First Test of the V-8 Ford Mustang II in 1974

Hindsight.

When the Mustang II debuted in 1974 you could only get a 140ci (2.3L) I-4 or a 171ci (2.8L) V-6, no V-8. That wouldn’t happen until the 1975 model year, but Ford’s Mexico assembly plant did offer a V-8 that first year for use only in Mexico. Wanting to test one, Hot Rod’s Jim McCraw flew down to Mazatlan (rough duty Craw!) to drive the V-8 Mustang II. He described the car as “An absolute ball to drive. Just incredible,” and was quite happy with the 200kph (122 mph) top-end and mid-9-second 0-60 times ... read more