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1974 Ford Mustang II - From Sketch to Production As humans move into the second decade of life, they typically experience some of the most profound physical and emotional changes they will ever
undergo. As their friends grow up and their world changes, they must adapt. The same was true for Ford Mustang as it approached its adolescence.
Another sketch that combines a slimmer version of the shark-nose grille with hidden headlamps. The shape of the side glass has evolved to a shape closer to what would roll off the assembly line in 1973.
Early in the Mustang II program, designers looked at retaining the larger 1971-to-1973 platform with a completely new design. This particular proposal was built on the 109-inch wheelbase, but aside from the galloping pony badge on the grille, almost nothing about it says Mustang
This model was also built on the larger platform, but the front end gives the first hint of what the production car would look like with shrouded headlights separated from the grille.
By early 1971, the decision was made to shift to a smaller, lighter platform, but this design proposal was deemed too conservative and formal for a Mustang.
This model took the conservative design theme even further with an upright grille, quad headlamps and none of the fun spirit of Mustang.
In mid-1971, the Ford-owned Ghia design studio in Italy was asked to prepare two proposals for a fastback and a hardtop. This three-door hatchback led the way to a sleeker-looking theme for Mustang II including the molded-in faux side scoops, one of the few details that actually survived for production.
This model takes the basic profile of the Ghia hatchback and adds a forward-leaning "shark-nose" grille while retaining hidden headlamps.
This hardtop proposal further develops the theme from Ghia's hardtop design, and provides a more contemporary interpretation of the original 1965 hardtop.
This tape drawing shows the dramatic reduction in size from the 1973 Mustang, and one of the early proposals for the 1974 model.
The basic profile of the hatchback Mustang II is finalized in this tape drawing, although the rear quarter windows would be expanded.
A November 1971 model with a front end almost identical to the production 1974 Mustang II. The sloping rear glass of this hardtop design eventually shifted to a more upright design.
The primary differences between this model and the production Mustang II are the taillights and side scoops, which would eventually lose the strakes.
Prior to the public introduction of the 1974 Mustang II, Ford displayed a targa-roofed concept called the Mustang Sportiva II. Like the 1963 Mustang II concept, which was built from a modified prototype of the production 1965 model, the Sportiva II was derived from a preproduction 1974 model. also see: The Mustang Story The Case study that looks at the development of the original 1965 Mustang and 1974 Mustang II
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