Changes for 1976 were mainly visual. There was one transmission change in mid-year, however, the V-8, increased to 139 hp, was made available with the 4-speed. New black w/white trim bumper inserts were standard on all II's, replacing the chrome ones. Ford offered two cosmetic option packages, which was popular in the '70's.
The first was the Stallion Group, available only for '76 on either the coupe or hatchback, and also available on Pintos and Mavericks. It featured black moldings around windows and wiper arms, a black grille with pony emblem removed, black along the lower body (and the top of the hood and roof if desired), styled steel wheels, chrome bodyside molding, and stallion horse-head fender decals. It was available in such colors as Red/Black, Yellow/Black, and White/Black, but the most popular was the Silver/Black. The other "appearance" package was the Cobra II, simulating the early Shelbys. The package was installed by Motortown Corporation, and consisted of wide-length stripes running on top of the car, stripes along the lower body, with "COBRA II" in the center section, front and rear spoilers, rear quarter window louvers with chrome snake emblem, simulated hood scoop, snake decals on each fender, a chrome snake emblem in the blacked-out grille, brushed aluminum instrument and door panels, and styled steel wheels.
The Cobra II package was only available on hatchbacks, and came in White w/Blue stripes, Blue w/White stripes, or Black w/Gold stripes, and was limited to Blue, White/Blue, or Black interiors.
6
- Last digit of model year F - Assembly plant (F-Dearborn,
R-San Jose)
02
- Body code (02-2dr hardtop,
03-3dr
hatchback, 04-2dr
hardtop Ghia, 05-3dr
hatchback Mach 1)
Y
- Engine Code 100001 - Consecutive unit number Example:
6F02Y100001 Location: Stamped on the plate which is riveted to the driver's side of the dash; the certification label is attached to the rear face of the driver's door.
