Solved - NEH 778: Ford Mustang II final proposal - 1971

[Carnut]

What is this, who designed it and when does it date from?
All for 1 point...

[Aaron65]

Mustang II styling study, maybe by Don DeLaRossa, 1971?

[Carnut]

Mustang II styling study, maybe by Don DeLaRossa, 1971?

Well, it's a Mustang II proposal all right, which dates it from the early 1970's; in fact it's the one which was 'accepted' and went on to become the production Mustang II..
But it's not by Don DeLa Rossa, so who designed it, for that point?!
Locked for the time being for your reply.

[Aaron65]

My sources say that Al Mueller's Lincoln-Mercury studios designed the hatchback pictured here that went on to become the 1974 Mustang II, and that Don DeLaRossa's notchback (which had been turned down) was modified based upon this design to become the notchback version. 

[Carnut]

And there you have it!
This fastback was designed by the Lincoln-Mercury division under Al Mueller and you have a point!
Well done.

[Otto Puzzell]

Not exactly pretty, but crisper than the bulbous über-Pinto that ultimately (dis)graced American roads in the 1970's. Thankfully, most have rusted to oblivion, or have been parted-out for their steering and front suspension, a favorite of hot-rodders.

Whatever good Karma Lee Iaccoca earned by green-lighting the first production Mustang was undone by the Mustang II.

[Carnut]

Not exactly pretty, but crisper than the bulbous über-Pinto that ultimately (dis)graced American roads in the 1970's. Thankfully, most have rusted to oblivion, or have been parted-out for their steering and front suspension, a favorite of hot-rodders.

Whatever good Karma Lee Iaccoca earned by green-lighting the first production Mustang was undone by the Mustang II.

Yes - it must be No. 1 in the "How could they?" Department!
Something to do with politicians and Ralph Nader I think..