Description
The Ford Mustang II Ghia V6 2.8 was one of the more refined versions of the second-generation Mustang, produced from 1974 to 1978. At a time when the Mustang had shifted away from being a pure muscle car, the Ghia trim emphasized comfort and style, while the 2.8-liter Cologne V6 engine offered a middle ground between the economy-focused four-cylinder and the larger V8s. This combination made the Mustang II Ghia V6 2.8 an appealing choice for buyers who wanted elegance and smooth drivability without sacrificing fuel economy.
The Ghia trim was developed in partnership with the Italian design house Ghia, which gave the car a European-inspired flair. Externally, the Ghia was most recognizable by its padded vinyl roof, opera windows on the coupe body, and extra chrome detailing. These touches gave it a more formal appearance compared to the sporty Mach 1 or standard coupe. Wire-style wheel covers or optional styled wheels added to its luxury image, while the compact Mustang II proportions made it easier to maneuver in urban traffic.
Inside, the Mustang II Ghia was the most luxurious of the range. It featured plush seating, often in cloth or optional leather, wood-grain dash and door trim, thicker carpeting, and additional sound insulation that made the cabin quieter than other Mustang II models. Buyers could opt for features such as air conditioning, tilt steering, power windows, and upgraded audio systems, creating a personal luxury atmosphere rather than a performance-focused one. The Ghia’s cabin was far removed from the stripped-down interiors of the original pony cars and reflected the market’s shift toward comfort in the mid-1970s.
The 2.8-liter V6 was built in Cologne, Germany, and provided about 105 horsepower. While not powerful by the standards of earlier Mustangs, it was smoother and more refined than the base 2.3-liter inline-four and delivered more confident acceleration. Paired with either a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission, the V6 gave the Ghia enough power for relaxed cruising while still offering better fuel economy than the V8 options. For many buyers, it struck the right balance between performance and practicality.
On the road, the Mustang II Ghia V6 2.8 was composed and comfortable. Its suspension was tuned more for ride quality than sharp handling, and combined with the luxury-oriented interior, it provided a calm driving experience. While it lacked the muscle and speed of the earlier high-performance Mustangs, it served the needs of buyers during a time when fuel costs and insurance premiums made big-block cars impractical for many.
Priced above the base Mustang but below fully optioned V8 models, the Ghia V6 2.8 appealed to buyers who wanted something more sophisticated than the standard coupe but didn’t need the expense of a large-capacity engine. It positioned the Mustang as not just a sporty car but also as a personal luxury vehicle, competing with cars like the Mercury Cougar and Chevrolet Monza.
Today, the Ford Mustang II Ghia V6 2.8 is remembered as a product of its time, representing the shift in priorities during the mid-1970s when comfort and efficiency took precedence over raw horsepower. While not as celebrated as the performance Mustangs of the 1960s, it has gained interest among collectors as a rare example of Ford’s effort to keep the Mustang relevant in changing conditions. Preserved examples highlight its unique blend of European styling cues, V6 smoothness, and Ghia luxury, making it a distinctive chapter in the Mustang’s long history.