Description
The Ford Mustang II V8 was introduced in 1975, a year after the debut of the second-generation Mustang. When the Mustang II first launched in 1974, it did not offer a V8 engine at all, reflecting the oil crisis and shifting consumer demand toward smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. However, the absence of a V8 was met with criticism from enthusiasts, so Ford quickly responded by adding the 302 cubic inch (5.0-liter) V8 back into the lineup for 1975. This move reintroduced some of the muscle that had defined the Mustang name, even though the engine’s output was modest compared to the high-performance Mustangs of the 1960s.
Externally, the Mustang II V8 did not differ dramatically from the six-cylinder or four-cylinder models, but its performance options gave it a sportier look. Available in coupe, hatchback, Mach 1, and Ghia trims, the V8 versions often featured features like styled steel wheels, sport stripes, and dual exhausts. The Mach 1 hatchback in particular paired the 302 V8 with bold graphics, spoilers, and blackout trim, creating the most aggressive appearance in the Mustang II range. By contrast, the Ghia V8 blended the bigger engine with a more elegant and luxury-oriented design, emphasizing comfort over sport.
Inside, the Mustang II V8 could be outfitted in many different ways depending on trim. The base models offered straightforward vinyl-trimmed interiors with simple instrumentation, while the Ghia trim provided wood-grain accents, opera windows, and thicker carpeting. Buyers could also specify options like air conditioning, automatic transmissions, cruise control, and premium radios, tailoring the car to either a sporty or refined character.
The 302 cubic inch V8 was rated at 140 horsepower, a figure that reflected not only the impact of stricter emissions regulations but also the switch to net horsepower ratings in the mid-1970s. While far below the outputs of the earlier high-performance 289s, 390s, or 428 Cobra Jets, the 302 V8 gave the Mustang II significantly better acceleration and highway performance than the four- and six-cylinder models. Transmission choices included a three-speed automatic or a four-speed manual, with most buyers opting for the automatic.
On the road, the Mustang II V8 offered more satisfying performance than its smaller-engined siblings, though it was still a product of its time. With curb weights kept relatively low thanks to its compact size, the 302 delivered decent acceleration and made the car more confident at highway speeds. Handling remained tuned more for comfort than sharp cornering, but the V8’s stronger torque made it a more versatile and enjoyable car to drive than the four-cylinder or V6 variants.
Priced higher than the base models but still affordable, the Mustang II V8 appealed to buyers who wanted the prestige of the Mustang badge with a proper eight-cylinder engine. It brought back some of the credibility lost when the Mustang II was first introduced without a V8 and helped Ford maintain the car’s appeal in a changing automotive market.
Today, the Ford Mustang II V8 is viewed as one of the more interesting chapters in Mustang history. While it doesn’t carry the performance legacy of the first-generation cars or the later Fox-body models, it represents Ford’s effort to balance muscle car tradition with the realities of the mid-1970s. Collectors now appreciate the Mustang II V8 as a symbol of survival during a difficult period, with the 302 engine giving it a stronger connection to the Mustang’s performance heritage. Surviving examples, especially Mach 1 versions, are increasingly recognized as rare period pieces with a charm all their own.