1975 Ford Mustang
Second generation · Mustang II 1974–1978
The Mustang II — a smaller, more economical Pinto-based car for the oil-crisis era, built 1974–1978.
Photo: “1975 Ford Mustang II Ghia (34268198521)” by Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
The 1975 model year
Overview
The V8 came back. Buyer demand brought the 302 (4.9 L) V8 back to the options sheet for 1975 — limited to a two-barrel carburetor and rated at 140 hp net — restoring some of the Mustang's identity even in the malaise era. This was also the year catalytic converters arrived to meet new emissions rules, and the four- and six-cylinder outputs slipped slightly as a result. Sales fell sharply from 1974's debut surge. (Horsepower figures are SAE net.)
Specifications
- Engines
-
- 140 cu in (2.3 L) I4 (base) 83 hp
- 171 cu in (2.8 L) V6 97 hp
- 302 cu in (4.9 L) V8 (returned; 2-bbl) 140 hp
- Transmissions
- 4-speed manual, C3 3-speed automatic
- Body styles
- 2-door coupe (hardtop), 3-door hatchback (2+2)
- Dimensions
- Wheelbase 96.2 in · Length 175.0 in · Width 70.2 in
- Base price
- $3,801 (base coupe) ≈$22,200 today (inflation-adjusted) Original MSRP adjusted for inflation (CPI, 2024); not the car's current market/collector value. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI-U (U.S. city average, all items), annual average.
- Production
- 199,199 (model year)
Year over year
What changed
- The 302 (4.9 L) V8 returned to the Mustang for the first time since 1973 — two-barrel carburetor, 140 hp net.
- Catalytic converters were added across the lineup to meet emissions standards.
- Base four-cylinder output fell to 83 hp and the V6 to 97 hp under the new emissions hardware.
- A Silver Luxury Group was added for the Ghia.
- A mid-year 2.3-liter "MPG" model arrived with a taller 3.18:1 rear axle for economy.
Living with it
Reliability & ownership notes
- Early catalytic-converter and emissions plumbing can be a maintenance point; many cars have been simplified over the decades, so check what is original.
- The returning 302 is a familiar, well-supported small-block, but in two-barrel/catalyst form it is mild — a cruiser, not a muscle car.
- Rust in the floors, lower body, and subframe remains the first thing to inspect.
Worth knowing
Notable
- First Mustang II to offer a V8, a meaningful return after the V8-less 1974.
- Production dropped to 199,199 as the novelty of 1974's launch faded.
- The Ghia continued as the luxury trim, now with the Silver Luxury Group option.
Famous variants this year
Sources
Other Second generation years
Explore the Mustang II generation → All Second generation · Mustang II years →