The 1978 Mustang II King Cobra is the rarest of all the Mustang II’s. My Marti report for my KC shows that there were only 4,971 of them made. It was not actually a different model like the Cobras or the old Mach 1’s. The KC was an option that cost an extra $1,277. It came with 3.00 conventional rearend, power steering, 70-Radial tires, targa band, an aggressive front spoiler, also included were a front air dam, pinstriping, “King Cobra” door-mounted decals, color-keyed sport mirrors, power front disc brakes, power steering, four-speed manual transmission, raised white-letter radials, Lacy spoke wheels with trim rings and Cobra center caps, spats on rear wheel wells and Rallye package consisting of heavy-duty springs, adjustable shocks and rear stabilizer bar.
The v8 was a 5.0 liter 302 and had a bore of 4.00 inches and stroke of 3.00 inches. The compression ratio was 8.4.1 with a camshaft that was hydraulic. It had one catalytic converter which really stifled the exhaust system. It had the Y pipe into the catalytic converter to rob the power. It was a very early version of catalytic converters unlike the ones today where they do not rob power as much. It produced 139 horse power of power at 3600 rpm, and maximum torque of 339 (250 lb·ft/34.6 kgm) at 1600 rpm. The motor came with a two-barrel Motorcraft Model 2150 carburetor. Buyers could get the 4-speed manual or a 3-peed automatic transmission. The suspension was independent up front with a live axle in the rear.
The distinct trim level was the most unique thing about the King Cobra. The hood snake decal was brilliant with the king cobra on the sides and on the back and it was the first that I can think of that put the 5.0 emblem on the hood scoop. One way you can tell if you have a true King Cobra is under the hood is a metal tag, called a “buck tag.” It’s screwed into the body on the front side of the radiator support near the power steering cooling tube. Stamped on that tag amongst all the options and color will be “KC,” denoting a King Cobra. These can be forged easy so the best way to know for sure is check all the VINs, the door sticker can easily printed on a Cobra II but spending the $55 for the deluxe Marti Report is the best way. I will have more info on Marti Reports and what all they offer on another page. First thing I did was order the Marti Report for the one I got. I was able to find out the original color was black with the orange decal and all the options that came with it. My other 71 Mach 1’s both have Marti Reports. I wouldn’t buy one with it and if you think you really want it then you can buy the $25 version of a report and know for sure if your seller is selling the real deal. It took me about 3-4 days to get my report back. You want to send them all the information they need, the VIN, the tag, and the door tag.
Engine: 302 cubic inch V8
Power: 139 hp @ 3,600 RPM
Torque: 250 lb/ft @ 1,600 RPM
Production: 4,313 units produced
0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
1/4 mile: 15 seconds
Top Speed: 150 mph
MPG: 17
Wheelbase: 2443 mm 96.2 inches
Track/tread (front): 1412 mm 55.6 inches
Track/tread (rear): 1417 mm 55.8 inches
Length: 4445 mm 175 inches
Width: 1783 mm 70.2 inches
Height: 1278 mm 50.3 inches
Ground clearance length wheelbase ratio 1.82
Curb weight: 1385 kg 3053 lbs
Weight distribution
fuel tank capacity: 2.5 liters 13.7 [16.5] UK [US] gal.
Colors Available in 1978
Black 1C M1724 9000 1978 Ford Mustang Black
Silver 1G M5299 2593 1978 Ford Mustang Silver
Bright Red 2R M5400 2830 1978 Ford Mustang Bright Red
Dark Midnight Blue 3A M5585 3035 1978 Ford Mustang Dark Midnight Blue
Dark Jade 46 M7862 2725 1978 Ford Mustang Dark Jade
Medium Chestnut 5M M5144 2504 1978 Ford Mustang Medium Chestnut
Dark Brown 5Q M5477 2616 1978 Ford Mustang Dark Brown
Bright Yellow 6E M5080 2414 1978 Ford Mustang Bright Yellow
Bright Aqua 7H M5482 2910 1978 Ford Mustang Bright Aqua
Light Aqua 7Q M5479 2887 1978 Ford Mustang Light Aqua
Chamois 83 M5520 3057 1978 Ford Mustang Chamois
Tangerine 85 M5533 3058 1978 Ford Mustang Tangerine
Chamois Glow 8W M5491 2923 1978 Ford Mustang Chamois Glow
White 9D M5418 2684 1978 Ford Mustang White
Plate Decoder
Years 1978
Example 8F02F100001
1st = year 8 = 1978
2nd = assembly plant F = Dearborn
R = San Jose
3 – 4 = plate code 02 = Hardtop
03 = Hatchback
04 = Hardtop Ghia
05 = Hatchback Mach 1
5 = engine code Y = 140 ci 2V 4 cyl
Z = 171 ci 2V V-6 cyl
F = 302 ci 2V 8 cyl
6-12 unit number 100001-599999