Mustang History: 1976

"Sporty" is the operative word coming out of Ford's Product Design Center. In an attempt to rekindle the Shelby Mustang image, the Cobra II is introduced. Not shy about wearing Cobra badges, this version of the Mustang II features elaborate graphics packages, louvered back and quarter windows, hood scoops, side spats, front and rear spoilers and even goes so far as to offer a "Le Mans" paint and stripe theme from the Shelby GT-350.

Four-cylinder Mustangs were dubbed "MPGs" to emphasize their great fuel economy, and a Mustang II Stallion special edition wore a stallion badge on the front fender. It was available on both the coupe and hatchback. The Stallion paint/stripe option exercises more restraint with a black on silver paint scheme and raised-white-lettered tires. And, of course, prominent Stallion fender decals.

Total U.S. Production: 187,567

A four speed-manual is made available for the 302 cid V8, which only came with an automatic during the previous model year.

After a brief hiatus from competition, Ford Motorsport fans are encouraged by Charlie Kemp's Cobra II-based IMSA GT race car.

The lovely Farrah Fawcett sported a 1976 Cobra II in the television show "Charlie's Angels." The 1976 Cobra featured Shelby-inspired side stripes, hood scoop, and Cobra emblems. The '76 snake also had quarter-window louvers similar to those on 1965-68 fastbacks. Color choices were white with blue, red, or green stripes, and black with gold stripes.

Engines

• 171cid 2.8L 4V V6 103HP Z Code
• 302cid 5.0L 2V V8 140HP F Code
• 140cid 2.3L 2V 4-cyl 92HP Y Code

Production

• Hatchback, standard: 62,312
• Hatchback, Mach 1, standard: 9,232
• Coupe, standard: 78,508
• Coupe, Ghia, standard: 37,515
• -Total-: 187,567

Prices

• Coupe, standard: $3,525
• Hatchback, standard: $3,781
• Coupe, Ghia, standard: $3,859
• Hatchback, Mach 1, standard: $4,209

Colors

• Bright Red
• Dark Green Metallic
• Gold Glow
• Ivy Glow
• Light Blue
• Medium Aqua
• Medium Blue Metallic
• Medium Brown Metallic
• Medium Copper Metallic
• Medium Green Metallic
• Medium Yellow Gold
• Saddle Bronze Metallic
• Wimbledon White
• Blue Glow
• Medium Bright Yellow