Survivor-grade classics will sometimes pose a dilemma for potential buyers. It revolves around the most appropriate path moving forward. Those who subscribe to the “only original once” philosophy will argue that if the vehicle is structurally sound, preservation is the most appropriate course of action. However, the temptation to restore such cars to their former glory can be irresistible. That is the decision facing the new owner of this 1972 Ford Mustang Grande. It is a rock-solid vehicle, but some areas have been baked by the sun. That means that treading either path could be viable. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting the Mustang listed here on Craigslist in Fort Worth, Texas. The seller set their price at $10,999 for what is a turnkey classic.

There is no denying that sales volumes for the First Generation Mustang were dropping continuously as the 1970s dawned. From the 1966 record of 607,568 vehicles, the figure dropped to 190,727 in 1970. Ford had attempted to stem the flow in 1969 by introducing the Grande version, and while volumes continued falling, the Grande offered buyers a more luxurious ownership experience. That variant remained available following the 1971 model refresh, with our feature car 1-of-18,045 Grandes ordered in 1972. The seller describes it as a survivor that was ordered in Medium Yellow Gold with a Brown vinyl top. The paint looks surprisingly good for a car that has spent its life under the Texas sun. It has flaws and imperfections, but the car’s lack of rust means that it could be left largely untouched if the new owner wished to preserve its survivor status. However, the vinyl has succumbed, and that is something that I would replace to eliminate a potential future rust trap. The trim looks acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle, and there are no obvious issues with the tinted glass.

Complimenting this Mustang’s exterior is the interior trimmed in Code FF Ginger Corinthian vinyl and Ginger Lambeth cloth. The car’s baked vinyl top left me bracing for the worst when we opened the doors, but I admit to being pleasantly surprised. The seller believes that the driver’s seatcover may need replacement and the dashpad is cracked, but the rest of the interior looks very tidy for its age. There is nothing requiring urgent attention, and no evidence of aftermarket additions. The luxury leanings of the Grande package are reflected by the air conditioning and AM radio, although the seller doesn’t indicate whether these function correctly.

Powering this Mustang is the 2V version of the 351ci V8. The factory quoted power and torque figures of 177hp and 284 ft/lbs for this engine in 1972, with the car also featuring a three-speed automatic transmission and power steering. It is fair to say that this Mustang won’t be a jet, and it is worth noting that the Grande package brought additional sound deadening to the party. This pushed up curb weight, meaning that a Grande will always be marginally slower than an equivalent base model. The seller doesn’t mention evidence verifying their mileage claim for this Mustang, but they do indicate that it recently received a transmission and carburetor rebuild. They state that it runs and drives well, allowing the buyer to fly in and drive this Grande home.

This 1972 Ford Mustang Grande will appeal to many purists, as it has avoided the types of modifications often found on classics of this vintage. Its lack of rust is a distinct advantage, meaning that any restoration won’t involve hours of grinding and welding. I can say with total honesty that I’m unsure what I would do if it were to find its way into my garage. Returning this Mustang to its former glory would be tempting, although the idea of replacing the vinyl top to eliminate a rust trap and leaving the rest of the car untouched is a concept that I would consider. I may not be sure, but your vision may be clearer than mine. If so, are you tempted to act on it by reaching out to the seller?