It is sometimes easy to prove the rarity of a classic, especially when resources like a Marti Report provide documentation. The seller claims that this 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is 1-of-2 built to these specifications, and the claim appears valid. However, how will this claim be affected if the feature that defines that rarity has been removed? It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on the subject. It is worth noting that the item in question could be easily replaced, which may be enough to convince some readers to pursue this Mach 1 further. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Lakeland, Florida. The solitary bid of $30,000 is below the reserve, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this stunning classic.
Ford performed the final facelift on its First Generation Mustang range for the 1971 model year that would carry the badge through until production ended in 1973. As with previous updates, virtually every dimension grew, meaning that the Mustang only bore a passing resemblance to the lean and iconic pony car that emerged in 1964. This Mach 1 rolled off the line in June 1973, ordered by its first owner in Code 3K Blue Glow. The seller confirms that it has undergone restoration, and the lack of visible flaws suggests that it has seen little active service since. The paint shines like glass, the contrasting stripes are crisp, and the panels are straight. The seller supplies a comprehensive image gallery, with the underside shots confirming that this classic is rust-free. The trim and tinted glass are excellent, and although it seems that the Magnum 500 wheels are a later addition, they perfectly suit this car’s character.
One of the biggest changes made by Ford as the Mustang reached the end of its production life was to reduce the selection of engines available to Mach 1 buyers. Handing over the cash in 1973 brought only three to the table, with this car’s first owner selecting the entry-level F-Code 302. They teamed this with a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power-assisted front disc brakes. The engine should deliver 141hp and 229 ft/lbs of torque although, with the curb weight of over 3,200 lbs, this Mach 1 is more comfortable in city traffic or on the freeway than the local drag strip. The seller doesn’t state whether the Mach 1 is numbers-matching, but they do suggest that it is a turnkey proposition.
This Mustang’s interior is as stunning as its exterior, with the upholstered surfaces spotlessly clean, and the carpet, dash, and pad in as-new condition. The first owner equipped the interior with air conditioning and an AM radio, bringing us to the subject of rarity. The included Marti Report states that thanks to its combination of paint, trim, mechanical configuration, and interior options, this Mustang is 1-of-2 produced to these specifications. It achieves that courtesy of the AM radio because, without it, the Mach 1 quickly becomes a 1-of-5 vehicle. Every time you peel away another option, that figure climbs dramatically. Confusing matters is the fact that this car’s restoration included replacing the factory radio with a retro-style stereo. Finding a correct unit via one of the usual online auction sites shouldn’t be difficult. However, I believe that if a seller is going to make rarity claims when listing a classic, the vehicle should retain the features that afford it that status. Otherwise, this interior appears to need nothing.
The seller describes this 1973 Mustang Mach 1 as “spectacularly restored,” and that assessment seems fair when we examine the supplied photos. From its sparkling paint to its immaculate interior, it is ideal for someone who simply wants to slide the key into the ignition and drive off into the sunset. Rarity claims can become a slippery slope that demands careful consideration. Ford loaded the Mustang’s Options List in 1973, allowing buyers to personalize their new ride. That was great news for customers, but it also greatly increased the chance that a single, relatively insignificant item, would bestow a 1-of-2 status on their vehicle as found with this Mach 1. That raises the question of whether the car’s value climbs as a result, or if it remains unaffected. It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on the subject.
Very sharp car, inside, outside, underhood. To me blue with silver is always a classy look. I can nitpick a few things but overall it looks to be a quality restoration.
Marti report: yes the “1 of x” information can get kind of silly, given the a-la-carte way options could be ordered. But to me, the fact that this information is even available is quite amazing, and obviously useful. In fact for a performance Ford, it has almost become mandatory. I’m thankful it exists.
The available variety sure is different than today: choose from a half dozen colors with Package A or Package B.
Aside: Several years ago I heard Kevin Marti make a presentation on the many-year, twist-and-turn-laden undertaking it took to make this happen. It was very interesting.
it’s nice, but with a $47,000 asking price on their website I’d want more than this. The 1 of 2 is contrived and basically meaningless when you consider that there were features added along the way to make it easier to sell at an elevated lever. As mentioned, the Magnum 500’s were added along with the cold air induction, the front seats don’t match the pattern on the rear. Real selling point would be things like, 351, 4spd, traction lock, factory gauges. No matter how nice this car is, for the price potential buyers can do better.
As for the 1 of 2 claim, the first time the next owner gets laughed at when they bring it up as a bragging point will be a reality check.
Steve R
Nice Mustang but 1 of 2 claim means nothing when the item was replaced. Even with the AM radio there its not much of a 1 of 2 oddity here. Really nothing to brag about here. By this time in Mustang production they were big over bloated paper weights. Very nice car but a hard pass on this one at that price.
Nice looking car to be sure, but with an anemic power plant (for this car) and the added pork, it was more of a Mock 1 than a Mach 1. Too bad, because Mach 1’s were fast with the right engine. This car was a sad farewell to a legendary name. And stick an AM radio back into the dash to restore its ridiculous “1 of 2” claim.
“… equipped with a cigar lighter makes it 1 of 1.” Seriously, if you’re going to claim a 1 of 1 vehicle, make it count.
I like the design of these a lot, but the factory stance reminds me of a tail-heavy boat, sitting low in the water.
Beautiful car, I’d drive it.
It always amazes me how one can do a really nice job restoring a car but leave the tail pipes uneven.
Agreed. I did custom exhaust work in the ’70s and 80s, so I’m particularly critical of exhaust done poorly.
I do like this ones overall appearance!
A nice driver, not really a performer. The stripe kit is from an earlier year, but I’m getting fussy here. Besides, it looks better than the ’73 decal package.
I had a 73 Mach 1 that was maybe a darker blue color( think mine was Acapulco blue) with the anemic 302, but mine had power windows and a 2/3 Factory Vinyl Roof along with am-fm, gauge package, full console and rear folddown seat and factory rear spoiler. This combo surely was a rare mix and I have only saw a few others with a partial vinyl roof and only a few with power windows. If not mistaken having power windows was the only way the rear windows rolled down not positive. I wanted to post a pic but couldn’t figure out how to, would not let me paste
100% correct on the power windows as rear windows were fixed on crank window cars.
I had a 72 & 73. The only styling differences were the grille parking lights. They went from 4 on the 72 to 2 on the 73. The 73 had rear bumper guards. They’re missing on this one.
FYI- Bumper guards were an option.
If you count the missing brake pedal pad, there is only one like it, this one! The Thermostatic air cleaner is not connected; so there are two things already that are not “stunning”. It is an ugly, fat, slow dog, and there are other issues (mentioned prior) that make this a walk on by.
Sorry, it’s clean and pretty, but nothing spectacular. No interior upgrades except the high back buckets. Wrong striping for 73. Kind of plain jane for a Mach 1. I recently restored a 73 Mach 1 with a 351C Ram Air and an AOD, black on black with some minor changes to suit my taste and it appraised for $48k. Sold for less, but a very pretty car. I like the looks of the 71-73 and even this color, but there’s nothing about this car that makes it worth even $30k.
It’s worth the price of what someone wants to pay, and the seller is prepared to sell.
Opinions are just that, until the market decides its real worth.
Drove one once, never liked the over the shoulder view out the back windshield. rearview mirror works good enough out the 3 inch clearance…
@big schwag…1973, Government mandated 5 mph bumpers were standard and showed up on the rear bumper.
The mandates were as follows- Front bumper had to meet 5 mph requirements. Front bumpers were made of Urethane. Rear bumpers had to meet 2.5mph requirements. Rubber spacers were used and bumper protruded out more than the previous years. Rear bumpers guards were indeed an option. I have a dealer brochure that verifies this statement.
True to a point. I always refer to Hagerty’s valuation tool as a beginning market value and negotiation tool. For the 1973 302 Mach 1 a concours car is $40,800. An excellent car is $28,200, a good car is $20,200 and a fair car is $10,800. It’s a good place to start an opinion. This car is a low option car even with its 1 of 2 rating.
Ugliest Mustang until the electric pig.
Oops, wait, I forgot the Mustang 2s.