If this 1973 Ford Mustang Convertible is all that the seller claims, it’s a pretty special car. They state that it retains its original paint, and apart from a change of color for its power top, it would appear to be a genuine survivor with 10,000 miles on the clock. It presents beautifully, making it ideal for Blue-Oval fans seeking a turnkey classic. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Mustang listed here on eBay in Wayne, Michigan. The seller set their BIN at $34,995 OBO.
The 1972 model year saw Ford’s First Generation Mustang achieve its lowest sales tally for any full year since its introduction. The figures rebounded as a last hurrah in 1973, with 134,867 buyers taking home a final-year example. Our featured car is a stunning Convertible, finished in Code 3B Light Blue. The seller claims that the paint is original, and if that is true, it suggests that this beauty has led a sheltered existence. Close inspection reveals a few minor chips and imperfections, but the deep shine and lack of patchiness give the car a striking appearance. The panels are straight, the gaps are consistent, and the underside shots reveal no evidence of rust. The seller supplies a Marti Report, which reveals one significant cosmetic change. It states that this car’s power top was originally White, but this Mustang’s top is now Black. It fits tightly, though a small, developing hole on the passenger side needs attention to prevent moisture from finding its way inside this classic. The trim and glass look impressive, and while the wheels are a later addition, they are period-correct.
Trimmed in Blue Sebring knit cloth and vinyl, this Mustang’s interior is almost as impressive as the exterior. There is slight wear on the carpet’s outer edges, which is about as bad as it gets. The upholstered surfaces show no evidence of abuse or distress, while the dash, pad, and console are excellent. Someone replaced the original AM radio with a retro-style radio/cassette player, which appears to be the only addition. Otherwise, the Mustang features a clock and a remote driver’s mirror.
Powering this Convertible is a 302ci V8. The first owner teamed the V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The 302 was a shadow of its former self by the time this car rolled off the showroom floor. Power and torque had sunk to 135hp and 243 ft/lbs, meaning that cars of this type were better suited to highway cruising and city traffic than taking on all challengers at the local drag strip. The seller claims that this Convertible has a genuine 10,000 miles on its odometer, and the car’s overall presentation makes that figure plausible. However, since they don’t specifically mention supporting documentation, the claim must be taken at face value. They say that the Mustang runs and drives well, making it a turnkey proposition.
If you believe organizations like Hagerty, the seller’s BIN figure for this beautiful 1973 Mustang Convertible appears quite realistic. However, if you use recent successful sales as a more accurate guide, they suggest the price is at the market’s top end. The determining factor is the odometer reading. If that is verified with documentation, the price could be justified. It certainly appears to need nothing and would garner plenty of positive comments and admiring looks wherever it goes. The listing statistics look extremely modest for a First Generation Mustang of this caliber, but do you believe the price is the culprit?
They added a dual exhaust system,You could not get duals on the 302 in 1973,only the 351.
Which it has, 351 2V .JS
Was going by the text which says 302,and the air cleaner which says 302-2V .And it’s on Hemmings and is 302-2V.
Nice styling but unfortunately didn’t pack the power of it’s predecessors, style a nice ride though!
Looks great!! Sounds great!!
Where did you see a video of it running?
I did not. I am talking about the information in the ad.
The hockey stripes were only offered in 71-72. Does not have the 73 safety rear bumper . Convertibles did not have the Mach hood stock .
Yes, the 71 style stripes were available on 73 verts and certain summertime special edition coupes. It does have the correct 73 only rear bumper. You can see the fillers on the side.
There other details that are not correct but it’s a nice ride
1973 did not require a SAFETY rear bumper, only a front one. The rear bumper did not start until the next year.
Sharp car. Always liked the blue/silver treatment.
@Paul- FYI- The Mach 1 hood was an available option back then.
I had a 71′ ‘stang convertible in the late 80’s. 351 Ram Air, C6, and a locked rear with factory A/C. It was cool, slick, and fast. Bought it from the original owner. Rust / rot free. Silver with black stripes and a black gut. All intact. I was getting married and couldn’t afford three cars. The first buyer showed up with cash and a license plate. I’ve always regretted selling it. Even if I’m water-boarded, I’ll never tell the selling price and what I replaced it with.
A complete pic of the Marti report would help your potential sale. Marti report would confirm such.
The Mach l hood was a no-cost option for 302 Mustangs in 1973.
The Mach l hood was a no-cost option on the 1973 302 Mustang.
No. Regarding convertibles, the availability of the NASA hood was quite complicated and different for 1971, 1972, and 1973. In 1971, the only way to get it was by ordering the “Ram-Air option”. With that, you got the scooped hood, the painted hood patch, hood locks, and functional ram air. In 1972, all Q code convertibles came standard with the scooped hood, but it was non-functional and there was no painted hood patch or hood locks. In 1973, the only way to get the scooped hood on a convertible was by ordering and paying for the “Tu-tone hood option,” which gave you the scooped hood, the painted hood patch (in black or argent), and the hood locks. The ram air was not functional.
Buyer beware. Advertised as original paint. No. The factory color listed on the Marti is light blue (3B). The car is painted Blue Glow metallic (3K) and they deceptively put a reproduction door sticker showing the color code of 3K (not the factory color). How can the paint be original then? Being a New York DSO car, there’s no telling what’s hidden under that paint. They deceptively failed to show the rest of the Marti report, meaning that the optional decor group with stripes and the Tu-tone hood were likely added, and not original. And look at the hokey way they screwed the door panels on. I could go on, but you get the picture.
Good observations Kevin!
I didn’t look at the add that close.
My first mustang but mine came in a repaint of red from baby blue. It had a lot of bondo behind the driver side door and body work was on the list. I slowly addressed each each at $1k a year keeping an eye and rising resale values. Sadly a divorce ended the project and it went on to some else to finish. This one at $34k proves my point.
sweet exterior lines ,smooth ( to my eyes )..i had a 68 fast back and i liked the lines of that..and the 67 fast back …the interior is so ugly to my eyes .
this blue is suspect to me…who knows ?