Cool 1978 Ford Mustang Monroe Hauler

[Jim Oaks]

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Vehicle Description

Cruisin Classics is proud to present to you this rare pony in the form of a 1978 Ford Mustang. As you can see, this Mustang is one of few.. It is a REAL Monroe Handler. No, you're eyes aren't deceiving you. The wide quarters, massive rear spoiler and widened front end are all apart of the Monroe Handler. The stock 2 Barrel fed 302 under the hood runs well and is backed by a 4 speed manual transmission. Let's take a dive into this oddball and see what it's all about.


The odometer reads 23,225 miles.

In 1977, Hot Rod Magazine built the original Monroe Handler as a project car. The wild body work was performed by the famous Dave Kent of Creative Car Craft. Under the hood was a wild small block Ford that Jack Roush built. Later on, Monroe had 6 additional Handlers built. But, they were all built with fiberglass instead of metal like the original was. They were then given away as prizes around the country. This car, is one of the Famed 6. The 6 cars were all pulled from the assembly lines in a numerical order, starting with (last 3 of vin) 631-636. This was the First of the six cars built. This example is a survivor, and shows as such. The paint is worn, with a great patina. The interior is in excellent shape with only minor wear.

ENGINE
302 C.I V8
2 Barrel Carb- Rebuilt
Stock
New Gas Tank & Sending Unit

TRANSMISSION
4 Speed Manual Transmission
Clutch with Plenty of Life
No Slipping
No Grinding

BRAKES & SUSPENSION
Power Brakes
Power Rack & Pinion
New Shocks (Original Shocks Included)

EXTERIOR
Body By Kustoms Unlimited
Monroe Graphics
Centerline Polished Wheels
BfGoodrich Tires
Molded Front End
Rear Body Kit
Louvered Window Covers

INTERIOR
Functioning Radio
Black Bucket Seat Interior
4 Speed Manual
Excellent Gauges & Cluster
Excellent Seats
Excellent Headliner
Nice Clean & Clear Glass


I saw this on ebay and thought it was to cool to not share. I was never a fan of the Mustang II, but I could have some fun with this one.

 

[ericbphoto]

That looks sharp.

 

[Dirtman]

As much as i find those things an absolute disgrace to the mustang name. It does look cool...

 

[Ramcharger90]

View attachment 42447View attachment 42448View attachment 42449View attachment 42450View attachment 42451View attachment 42452View attachment 42453View attachment 42454View attachment 42455
​

Vehicle Description

Cruisin Classics is proud to present to you this rare pony in the form of a 1978 Ford Mustang. As you can see, this Mustang is one of few.. It is a REAL Monroe Handler. No, you're eyes aren't deceiving you. The wide quarters, massive rear spoiler and widened front end are all apart of the Monroe Handler. The stock 2 Barrel fed 302 under the hood runs well and is backed by a 4 speed manual transmission. Let's take a dive into this oddball and see what it's all about.


The odometer reads 23,225 miles.

In 1977, Hot Rod Magazine built the original Monroe Handler as a project car. The wild body work was performed by the famous Dave Kent of Creative Car Craft. Under the hood was a wild small block Ford that Jack Roush built. Later on, Monroe had 6 additional Handlers built. But, they were all built with fiberglass instead of metal like the original was. They were then given away as prizes around the country. This car, is one of the Famed 6. The 6 cars were all pulled from the assembly lines in a numerical order, starting with (last 3 of vin) 631-636. This was the First of the six cars built. This example is a survivor, and shows as such. The paint is worn, with a great patina. The interior is in excellent shape with only minor wear.

ENGINE
302 C.I V8
2 Barrel Carb- Rebuilt
Stock
New Gas Tank & Sending Unit

TRANSMISSION
4 Speed Manual Transmission
Clutch with Plenty of Life
No Slipping
No Grinding

BRAKES & SUSPENSION
Power Brakes
Power Rack & Pinion
New Shocks (Original Shocks Included)

EXTERIOR
Body By Kustoms Unlimited
Monroe Graphics
Centerline Polished Wheels
BfGoodrich Tires
Molded Front End
Rear Body Kit
Louvered Window Covers

INTERIOR
Functioning Radio
Black Bucket Seat Interior
4 Speed Manual
Excellent Gauges & Cluster
Excellent Seats
Excellent Headliner
Nice Clean & Clear Glass


I saw this on ebay and thought it was to cool to not share. I was never a fan of the Mustang II, but I could have some fun with this one.

Found this one at Ford Nationals in Carlisle this year.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

As much as i find those things an absolute disgrace to the mustang name. It does look cool...

Mustang IIs could either look hideous or flat bad ass. This one is bad ass.

 

[Jim Oaks]

Some just had better body features than others.

 

[19Walt93]

I've always liked Mustang II's, I bought a new one in 77 that I sold the following year because we were starting a family and wanted to get rid of the payment. I dragged my current Cobra II out of a barn in 1990 and have run 13.8@ 102 mph in the quarter. In original condition a V8 Mustang II would turn 17.7 @ 78 mph-according to old magazine tests- had 139 hp, and got 12 mpg- based on complaints from my customers at the time. The 4 speed was a Borg Warner unit that evolved into the T5, it had a 2.67 low and no overdrive. Hot Rod was building vans then, too. They also sucked.

 

[cbxer55]

Monroe Handler. Looks sharp for a Mustang II. My younger sister's first car was an orange Mustang II, V-6. My parents and I bought it for her.

 

[Ramcharger90]

I've always liked Mustang II's, I bought a new one in 77 that I sold the following year because we were starting a family and wanted to get rid of the payment. I dragged my current Cobra II out of a barn in 1990 and have run 13.8@ 102 mph in the quarter. In original condition a V8 Mustang II would turn 17.7 @ 78 mph-according to old magazine tests- had 139 hp, and got 12 mpg- based on complaints from my customers at the time. The 4 speed was a Borg Warner unit that evolved into the T5, it had a 2.67 low and no overdrive. Hot Rod was building vans then, too. They also sucked.View attachment 45964

My friend had a drag car with a built 351C in a Mustang II Ghia. It had a full cage and tubular front end. It still cracked the floor behind the drivers seat to the rocker and on the other side it cracked along the roof.

 

[Ramcharger90]

This guy had a mean looking 2.3

 

[Jim Oaks]

I've always liked Mustang II's, I bought a new one in 77 that I sold the following year because we were starting a family and wanted to get rid of the payment. I dragged my current Cobra II out of a barn in 1990 and have run 13.8@ 102 mph in the quarter. In original condition a V8 Mustang II would turn 17.7 @ 78 mph-according to old magazine tests- had 139 hp, and got 12 mpg- based on complaints from my customers at the time. The 4 speed was a Borg Warner unit that evolved into the T5, it had a 2.67 low and no overdrive. Hot Rod was building vans then, too. They also sucked.View attachment 45964

That's a nice looking car!

My sisters first car was a new Mustang II. My best friend had one for a while when we were in high school, but ditched it for a 1978 Cutlass. I had a 1978 Grand Prix. Most of the guys I went to high school with drove a G-body.