1977 Ford Mustang Ghia

Description

The Ford Mustang Ghia made its debut during some seriously tumultuous times in 1974. Our country entered into its second year of a colossal oil crisis with gas prices skyrocketing and fuel in short supply, and efficient, compact cars fast became a front-burner necessity for the buying public. Ford responded in admirable fashion - taking full advantage of the opportunity to totally re-engineer the venerable Mustang while for the first time seeking to make a luxury-version of the legendary pony. Nicely preserved and well looked after, with a history documented by a Marti Report and maintenance records, this rare 1977 Ford Mustang Ghia stands as a rolling, collectible testament to Detroit's ability to make a great thing even better.

In the trying automotive times of the 1970s, Ford doubled down on change and rolled out a completely redesigned Pony. Not only was the Mustang II the most aerodynamic car Ford had ever produced, but it was far more comfortable and luxurious than its predecessors despite being much lighter. Teaming up with legendary Italian design house Carrozzeria Ghia (a company Ford had a large stake in that helped design the Mustang II), the Mustang Ghia was a noble attempt to put a luxury spin on the otherwise austere Mustang. And for the most part, it really worked. Mustang IIs sold very well, and the added appearance features of the Ghias – specialty color combos, added trim and bodyside moldings, a vinyl-half-roof, hood striping, and luxurious interiors – were very popular at the time and flew off the shelves. The factory Code 8H Tan paint on this beauty is a great shade –paying fitting tribute to the style sensibilities of the era, as light-colored cars (especially beige and tan) were very much en vogue in the late 70's. Still maintaining its stylish, period-appropriate look, the original paint still shows very well and the trim throughout remains in good condition. The panels from front to back still align straight, after over 40 years of life, and both doors and windows open and close without a hitch. Just as appropriate for a car that so ably represents an era, its relatively low-slung, level stance remains in original form.

Take a peek inside and you'll find a surprisingly rich-looking tan interior that has been allowed to remain in its original factory configuration, with a very fresh overall condition not often found in a car of this era. And as an added bonus, the interior of this Ghia has a pedigreed story to go along with those good looks, as it was refreshed by Pam from Gas Monkey Garage. The front bucket seats look plush and padded, with little sign of wear and no wrinkling thanks to a recent reupholstering. In back, the bench seat has the same lightly used feel to it, and owing to the longer wheelbase Ford went to on this '77, there's actually some legroom back there, too. Underneath, you'll see carpeting that's in fine shape, its relatively tall pile also reflecting the taste of the times, and the matching door panels feature light-colored woodgrain that does a great job at warming things up inside. Taking your place in the driver's seat, you'll see a surprisingly new-looking dash area that' filled with an array of clear factory gauges, and the same woodgrain paneling that's on the doors is featured throughout and it's all unblemished and without bubbling. Directly below the original AM/FM radio – still also in good working condition - you'll find a factory center console that is adorned with more woodgrain applique and houses the shifter for the automatic transmission below. And because the Ghias were all about comfort and luxury, factory A/C is included and it's still blowing cold today.

This Ghia met with rave reviews as it emerged, with automotive writers proclaiming it to be not only the most inspired Mustang, but the best Ford created up to that point - no faint praise. Ford continued the long tradition of the durable, efficient, and powerful 302 V8 as the power production for the Pony, and the small block under the short hood of the beauty is believed to be the car's original unit (Ford did not stamp VINs on blocks, so a numbers-matching designation is not possible). With just over 61k believed original miles, the engine is running great, and the presentation is all-stock other than an upgrade to a large aluminum radiator up front that keeps the whole show nice and cool. The revolutionary powerplant was lauded for its smooth operation and when bolted to a 3-speed automatic transmission, it's a match made in heaven, starting right up and running with that same smoothness you'd find in 1977. With power steering and power brakes on all four corners - discs in front - it's a well-configured driver's car, sitting on its original stock 'snowflake' rims wrapped in 185/80/13 whitewall tires that finish off the high-end look.

Looking for a truly unique example of nostalgic Detroit inspiration, in great running condition and sure to turn heads? This 1977 Ford Mustang Ghia is the one for you. Call today!