This 1972 Ford Mustang caught my eye for a simple reason: it’s a Hardtop. Most of the post-1971 First Generation Mustangs crossing our desks at Barn Finds are Fastbacks, which is unsurprising since the desirable Mach 1 was only available in that body style. That helps this one stand out in a crowd. It presents nicely, featuring a V8 under the hood. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting this Hardtop listed here on Craigslist in Krewstown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The seller listed this turnkey classic for $15,500.
Ford introduced the final significant update to its First Generation Mustang in 1971, with the badge evolving slightly until production ended in 1973. Our featured Hardtop rolled off the line in 1972, ordered by its first owner in Medium Lime Metallic. Cosmetically, it makes a positive first impression. The paint holds a deep shine, the panels are straight, and the contrasting Silver stripes look crisp and clean. One shot reveals an unusual paint flaw on the hood that the seller doesn’t mention. However, a reputable shop should have no trouble addressing the fault and matching the color. That said, the engine bay images suggest someone may have repainted it at some point, as there appears to be visible overspray in a few spots. The seller says this classic is garage-kept, which explains why the underside shots show no evidence of rust. There are a couple of spots of surface corrosion, but no sign of developing steel penetration. However, a closer look at the exterior images shows what appears to be developing rust in some lower surfaces, including the rear quarter panels and lower door corners. Potential buyers may want to do an in-person inspection to determine the extent of these issues. The trim and glass look clean, and the Mustang rolls on new Cooper Cobra tires.
The first owner ordered this Mustang with a 302ci V8 and a three-speed manual transmission, but decided to forgo luxuries like power steering and power brakes. The 302 was feeling the impact of emerging emission laws, producing 141hp and 243 ft/lbs of torque. The seller doesn’t mention evidence verifying their claim that the odometer reading of 75,000 miles is genuine. They say the car has always been properly maintained and runs and drives extremely well. The engine produces plenty of power, and there are no mechanical issues. This shot also reveals further surface corrosion that the buyer will probably want to address for protection and improved engine bay presentation.
This Mustang is frustrating because the listing images send mixed signals. The Dark Green interior looks quite nice, with the seat wear seemingly restricted to a small spot on the outer edge of the driver’s bucket. The remaining upholstered surfaces look acceptable for a driver-grade classic, and the dash is clean. The pad appears discolored, but since these areas seem to shift with the angle, it could also be a photographic illusion. The carpet has faded, though since it doesn’t appear worn, replacing it wouldn’t be a priority. However, the same can’t be said for the wheel, which has cracked quite badly. Someone added a radio/cassette player, but that is the only visible modification.
The 1972 Mustang is an interesting vehicle, especially given its production figures. Ford sold 125,903 examples across all body styles during that model year, with the Hardtop, in “standard” and Grande form, accounting for 75,395 of those vehicles. It was comfortably the most popular body style, but the classic world seems to have largely ignored it. Our featured Hardtop looks promising, though the possible rust is worrying. That and the seller’s price could both be sticking points. Recent successful sales suggest the figure is optimistic, and they will almost certainly need to compromise to taste sales success. Do you agree?
I always liked these “big” Mustangs in coupe form. This one is eye-catching with the green/silver theme and the attractive wheel/tire combo. At its core, it is a low-option model; not too many would have had three-speed transmissions. And I think Adam’s analysis is correct: it is likely a bit rougher than meets the eye, with rust to be addressed, plus whatever other upgrades one wants to undertake.
Rusty for the asking price. The paint might be shiny, but that’s offset by the visible rust in the drivers quarter panel, rocker, inside of the drivers door, deck lid, passenger side rocker. It may be rather unique, but how much is that worth?
Steve R
No steering no brakes is unique but not desirable.
You have a good eye though may be surface rust with some bubbling rot? I’m only about 5 miles away from the car if anyone is interested.
I had a ’72 convertable. I went to Ohio for a semester during uni days. The first time it snowed, the back seat and floor of the car were covered with snow, even though the top didn’t leak. I scooped it all out, but the interior still got wet. The second time it happened I put the top down and drove it to the car wash like that and used the vaccum to clear out the snow. People look at you weird when the temperature is around zero and you’re driving with the top down..jealous I guess?
The two engine photos are hurting the sale.
My bet is that the original owner did not order this car. Instead of dealer ordered for stock so they could advertise a Mustang at a low price. I suggest that the wheels are a later addition and the car was originally ordered with hubcaps. Plus make it green so the few shoppers that don’t reject it because of his lack of equipment rejected for the color.
I agree that this car may have been a dealer intro vehicle. When my parents had their dealership, my dad would order a few different models in basic trim and accessories in order to have something for most every budget (of course Mother’s demo was always loaded!). This car most likely did have dog dish hubcaps maybe with trim rings. That with the tape stripe and rocker accents would have been a low cost dress up. The car likely had a factory chrome front bumper in that, if the urethane bumper had been ordered, the trim on the hood’s edge and the fender caps would also have been body color. The “Arm-strong” steering is likely pretty heavy in a car of that size and weight ( I would wager that my dad would have ordered power steering). Hope it finds a good home with a compassionate caretaker.
A Marti report would be nice to have to show not only the wheels this car came with from the factory, but also if it were a stock or retail sales order so you would know if a customer ordered it specifically or the dealer just got it to put on the lot.
Also be nice to see a deluxe report to break down how many were ordered like this with 302 and manual 3 speed and no P/S, P/B or A/C.
Interesting, but pricey for what it is… but could be a worthy “blank slate” for easily building what one wants…
Thanks Adam and Barney! Love the classic green in and out. Not usually a coup fan but, this car seems to work. V8, 3 speed manual, beautiful colors, no PS or PB…Just the way it was and we liked it!
I always felt that these were good looking MMustangs. Attractive colors from someone who likes green. Too bad about the rust but it is an unlikely survivor.
if you like this style mustang it could be a good starting point. except for the carpet the interior looks decent. it could be driven the way it is and fix as you go. cash money could make a good deal.
Nice Mustang Coupe. Love the green color and interior looks kind of goofy with the faded out carpets. If there’s no significant rust issues and the scrappy steering wheel id say a $13,000 car all day. Good luck.
The condition of the carpet looks almost new, and matches the lower under center of the dash pad. Gauges are not stock, but aftermarket. Ford never put idiot lights and gauges on the same panel. My take on this is the interior was originally ginger, and the owner had access to enough green upholstery, so matching the rest up with SEM vinyl dye brought it all together. The car is very presentable, except as noted above, the engine compartment looks a lot like Fido’s butt. I believe this is a quick-flip,
I had a 72 just like that, except with 351 Cleveland, 2bbl auto. Years later my uncle bought one like mine, he kept telling me it was my old car. Told him that’s impossible, the guy who bought my car tried to out run a train and lost.
It’s hard to say no to this body style Mustang. It’s a shame it didn’t last longer than ’73. They normally come at a premium price due to being the ‘last’ of the real Mustangs. Power brakes and steering should’ve been standard on these cars, and if that’s four-wheel drum brakes it’s going to take a long time to stop. A three speed with OD would be more desirable and better on mileage. I miss my rusty ’72 same car with auto. I wish I could’ve had more time with it.
I have one parting shot to take with both the Mustang and Cougar camps. Be advised that I own 2 Mustangs (’68 and ’08) and 1 Cougar (’72 droptop).
It bothers me that the Mustang camp in-toto considers the ‘641/2 thru ’73 as being “1st generation” when the Cougar camp considers the ’67 thru ’70 model years as “1st generation” and ’71 thru ’73 as “2nd generation”. All Mustangs and Cougars went down the SAME assembly lines. So….if roughly 80% of all the parts made fit each other, why are generational differences being called out. I don’t buy into it because the ’71-’73 Mustangs look radically different from their predecessors as do the Cougars. And by the way, Cougars were always stretched out a bit for more rear seating and trunk space. So, there……….