Mustang History: 1978

Mustang improves upon handling, its strongest virtue. Variable ratio power assisted rack-and-pinion steering becomes an option to better communicate road feel to the driver.

With sales beginning to flag and consumers and the automotive press showing interest in the performance virtues of other domestic ponycars, Ford shifts its philosophy. Decreasing gas rates and a solid new platform are further impetus for change.

Total U.S. Production: 192,410

The V8 version of the King Cobra improves on performance with enhanced cooling, revised shocks, rear anti-sway bars and 13-inch Goodyear radials. The Cobra II's graphics got louder in 1978, with "Cobra" in large letters on the door. The Cobra's standard engine was the 2.3L four-cylinder, but more popular choices were the 2.8L V-6 or 5.0L V-8.

Corporate Average Fuel Economy rules stipulate that manufacturers meet an NHTSA-mandated average. This requirement effects the performance and weight of every fleetwide Mustang to come.

Another change for 1978 was the division of the rear seat cushion, which had been a single cushion in previous years. A fashion accessory package offered only on coupes consisted of "Fresno cloth" seat inserts, illuminated driver visor vanity mirrors, pockets in the door panels, pin stripes, and other fashion features thought to appeal to female buyers. Seven new colors were also added for 1978.

Engines

• 171cid 2.8L 2V V6 103HP Z Code
• 302cid 5.0L 2V V8 139HP F Code
• 140cid 2.3L 2V 4-cyl 92HP Y Code

Production

• Hatchback, standard: 68,408
• Hatchback, Mach 1, standard : 7,968
• Coupe, standard: 81,304
• Coupe, Ghia, standard: 34,730
• -Total-: 192,410

Prices

• Coupe, standard: $3,824
• Hatchback, standard: $4,088
• Coupe, Ghia, standard: $4,242
• Hatchback, Mach 1, standard: $4,523

Colors

• Aqua Metallic
• Black
• Bright Red
• Bright Yellow
• Chamois Glow
• Dark Brown Metallic
• Dark Midnight Blue
• Light Chamois
• Medium Chestnut Metallic
• Popular White
• Silver Metallic
• Tangerine
• Aqua Glow
• Dark Jade Metallic