil embargo placed on petroleum imported into the United States fanned the flame of economy and pushed performance even further from view. The desire, however, remained and automobile manufacturers, dealerships, and aftermarket suppliers did what they could to accommodate.

During the mid-1970s, a performance-oriented version of the Mustang II was built by Monroe Shocks and chronicled in Hot Rod magazine (June, July, and August issue of 1977). It wore steel IMSA-style front and rear fenders created by Creative Car Craft along with a front air dam and rear spoiler and air dam, had engine modifications by Roush, and suspension upgrades by Monroe. The 363 cubic-inch V8 engine was tuned to produce 400 horsepower. Six additional examples were built the following year, in 1978, this time with fiberglass fenders. They were devoid of bumpers and given away in a contest sponsored by BF Goodrich, Ford, Motorola, Roush, Revell, Centerline, and Monroe.

Creative Car Craft also offered the fiberglass fenders, air dams, and spoiler as a kit priced at $1,250. Approximately thirty examples were built, along with similar kits produced by Maier Racing.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2022