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Car of the Day:July 10, 2010; MotorMax '77 Ford Mustang II
Topic Started: Jul 9 2010, 10:38 PM (682 Views)
craftymore
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Support your local demo derby.

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The car for today is Motor Max 1977 Ford Mustang II.

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wikipedia.com
 
The 1970s brought about more stringent pollution laws and the 1973 OPEC oil embargo. As a result, large, fuel-inefficient cars fell into disfavor, and the Pony Cars were no exception. Lee Iacocca, who became president of the Ford Motor Company in 1964 and was the driving force behind the original Mustang, ordered a smaller, more fuel-efficient Mustang for 1974. Initially it was to be based on the Ford Maverick, but ultimately was based on the Ford Pinto subcompact.

The new model (dubbed and badged "Mustang II") was introduced two months before the first "Energy Crisis" in October 1973, and its reduced size allowed it to compete more effectively against smaller imported sports coupés such as the Japanese Toyota Celica and the European Ford Capri (then Ford-built in Germany and Britain, sold in U.S. by Mercury as a captive import car). First-year sales were 385,993 cars, compared with the original Mustang's twelve-month sales record of 418,812.

Lee Iacocca wanted the new car, which returned the Mustang to more than a semblance of its 1964 predecessor in size, shape, and overall styling,[31] to be finished to a high standard, saying it should be "a little jewel."[32] However not only was it smaller than the original car, but it was also heavier, owing to the addition of equipment needed to meet new U.S. emission and safety regulations. Performance was reduced, and despite the car's new handling and engineering features the galloping mustang emblem "became a less muscular steed that seemed to be cantering."


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Not much info was found on the '77 Stang, so here's some info on the '75 and '76 models.
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1975
Since the car was never meant to house a V8, it became a scramble to re-engineer the car to reinstate the 302 cu in (4.9 L)} V8 option in time for the 1975 model year. To make the V8 option fit, changes were made to the engine bay, hood and header panel, and the engine was limited to a two-barrel carburetor and "net" 140 hp (104 kW). Since Ford's Mexican division never lost the V8, they assisted in the modifications. Although tepid by today's standards, or those of a few years before, the car's stock 302 performed quite well by mid-1970s new-car standards. The Mustang II's 302 cu in engine became Ford's first officially designated metric V8 Mustang; it was called the "5.0 L" even though its capacity was 4.94 L. Other than the optional V8 engine, the car underwent minor changes in 1975. The Ghia received opera windows and a padded vinyl half-top. In mid-year, a 2.3 L "MPG" model was added, featuring a catalytic converter and a 3.18:1 rear-axle ratio (standard was 3:40:1) to claim EPA-version economy estimates of 23 mpg-US (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg-imp) in the city and 34 mpg-US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg-imp) on the highway.[2] To underscore fuel efficiency, all base 2.3 L Mustang IIs were called MPG after 1975. The Mustang II again turned record sales numbers for 1975, making it the 9th best selling Mustang of all time with 199,199 sold.

1976
To help boost sales and excitement, other appearance and performance options were added in 1976. The "Stallion" appearance group featured styled wheels and blacked-out grille, bumpers and body moldings. Ford also introduced the "Cobra II" package in 1976, with a simulated hood scoop, front and rear spoilers, quarter window louvers and numerous accent stripes and snake emblems. This was strictly an appearance package, and all engines were available on the Cobra II.



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For more info, check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Mustang_(second_generation)

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The Pinto derived Mustang was hardly the performance tops Mustang wise. What it lacked in power, which was a bunch, it made up for in massive sales in a time of fuel crisis upon fuel crisis. This model by Motor Max has rubber tires, chrome rims, metal base held on by screws and jeweled headlights. It was quite the deal at $3 several years ago. From reports on various diecast boards, the remaining Fresh Cherries cars were shipped to Australia. It's thought that Motor Max is abandoning the small scale diecast segment, which is a real shame. They made some great models, this Mustang II being one of them.

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STUTZ
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Diecast junkie
Motormax did a nice job on the 1977Mustang II.

I have one, but I can't remember if it is black. (I hope mine is black)

How many colors were made?
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james_autos
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Minivan
They also ended up in the UK last year being sold througha chain of shops called TK Maxx which sell discounted branded items. They were being sold for £2 each, so roughly the same as what they were originally sold for in the states. I don't know how well they sold because are never actually saw any.
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Sak
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Ezekiel 25:17
Looking back, the car was literally shameful. Ford had already stomped on and disgraced the Thunderbird name at that time, now it was Mustang's turn. Of course, it would recover, but this was clearly a low point. The horror, the horror...
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craftymore
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Support your local demo derby.

STUTZ
Jul 10 2010, 12:07 AM
Motormax did a nice job on the 1977Mustang II.

I have one, but I can't remember if it is black. (I hope mine is black)

How many colors were made?
At least 4 that I know Ray, light blue, green, brown and black. Seems like it might have been done in white as well.
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James
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Mr.Bowtie
Ah... Nice Mustang replica, not so nice a car....... And one I used when I hijacked the Car of the Day thread.....Great choice to finally make its way into the Car of the day, and possibly if there are no Chevies my vote for var of the week...
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WoloMan
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Midsize
They did a great job on this one...the "jeweled" headlights and separate taillights (instead of just tampos) are nice touches. I have several in my collection and am happy someone besides JL made this neglected Mustang model. To me, the HW Mustang Mania collection is not complete without this model.

Sure, we all know the 1:1 was not a performer and the looks weren't as aggressive as other years. Considering the time it was produced--when gas mileage became key--it was appropriate as continuing with the "Total Performance" mantra would've been harakari. The choice was to take advantage of the Mustang name and attempt to continue the line somehow, or end it. Was the Mustang II a sales flop? Sales for the first year of this generation were almost 3 TIMES that of the previous year, 1973. Also, the average sales per year increased about 60% for this generation over the 2nd shows the public approved of the changes.
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Atencio
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Station Wagon
I think the car served an important function in getting the Mustang name past that awful period in general for American cars known as the 70's.
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STUTZ
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Diecast junkie
craftymore
Jul 10 2010, 07:13 AM
STUTZ
Jul 10 2010, 12:07 AM
Motormax did a nice job on the 1977Mustang II.


How many colors were made?
At least 4 that I know Ray, light blue, green, brown and black. Seems like it might have been done in white as well.
I think I have a red one that came in a Motormax diorama. I forgot about the Motormax diorama with the Mustang II.

So, I'm pretty sure I have a black and red Mustang II.

Thanks for listing the colors Zach. I think the Motormax Mustang II would look good in white.
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Swifty
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The Mustang II is a Mustang too!
I've got the light blue, black, green, and brown. I need the red one from the dioramas if anyone can help me?
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Scooter
Fullsize
i have someplace a cheaper version of this model in blue . one of those 3 for 1.00 cars you get at the no name gas station places in the 90s ill see if i can dig it out. blue with a black plastic base.
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