The Mustang II represents a fascinating chapter in pony car history. Launched in the maelstrom of the oil crisis, it reimagined its predecessor’s muscle car format, shrinking the footprint to base the model on the subcompact Pinto platform, and it’s interesting to note that there was no V8 available at launch, just four-pots and V6s.

A ’Stang without a V8? We know, inconceivable, right? But fear not, as in 1975 the 302ci Windsor V8 arrived in the model range, and that’s the venerable motor you see in the car before you. A shimmering vision in metallic brown (indeed, it’s probably the most seventies colour palette imaginable), this is the top-of-the-range Ghia model – Ford having bought the Ghia brand and employed it as a trim level on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Mustang II Ghia came furnished with a plush and deeply-stuffed velour interior, a contrasting vinyl roof (with matching vinyl rubstrip inlays along the body sides), wood-effect dash trim, and an optional manual moon-roof. So what we’re looking at here is the best possible spec for a Mustang II – it’s a Ghia with a V8 and a moon-roof, meaning that it’s got the effortless style and boulevardier chic, plus the rumbling grunt to back it up.

Oh, and it gets better – because this is no ordinary Mustang II Ghia V8 (if such a thing can ever be said to be ordinary): this right-hand-drive example has covered just 12,800 miles from new, and is presented in all-original and unrestored condition. The V5 shows two former keepers, although that’s not the full story – the car was bought by its UK keeper in 1976 when it was just a month old, using it sporadically until 1999 when it was taken off the road.

Thereafter it was brought out once a year for its MOT, until 2011 when it was SORNed, its owner sadly passing away in 2021. Their son then inherited the car and registered it in his name, hence the number of keepers (the original importer, the mother and the son, the latter of whom hasn’t really used it).

What we have here, then, is a unique and exciting opportunity. Cars like this in this specification and condition just don’t come to the market often; indeed it may well be unique in the UK. And while we’re loath to use the phrase ‘time-warp’ for all the connotations it entails, the simple truth is that this is pretty much the closest you’re likely to get in 2023 to finding that authentic period 1976 Mustang II experience. 

It’s so magnificent to behold, we just can’t stop looking at it – and neither could the many, many passers-by who stopped to admire it and chat about it during our photoshoot. Make no mistake, with this car you’ll be making a lot of new friends.

The oh-so-seventies metallic brown paint gleams beautifully in the sun, and is complemented by the tasteful vinyl roof with Ghia emblems.

This car benefits from the optional moon-roof (which is manually operated, so there are no electrics to worry about there). The chrome gleams, the bumpers are free from scuffs, and all of the correct trim pieces and badges are in place. The light lenses are complete and undamaged, and the window glass is all good (aside from a small-ish crack in the bottom corner of the windscreen on the driver’s side). The original 13” slotmag wheels are in very tidy condition with no kerbing; replacing those aged tyres would be job one on the to-do list.

The cabin is beautifully presented, with its sumptuous beige trim looking remarkably fresh, and free from any obvious wear or marks in both front and rear. The luxurious brown carpets are pleasingly fluffy. It’s evident from the condition of the dash and fascia that this car has spent most of its life stored inside – the dashtop is solid and has no cracks or sun damage, while the wood-effect trim across the dash is still a deep and rich colour with no evidence of lacquer peel.

The gauges and dash lights all appear functional. The car is fitted with a Philips 880 radio-cassette (a unit that we believe was in production from 1981-84), the manual for which is in the paperwork file.   

The beating heart of this Mustang is its 302ci Windsor V8. Yes, Mustangs deserve V8s, and the Windsor is a notoriously hardy and dependable thing. The sales literature listed this model as a 5.0-litre (it’s actually a 4.9), and in this configuration it serves up a peak power figure of 140bhp. 

That may not sound much for such a large engine – the compact engine bay limited it to a simple two-barrel carburettor – but this motor’s party piece is its 250lb.ft of torque; mated to the slick-shifting three speed C3 auto, it's more than able to spin up the rears on demand and provide an old-school muscle car feeling… and, of course, the V8 provides a sublime throaty soundtrack. Just as a ’Stang should.  

The engine fires into life readily on the first twist of the key, and pulls with gusto through the revs. The gearbox feels appropriately smooth, the brakes are reassuringly firm, and the car rides well on its supple suspension. Despite its many years in stasis and limbo, this Mustang II feels eminently ready to play. 

 

This is a unique proposition. The number of right-hand-drive Mustang IIs in the UK is vanishingly small, and the likelihood of finding another one in this specification and this condition, unrestored, ready to use, with such extraordinarily low mileage and all keepers documented… well, that’s pretty much zero.

This splendidly seventies machine, resplendent in retro tones of brown and beige, is more than likely the only one of its kind on these shores. It’s just such a charming car – and a genuinely remarkable opportunity.

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies. 

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details. 

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only. 

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email auctions@carandclassic.com. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.