Jim Towler's 1978 Ford Mustang II King Cobra
If you’ve ever had a project car, then you know that bringing one back to life usually takes more money and more time than you may have originally planned. And if your project car happens to be a second-generation Mustang, then you can absolutely count on delays. That’s because knowledgeable collectors will tell you the II’s are the most difficult of all Mustangs to restore due to the near-complete lack of replacement parts.
Jim Towler of Jackson, Michigan, bought his 1978 Ford Mustang II King Cobra new in 1978. Here’s his Mustang Story:
“Hi, it’s Jim Towler. I hope all is well with all of you. This year has been a strange one. Although there were no car shows to attend, I was able to get my King Cobra on the road for some break-in miles, and thankfully, not break-down miles. I still need to fine tune the carburetor, touch up some paint and finish the decals — but it’s pretty much done.
“The KC label on the door is from a 42-year-old set of NOS original service decals. The interior is 98-percent original and shows very little wear. I have it registered with the original Michigan license plate from when I first registered the King Cobra as new in December of 1978. Even though this was a nut-and-bolt refurb (all work was done in my garage, by myself, except for the engine machining), it is not a trailered concours restoration. I plan to drive this car to shows and cruise-ins only.
“After I bought it new, my wife and I drove it all around Michigan during its first 13 years, and then decided to put it away for future restoration. We finally brought it out of storage as a retirement hobby project in 2013, and as I was doing the work on the King myself, I’d hoped to have it completed sometime in 2015. I have a 50-year history with the Mustang as well, because my father purchased one of the first 1965 Mustangs in April of 1964. I still remember when he first got the car (I was 14 years old at the time). When we were driving through town, other drivers were honking their horns and giving us the ‘thumbs up’ as we passed! I learned how to drive in that car before getting my driver’s license at age 16. I have owned new Mustangs from the first three generations, and my son owns a 2006 GT from the 5th Generation.
“Even though I haven’t always driven a Mustang on a daily basis, I have had a Mustang in my possession continually since 1968, and thought enough of my King Cobra to keep it all these years. I know I missed Mustang II Reunion V this October, but am so pleased Ford finally recognizes the Mustang II as an important part of Mustang’s storied 50-year timeline. It was a long process, and I won't do another one, or should I say II, but I hope to see many Mustang II fans at the shows next year! Stay safe.”
