1977 Ford Mustang: Ultimate In-Depth Guide

History, Specs, Options, Performance & More

1977 Mustang

1977 Ford Mustang

1977 Ford Mustang Overview

The 1977 Mustang II was only featured minor trim changes from the previous year. These cosmetic changes were added to Mustang II in 1977 to make the car look more sporty. One of those changes was the addition of new bright colors. A T-roof was available, which allowed two pieces of the roof to be removed for a more open feel, since convertibles were still banned by the government. The same 1976 engines were available in 1977, but with a six-horsepower decrease from the 1976 302. Production was dropped down to 153,117 units for 1977.

Model: 1977 Ford Mustang
Generation: 2nd Generation Mustang
Type: 2 Door
Body Styles: Coupe, Fastback
Engines: 140ci 2V 4 cyl, 171ci 2V V6, 302ci 2V V8
Original Price: $3,678 (Basic Coupe), $3,877 (Fastback)
Units Produced: 153,173

Additional 1977 Mustang Research: 1977 Research Center / Colors Details / Production Numbers / Prices & Options / Sales Brochures / Owner Manuals / Maintenance / Pictures / Videos / VIN Decoder / Special Editions

Background & Details

Generally for 1977, the Mustangs received many visually attractive additions. It seems like Ford was seriously attempting to increase comfort and looks.  It also seems like Ford paid considerable attention to the roof. 1977 saw the deletion of the moon-roof, but the flip open (and removable) roof was available, a T-top was available on 3 door models, featuring twin removable tinted glass panels.

The mid-1977 T-Roof Convertible option announcement got buyers excited. Its two removable glass panels did manage to offer some of the feel of a true convertible which buyers had been asking for. The T-Roof Convertible included a stylish Targa band ‘ except on Cobra II models. The T-Roof option was priced at $629 for regular 2+2 models, and $587 on Cobra II’s.

The engine story is a tragic one for 1977 Mustangs. The V6 power dropped to 93 hp, and the four cylinder dropped to 89 hp. A dark time for enthusiasts. The sports performance package was added to the mix and it consisted of 302 2 barrel V8, a heavy duty 4-speed manual transmission, power steering and power brakes and 195/70R WSW or RSW tires.

The appearance decor group consisted of paint stripes, lower body tu-tone paint, Styled steel wheels with trim rings, brushed aluminum instrument panel, and either all vinyl or cloth and vinyl seats. A new option for Ghia’s, replacing the Silver Luxury Group, was the Sports Appearance Group (see below for details)

Other changes included an argent-painted horizontal grille for coupes, while all hatchbacks came with black ones. Hatchbacks came standard with 3-spoke sports steering wheels and brushed aluminum instrument panels, while coupes came with new pecan-colored wood grain instrument panels, replacing the walnut type. An available no-cost option for fastbacks was the front spoiler from the Cobra II. The seats were adjustable both in a forward/back direction and an up and down direction.

Midway through the 1977 Mustang model year, changes for the 1978 model year were pulled up ahead of schedule to sell early. It is most notable on the Cobra II models where the hood scoop was turned around to seem more aerodynamic and the graphics were revised. The Cobra II received a new stripe treatment, the top stripes became 1 wide stripe, with contrasting thin stripes on either side.

Special Edition Models & Variants

Ford dropped the Mustang II MPG model designation for 1977 when fuel shortages eased. The 1977 model year also saw the introduction of a “Sports Appearance Group” for the Ghia model that was color matched to either black or tan paint. The Cobra II also saw an expanded color option set (two new color combinations) and that was about the only excitement on the special variant front for 1977.

1977 Ford Mustang Ghia

Ghia

The 1977 Ghia optioned Mustang came with half vinyl roof, pinstripes, unique wheel covers, body side molding, color-keyed interior vinyl inserts and optional Media Velour cloth with large armrests. A new option for Ghia’s, replacing the Silver Luxury Group, was the Sports Appearance Group, it consisted of Black paint with Chamois half-vinyl roof and interior, vinyl-insert bodyside moldings, pinstriping, luggage rack, lacy-spoke aluminum wheels, sport steering wheel, and black engine-turned applications throughout the interior. The reverse color combination could also be had.

Learn more about the 1977 Ford Mustang Ghia

1977 Mach 1

Mach 1

The 1977 Mustang Mach 1 included engine and suspension upgrades, a black lower side, black back panel, bright lower moldings, Mach 1 insignia, dual sport mirrors, and optional forged aluminum wheels. The grille on 1977 Mach 1s was changed to featured more pronounced horizontal bars, and a front spoiler was added under the bumper. The Mach also got new four-way adjustable front seats.

Learn more about the 1977 Ford Mustang Mach 1

1977 ford mustang cobra ii

Cobra II

The Cobra II continued in 1977, but with few changes from 1976. It did see more color options for buyers looking to opt for the Cobra II. It came in white with blue stripes, blue with white stripes, or black with gold stripes as well as the newly added white with red stripes and white with green stripes. Keen eyed fans will also note that the early 1977 Cobras had the body side lettering low on the door, later in the year they were higher up. The options list now included T-top removable glass roof panels and simulated wire wheel covers. Cobra II’s were built by Ford starting this year.

Learn more about the 1977 Ford Mustang Cobra II

1977 Ford Mustang Limited Edition Special Value

Limited Edition Special Value Package

The 1977 Mustang II Limited Edition Special Value Package continued into a second year featuring luxury upgrades to the two-door hardtop. The package contains color-complementary wide vinyl insert bodyside molding, hood ornament, sterling cloth or base vinyl seat trim, deluxe wheel covers, and color-complementary upper bodyside dual paint stripe. An extra cost Package “A” added a flip-up open air roof.

Learn more about the 1977 Ford Mustang Limited Edition Special Value

Specifications, Options & Detailed Stats

Production Numbers

A total of 153,173 Mustangs were sold in 1977, down 18% versus the prior year. To dive into the model and body splits as well as see charts and percentages, check out our 1977 Ford Mustang Production & Sales Numbers deep dive.

Options and Pricing

Several additional packages were offered. A new Ghia Sports Group, available with either black or tan exterior, included a half-vinyl top, black grille, trunk-mounted luggage rack and cast-aluminum wheels with Chamois-painted spokes. Inside was black engine-turned trim for the instrument panel, doors and console, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A new 2+2 Appearance Decor Group included two-tone paint, brushed-aluminum instrument panel applique and paint stripes. For more detailed options and pricing, please check out our 1977 pricing and options research.

Exterior & Interior Colors

A total of 15 exterior colors were offered for the 1977 Mustang model year. For detailed colors, color palettes, codes and interior colors please check out our in depth 1977 colors information post.

Dimensions & Weight

Body changes for 1977 included cosmetic changes only so the size and weight of the car basically remained the same as the prior year model.

Engine Specs

Three engines were offered again for 1977. The base 4 cylinder and V6 continued service, albeit both down on power from prior year. The top engine for the 1977 Mustang model year was the 302 cubic inch V8. For more information on engines for 1977, you can find the information here.

Performance

Below is the performance data for the 1977 Mustangs that we could find. We have included 0-60 mph times, 0-100 mph times as well as quarter mile times and top speed where available. You can see that the Mustang II continued to be a crappy performance car in terms of its acceleration times.

VIN Information

Vin Decoder Mustang 1977

This link will take you to a page which contains the VIN tag information for all years of Mustangs. Previously this information appeared on each Mustang’s year page, but consolidating it has significantly reduced page loading times. To decode the build sheet, check out our 1977 VIN & Data Plate Decoder sheet.

Videos & Picture Galleries

We managed to find some great video reviews of the 1977 Mustang so definitely check those out. We also have a picture 1977 Ford Mustang Picture Gallery and photos of real Mustangs in each color that was available.