After the big change of the 1974 Mustang II there was very little difference in the 1975 model year. It actually looked as if it were the same car, although it did have some minor changes. These included a half vinyl roof instead of a full one and a rectangular opera window. Many things stayed the same as far as the Mustang II's models for 1975 with the standard, Ghia and Mach 1 reappearing.
The performance aspect of the Mustang returned for the 1975 model year with a 5.0L engine. The V8 with 140 horsepower gave the Mach 1 more get up and go than the year before and Mustang performance fans were pleased with the reintroduction of the V8. Of course, Ford's focus still remained on good gas mileage and comfort instead of a pony car that could burn rubber.
The market dictated the Mustang II's design and Ford believed consumers' wants and needs had changed from the '60s to the '70s. Because of this the four cylinder and V6 engines were still offered so consumers who were truly uninterested in performance could have what they desired as well. Unfortunately for Ford, sales dropped by approximately 60% even with the option of the 5.0L engine.
A new MPG budget coupe was also introduced in 1975, however the public's desire for the Mustang II had already begun to diminish and it appeared everyone who liked the Mustang II bought one its first year out. The total production for Mustang II in 1975 was 188,586. This is about half the production number for the previous model year.
These years were dark ones for Ford as well as performance vehicles because of the simultaneous concerns for pollution as well as gas mileage. It took nearly a decade before engines controlled by computers would be able to increase performance once again. The drawback of the Mustang II was that it lacked the performance of all other Mustangs. However, it did have some benefits including improved handling, increased fuel economy, and it was smaller to boot.
1975 Mustang Lineup
Powertrain and Performance
The biggest change in performance for the 1975 model year was the reintroduction of the V8 engine. The 5.0 liter V8 engine was not as powerful as previous engines because there were only two barrels in the carburetor not to mention a catalytic converter. These additions reduced the horsepower to 122, which was incredibly low for a V8 but really high for the second generation of Mustangs. Individuals who chose a V8 engine option did not have much of an option when it came to the transmission because only automatic transmissions were available in conjunction with the V8 engine. They also came with power brakes and power steering.
The standard four cylinder engine as well as the V6 also sported catalytic converters thanks to new federal regulations. This addition limited horsepower to a respective 83 and 97 on these engines. Fortunately the V8 engine was available as an option on all Mustang IIs in 1975.
Better handling of the Mustang II resulted from the Rallye Package on V6 or V8 engines. That was because of the complete suspension and Traction Lok differential. The Rallye package also boasted an extra cooling package, competition suspension, leather wrapped steering wheel, metal exhaust tips, and more. The competition suspension was an option by itself that boasted adjustable shocks, rear stabilizer bar, heavy duty springs, and 195/70x13 B/WL tires.
Those 302 Mustangs heading to California not only received catalytic converters but they also sported electronic ignition. Standard on these vehicles were steel belted tires. The other 49 state Mustang 302s also had the steel belted radial tires as standard equipment in addition to solid state ignition. An auxiliary three and one half gallon fuel tank was an option on these vehicles not to mention the new appearance and trim.
The V8 engine was not easily accommodated in the smaller Mustang II, so some changes were needed in order to squeeze it in. These included moving the radiator three inches forward as well as the grille to rest flush with its opening, strengthening the side rails and cross members, revising the support for the radiator, and raising the lead edge of the hood approximately one half inch.
Exterior
The exterior saw some changes in 1975, like the larger egg crate mesh styled grille. The grille was situated right at the grill opening in order to make room for the V8 engine. Some other changes included new cast aluminum styled wheels as well as styled and forged aluminum and steel wheels. A new hood and valance panel were also available.
Interior
The interior of the 1975 Mustang had some changes and enhancements itself. The Light Group had a new roof mounted map light and a corporate steering wheel was also added. Other interior elements that were the same as the year before included a dash with all necessary instruments including tachometer, fuel and temperature gauge, carpeting on the floor and up the lower door, vinyl bucket seats, imitation wood accents, parking brake, shift handle, and others.
The Luxury Interior Group that came as part of the Ghia's standard package included deluxe quarter trim on the door and rear seats, shag carpet, vinyl or cloth with vinyl seat trim, ashtray in the rear, and a super sound package.
Some of the major standard interior features of the 1975 Mustang II included steering column lock, reversible keys, low back bucket seats and headrests, adjustable DirectAire ventilation, soft cut and sew headliner and folding rear seat back. Major interior options included deluxe seat belts, leather wrapped steering wheel, SelectAire air conditioning, fuel guard warning lights, tinted glass, digital clock, SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic, heated backlight, light group with warning lamp, courtesy lights, rear compartment lights, dome/map lamp, headlamp, glove box light, convenience group with day/night inside mirror, visor vanity mirrors, dual racing mirrors, AM/FM radio with tape and without, security lock group, and a manually operated sunroof.
Safety Features
The 1975 Mustang II boasted many safety features that were designed with the driver and occupants' safety in mind. Some of the major safety design features included a steering column and wheel that absorbed energy, brake lines that were corrosion resistant, a warning light on the dual hydraulic brake system, safety rim wheels, steel rails inside the doors, padded sun visors, non reversing odometer, windshield made of safety glass, reverse lights, exterior rearview mirror, and many others. These design features truly increased occupants' safety and was appreciated by consumers.
Final Thoughts
The 1975 Mustang II did not sell like the 1974 model did. In fact, production for the 1975 model year was not even half the production amount for 1974. The total amount for 1975 only totaled 188,575. There were a lot of reasons why the Mustang II did not sell well in 1975, and some of these include the new emissions laws, inflation, higher unemployment, a national speed limit of 55 mph, and many others.
Mustang had hoped to pull itself out of a rut with the Mustang II and 1974 looked as if that would happen. However, with another bad selling year in 1975 Ford was unsure where the market would lead. The Mustang II would only last until 1978 and then a new generation would begin.
