1977 Ford Mustang II
The 1977 Ford Mustang II added a T-top roof option for the hatchback, more Cobra II colors and new appearance packages.
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1977 Ford Mustang II Cobra II in Polar White with red graphics. Photo: Sicnag via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
Overview
The 1977 Ford Mustang II was the fourth year of the compact second-generation Mustang, and Ford kept the formula of the 1976 Ford Mustang II while adding new ways to make the car feel special. The headline addition was a T-top roof for the hatchback, with twin removable tinted glass panels that gave buyers an open-air feel at a time when Ford offered no Mustang convertible.
The Cobra II returned with more color choices, and Ford broadened the appearance options with the Rallye Appearance Package and an Appearance Decor Group for hatchbacks. The Ghia coupe could be ordered with a Sports Group in black or tan, while Ford’s sales brochure promoted the car’s “Sweet Handling” as a key selling point.
The engine lineup was unchanged in layout: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder, a 2.8-liter V6 and the 302-cubic-inch V8. Tighter emissions rules trimmed output slightly, with the four-cylinder rated at roughly 89 horsepower, the V6 at about 93 horsepower and the V8 at around 139 horsepower in SAE net terms.
Demand cooled for 1977, with total production falling to 153,173 cars. The Mach 1 was now a small part of the mix, while the base coupe and 2+2 hatchback carried most sales. For more on the generation, see the second-generation Mustang history, or compare it with the first-year 1974 Ford Mustang II.
1977 Mustang II timeline
- 1975Earlier development
- 1976Previous model year
- 1977Featured model year
- 1978Continued evolution
Engine options
| Engine | Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel / induction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L (140 cu in) Lima | Inline-4 | Approx. 89 hp | 2-barrel carburetor | Standard engine; overhead-cam four-cylinder, SAE net rating | |
| 2.8L (171 cu in) Cologne | V6 | Approx. 93 hp | 2-barrel carburetor | Optional V6; SAE net rating | |
| 5.0L (302 cu in) Windsor | V8 | Approx. 139 hp | 2-barrel carburetor | Optional V8; SAE net rating |
Specifications at a glance
Production
- Hardtop Coupe67,783 (44.3%)
- 2+2 Hatchback49,161 (32.1%)
- Ghia Coupe29,510 (19.3%)
- Mach 1 Hatchback6,719 (4.4%)
Dimensions
Original colors
Performance
Buyer’s guide highlights
- Inspect the floor pans, front frame rails, strut towers and rear suspension mounts for rust or poor accident repairs.
- On T-top cars, check the roof seals, drain channels, headliner and floors for water leaks and rust.
- Verify a claimed Cobra II with original paperwork, because stripes, spoilers and louvers are easy to add later.
- Check the VIN engine code on V8 cars and confirm the transmission matches what the seller describes.
- Look at Ghia vinyl roofs for bubbling or rust along the edges.
- Buy on condition and completeness, since model-specific trim, T-top panels and interior parts can be hard to replace.
1. Start With the Unibody
As with every Mustang II, structure comes first on a 1977 Ford Mustang II. Check the floor pans, front frame rails, strut towers and rear spring mounts. Heavy undercoating, patch panels and fresh filler can hide old rust or accident damage.
2. Check T-Top Cars Carefully
The T-top roof was new for 1977 and is a desirable option, but it can leak with age. Inspect the seals, drain channels and headliner, and look for water stains or rust in the floors and under the carpets. Make sure both glass panels are present and fit properly.
3. Confirm Cobra II and Trim Packages
Cobra II cars carry more value than base hatchbacks, so many clones exist. Ask for original paperwork such as a window sticker or invoice. The same applies to Ghia, Rallye and appearance packages, which should match the car's documentation.
4. Verify the Engine and Transmission
Check the engine code in the VIN against the engine installed. V8 cars are the most sought after, so confirm that a claimed original V8 car is not a later conversion. Listen for timing wear on the four-cylinder and V6, and check the V8 for overheating.
5. Inspect Suspension, Steering and Brakes
Worn subframe bushings, steering racks, ball joints and rear springs are common. A test drive will reveal loose steering, weak brakes or clunks over bumps.
6. Buy the Best Example You Can
Mustang II prices remain accessible, so restoration costs can quickly exceed market value. A documented, rust-free car is usually the better buy than a cheap project.
Values
1977 Ford Mustang II values remain accessible, with documented Cobra II cars, T-top hatchbacks and original V8 examples generally bringing the strongest prices.
| Variant / body style | Market reference | Reference value (USD) | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang II (1974–1978), all models | CLASSIC.com | $20,272 average | Average of recorded sales across all 1974–1978 Mustang II models; not specific to 1977 |
Market references are research guides, not appraisals. Actual value depends on condition, originality, documentation, drivetrain, options, location and current buyer demand.
