Ford Mustang II (concept car)

The Ford Mustang II concept car refers to a series of design studies and prototypes explored by the Ford Motor Company in the early 1970s, preceding the production launch of the Mustang II in 1974. These concepts were developed as Ford sought to reposition the Mustang in response to changing market demands, increasing fuel prices, and stricter emission regulations. The concepts generally explored a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle than the original Mustang, aligning with the automotive trends of the time. Different design directions were considered, some more radical than others, before a final design was chosen for mass production. While few of the concept cars themselves survive, their designs and philosophies heavily influenced the eventual appearance and characteristics of the production Ford Mustang II, a vehicle that represented a significant departure from the original Mustang's pony car image. The development of these concept cars highlights the challenges Ford faced in adapting a popular nameplate to a new automotive landscape.