1978 was the last year for the Mustang II, along with the Mach 1. Like some other Fords between '78 and '82, the Mustang was being re-designed for '79 with an all-new look for the dawn of the '80's. The most notable changes to all Mustang II models in '78 was several new two-tone paint colors, and two seperate rear-seat cushions, instead of a single cushion with an attached padded hump in the middle.
New variable-ratio power steering was available, along with a Fashion Accessory Package for the coupe. Designed to appeal to women, it included cloth seat inserts, driver's side illuminated sun visor mirror, a four-way adjustable driver's seat, coin tray, map pockets, and pin stripes. The biggest news for 1978 was the King Cobra, which was made in '78 only.
The most desirable and collecible of II's, the King Cobra was a package for hatchbaks only, and it consisted of a front air-dam, rear spoiler, fender flares, reverse-facing hood scoop with 5.0 decal, pin striping around the whole car, blacked-out trim, King Cobra decals on the doors and rear spoiler, T-tops, huge snake hood decal like the Trans-Am's screaming chicken, the 302-V8, 4-speed, and performance suspension. King Cobra interiors were similar to Cobra II's, which continued. Only about 5,000 King Cobras were made, and came in Red, Silver, Black, Brown, Blue, and White.
8
- 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:
8F02Y100001 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.
