1974 Ford Mustang

1974 marked the start of the second-generation Mustang, initially based on the Ford Maverick, but ultimately built atop the Ford Pinto subcompact platform. This new model, called the 'Mustang II,' was smaller and more fuel-efficient than its preceding siblings, returning to a size similar to that of the original 1965 Mustang. Ultimately, it was smaller and heavier than the original car, a victim of the necessary equipment needed to comply with U.S. emissions and safety regulations. Due to safety corners and increased insurance premiums, the performance was also reduced.

Ford built 89,477 Mustang Ghia-bodied examples in 1974; total Mustang production for 1974 was 385,993. The most popular was the 2-door Hardtop Coupe which saw 177,671 examples created.

The Ghia coachbuilding firm was a recent purchase for Ford in 1974. The Ghia-designed Mustang contained design elements inspired by European style as well as input from the Ford/Lincoln/Mercury design study.

The most expensive example was the Mach I Mustang which retailed for $3,620. It was equipped with a V6 engine that displaced 171 cubic-inches and produced 109 SAE Net horsepower. This was a significant decrease in power from years prior, but again, it conformed with safety, government, and emission requirements. Other equipment found on the Mach I included wide-oval steel-belted black sidewall radial tires, black lower bodyside paint, dual color-keyed remote control door mirrors, and deck lid striping. A total of 44,046 examples of the Mach I were produced in 1949.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2008