Actually I didn't think the Fastback IIs were a bad looking unit except for the wierd location of the front wheel openings, just too far back in the fenders. If they would have kept the same front fender proportions as a 65/66 they probably would have looked okay.
I had a serious case of car lust for the 76 Cobra 2 when it came out. I wanted a blue one with white stripes so bad I drove my folks crazy. Alas, paying for college was a little higher on the priority list. So, I settled for a 66 Impala. 327 4V and a glide. Collector car now, but in 76 it was just another clunker with rust in the quarters and pealing vinyl roof.
For me, looks were not the MII's problem. Being an overweight Pinto was the MII's problem. I wanted a Cobra, too. I got a Pacer instead. I know. I'm a loser.
Yeah, the "Pustang" as it was named by a friend who had one, never looked better than as Blue Max. Three overhead cams in 60,000 miles was his experience.