Why a Mustang II and specifically a King Cobra

Many have asked me already, why a Mustang II. Let's face it, it is not the most popular of Mustang models or series. I got my license in 1975 and the pre-74 mustangs were just "old cars". Gas rationing, high prices, etc did not make them look attractive. My family had a 68 coupe with a 2V-289 and auto. The 75 Mustang had, finally a V8 again. I saw my first Mustang II in a dealership in Birmingham Al in the form of a Cobra II, white with blue stripes. Try as I might, my family would not part with their 68 Stang, so there I was.

The King Cobra was my choice as it is a rapidly dying breed. Unlike the previous generation, they never had their place in the sun to help keep them alive, resto and modifying them. Somehow the 79 model and really the 82 "Boss is Back" model shut out the II's as a popular model. (more on this in another post). Much is said, most negatively, that the King Cobra was a performance promise never met, just a tape and stripe job. I have also heard that about the BOSS 429. Well that is good company to be in if you ask me.

Total production/Purchase of the King Cobra option was according to Hemming Motor News was 4306. As of June 3rd 2010, MustangII.net show world wide only 423 accounted for. What happened to them? No way of telling, most were crashed, modded into drag cars, left to rust in a barn or scrap yard, etc. Add to that, no one offered sources of NOS or repro parts so if you wanted to do a resto project, the cards were stacked against you. There is a small core group out there, who are trying to connect with each other and share information on how to and where to get parts. In the 80's, I inhereted my family 68 stang, there were companies with parts and books to help you restore the original series, but in the late 80's and early 90's, everyone forgot the II.

All that being said, the King Cobra is a last of a dying breed. Many have never seen one in person or sometimes not at all. My goal is to restore one to not let it fade away from memory.

One more thing to ponder for those who may not know. The 1978 King Cobra "Mustang II" was the First, yes the FIRST Mustang to have the numbers 5.0 on it's bodywork. So all you fox body folks, here is where it ALL started!!