When the Mustang II arrived for the 1974 mannequin yr, the tri-bar fender badge was reworked to a Roman numeral II and the horse was re-sculpted with its head extra upright and a straighter tail. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Firm)
One other sketch that mixes a slimmer model of the shark-nose grille with hidden headlamps. The form of the facet glass has advanced to a form nearer to what would roll off the meeting line in 1973. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Firm)
This sketch takes a extra radical strategy to the hatchback structure on the shorter-wheelbase platform. (Picture courtesy of Ford Motor Firm)
This mannequin was additionally constructed on the bigger platform, however the entrance finish offers the primary trace of what the manufacturing automotive would appear like with shrouded headlights separated from the grille. (Picture courtesy of Ford Motor Firm)
This tape drawing reveals the dramatic discount in dimension from the 1973 Mustang, and one of many early proposals for the 1974 mannequin. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Firm)
This mannequin takes the fundamental profile of the Ghia hatchback and provides a forward-leaning “shark-nose” grille whereas retaining hidden headlamps. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Firm)
By early 1971, the choice was made to shift to a smaller, lighter platform, however this design proposal was deemed too conservative and formal for a Mustang. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Firm)
This mannequin took the conservative design theme even additional with an upright grille, quad headlamps and not one of the enjoyable spirit of Mustang. (Picture courtesy of Ford Motor Firm)
In mid-1971, the Ford-owned Ghia design studio in Italy was requested to arrange two proposals for a fastback and a hardtop. This three-door hatchback led the way in which to a sleeker-looking theme for Mustang II together with the molded-in fake facet scoops, one of many few particulars that truly survived for manufacturing. (Courtesy of the Ford Motor Firm)
This hardtop proposal additional develops the theme from Ghia’s hardtop design, and supplies a extra up to date interpretation of the unique 1965 hardtop. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Firm)
A November 1971 mannequin with a entrance finish nearly similar to the manufacturing 1974 Mustang II. The sloping rear glass of this hardtop design finally shifted to a extra upright design. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Firm)
The first variations between this mannequin and the manufacturing Mustang II are the taillights and facet scoops, which might finally lose the strakes. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Firm)
The essential profile of the hatchback Mustang II is finalized on this tape drawing, though the rear quarter home windows can be expanded. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Firm)
Previous to the general public introduction of the 1974 Mustang II, Ford displayed a targa-roofed idea known as the Mustang Sportiva II. Just like the 1963 Mustang II idea, which was constructed from a modified prototype of the manufacturing 1965 mannequin, the Sportiva II was derived from a preproduction 1974 mannequin. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Firm)
Within the fall of 1973, the all-new Mustang II went on sale in hardtop and hatchback bodystyles. Initially obtainable solely with four-cylinder and V6 engines, Mustang II arrived simply in time for the primary huge spike in gasoline costs, and helped to reverse years of declining gross sales, hitting practically 300,000 items in its first mannequin yr. (Courtesy of Ford Motor Firm)
This text, written by David P. Castro, was initially revealed on ClassicCars.com, an editorial associate of Motor Authority.
