Editing Ford Mustang (section)

== Second generation (1974) ==
[[File:1974 Ford Mustang Ghia (14389802775) (cropped).jpg|thumb|1974 Mustang II Ghia]]
{{main|Ford Mustang (second generation)}}

Iacocca, who had been one of the forces behind the original Mustang, became president of Ford Motor Company in 1970, and ordered a smaller, more fuel-efficient Mustang for 1974. Initially, it was to be based on the [[Ford Maverick (Car)|Ford Maverick]], but ultimately was based on the [[Ford Pinto]] subcompact.

[[File:1978 Ford Mustang II King Cobra (cropped).jpg|thumb|1978 Mustang II King Cobra]]

The new model, called the "Mustang II", was introduced on September 21, 1973, two months before the first [[1970s energy crisis#1973 oil crisis|1973 oil crisis]], and its reduced size allowed it to compete against successful imported sports coupes such as the Japanese [[Nissan S30|Datsun 240Z]], [[Toyota Celica]] and the European [[Ford Capri]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Mustang! The Complete History of America's Pioneer Ponycar |last=Witzenburg |first=Gary L. |publisher=Princeton Publishing |year=1979|isbn=978-0-915038-13-8 |location=Princeton, New Jersey |page=128}}</ref> (then Ford-built in Germany and Britain, sold in U.S. by Mercury as a [[captive import]] car). The Mustang II also later competed against the [[Chevrolet Monza]], [[Pontiac Sunbird]], [[Oldsmobile Starfire]] and [[Buick Skyhawk]]. First-year sales were 385,993 cars, compared with the original Mustang's twelve-month sales record of 418,812.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1974-1975-1976-1977-1978-ford-mustang.htm |title=1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978 Ford Mustang Overview |date=February 15, 2007 |website=How Stuff Works |access-date=July 8, 2010 |archive-date=June 12, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110612130056/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1974-1975-1976-1977-1978-ford-mustang.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Ultimately, the Mustang II was an early example of [[Downsize (automobile)|downsizing]] that would take place among [[Big Three (automobile manufacturers)#United States|Detroit's Big Three]] during the "[[malaise era]]".<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/features/mustang-ii-forty-years-later.html |date=17 September 2013 |title=Mustang II Forty Years Later |publisher=Ford Motor Company |location=US |access-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-date=January 30, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210130210747/https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/features/mustang-ii-forty-years-later.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Iacocca wanted the new car, which returned the Mustang to its 1965 model year predecessor in size, shape, and overall styling,<ref>{{cite book|last=Witzenburg |first=Gary L. |title=Mustang!: The Complete History of America's Pioneer Ponycar |publisher=Automobile Quarterly Publications |year=1999 |page=146 |isbn = 978-0-915038-25-1}}</ref> to be finished to a high standard, saying it should be "a little jewel".<ref>{{cite web |url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1974-1975-1976-1977-1978-ford-mustang2.htm |title=The 1974 Ford Mustang: The Winning Design |date=February 15, 2007 |website=How Stuff Works |access-date=November 9, 2015 |archive-date=November 24, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151124192109/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1974-1975-1976-1977-1978-ford-mustang2.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Not only was it smaller than the original car, but it was also heavier, owing to the addition of equipment needed to meet new U.S. emission and safety regulations. Performance was reduced, and despite the car's new handling and engineering features the galloping mustang emblem "became a less muscular steed that seemed to be [[canter]]ing".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1974-1975-1976-1977-1978-ford-mustang5.htm |title=1974 Ford Mustang Engines and Options |date=February 15, 2007 |website=How Stuff Works |access-date=November 9, 2015 |archive-date=November 24, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151124192927/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1974-1975-1976-1977-1978-ford-mustang5.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

Engines for the 1974 models included the venerable 2.3&nbsp;L I4 from the Pinto and the 2.8&nbsp;L Cologne V6 from the Mercury Capri. The 1975 model year reintroduced the {{cvt|302|cid|L|1}} Windsor V8 that was only available with the C-4 automatic transmission, power brakes, and power steering. This continued through production's end in 1978. Other transmissions were the RAD four-speed with unique gearing for all three engines, and the C-3 automatic behind the 2.3&nbsp;L and 2.8&nbsp;L. The "5.0&nbsp;L" marketing designation was not applied until the 1978 King Cobra model. All {{cvt|302|cid|L|1}}-equipped Mustang IIs, except the King Cobras, received updated versions of the classic Ford "V8" emblem on each front fender.

The car was available in coupe and [[hatchback]] versions, including a "luxury" Ghia model designed by Ford's recently acquired [[Carrozzeria Ghia|Ghia]] of Italy. The coupe was marketed as a "hardtop" but actually had a thin "B" pillar and rear quarter windows that did not roll down. All Mustangs in this generation did feature frameless door glass, however. The "Ghia" featured a thickly padded vinyl roof and starting with 1975 models smaller rear quarter windows, giving a more formal look. 1974 models were: hardtop, hatchback, Mach 1, and Ghia. Changes introduced for 1975 included the availability of an "MPG" model which had a different rear axle ratio for better fuel economy. 1976 added the "Stallion" trim package. The Mach 1 remained through the life cycle 1974–1978. Other changes in appearance and performance came with a "Cobra II" version in 1976–1978 and a "King Cobra" in 1978 of which around 4,972 were built. The 1977–1978 hatchback models in all trim levels were now available with the T-top roof option, which included a leatherette storage bag that clipped to the top of the spare tire hump.

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