We have recently seen a few stunning survivors cross our desks at Barn Finds, and we always appreciate the input of readers who spot some of the best for us to feature. Therefore, I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Chris in Paducah for bringing this 1971 Mustang Mach 1 to our attention. It retains most of its original paint, and its presentation guarantees it will receive its share of admiring looks. The drivetrain combination adds to its appeal, providing the power to match its looks. The seller has listed the Mach 1 here on Facebook Marketplace in Murray, Kentucky. They are asking $43,500 for a classic that needs very little.
The Mach 1 joined the Mustang range in 1969, with Ford performing a significant facelift in 1971. It would be the last major change to the First Generation Mustang before production ended in 1973. The original owner ordered this gem in Dark Green Metallic with contrasting Silver stripes and hood highlights. The visual impact is hard to understate, providing an aggressive and classy appearance. The seller claims this Mustang features 90% of its original paint, with the hood the only identified area receiving a refresh. The presentation is noteworthy because its exterior reflects its surroundings like the best mirror. The stripes and graphics are in good order, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. There is no reference to previous or existing rust problems, and there is nothing visible that might cause a new owner nightmares. The trim and tinted glass look virtually perfect, and while the Magnum 500 wheels aren’t original, they are period-correct for this classic.
The included Marti Report confirms the original owner ordered this Mach 1 powered by the optional M-Code 351ci V8, producing 285hp and 370 ft/lbs of torque. They added a four-speed wide-ratio manual transmission and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The Mustang was beginning to lose some of its hard-edged performance by 1971, but the fact this one would have covered the ¼-mile in 14.9 seconds confirmed it wasn’t a spent force. However, things become slightly hazy with this car when we delve into its drivetrain. The seller states the transmission is original but doesn’t say the same about its engine. They provide an embedded video in the listing, which allows us to hear it running. The slightly “lumpy” idle suggests it might sport an upgraded camshaft that would potentially release additional ponies. Regardless of the truth, that V8 sounds crisp and clean, with no odd noises or smoke.
The interior shots in this seller’s listing are sadly lacking, but we can deduce some significant information about the original Green vinyl upholstered surfaces. There appears to be no significant wear or other problems. The dash, console, and carpet look nice, but the rim-blow wheel has cracked. Reproductions are readily available, and sourcing one would address the only apparent imperfection. This classic features an aftermarket CD player, but I can’t spot any other additions.
This 1971 Mustang Mach 1 makes a positive impression that is only heightened as we examine the supplied photos. The cracked wheel seems to be its only significant fault, and with that addressed, there would be little to criticize. The question mark hanging over the originality of its V8 could prevent some from classing it as a genuine survivor, but that shouldn’t dramatically impact its potential value. Recent sales results suggest the price might be slightly optimistic, but history demonstrates that some enthusiasts will find a vehicle of this caliber irresistible. It has only been on the market for a few days, and I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home relatively quickly. Do you agree?
Looks a lot like my BOSS 351, I wonder what the differences are?
Maybe you need to tell us BOSS.
Advertised hp was 330 and a flat black hood. That’s all I can see.
This is a joke, right? The Boss 351 is a legend, this is just a Mach1.
No joke, right down to the pop up hood pins, side stripe, fold down rear hatch. valve covers. My Boss had a factory black velvet Hurst T-handle shifter and no rear spoiler and obviously the badging. Wish I could post a picture but I’d like to know the differences between the two Cleveland mills. I don’t remember a rough idle due to cam duration but it’s only been a hundred years ago!
My understanding is that the Boss 351 engine was a spread bore intake and better cam.
So green on green does nothing for me anyway…..the exterior, I agree is nice though…..no info on the engine brings the price figure way down for me….this one needs an expert Ford appraisal and a complete visual exam…..$43k……way too much……
I like this car a lot, and I could use a green car. Maybe I’ll find one like it and restore/upgrade it and save a few bucks.
“I could use a green car.” Words you seldom hear.
The fox body 5.0 sedans looked great in the forest dark green factory 🏭 paint 🎨.
That and “I’ll save money by restoring it myself” Amateur hour at its finest!
It’s not overpriced when you compare it to the last one Adam wrote on in Michigan that keeps coming up on BF’s. You know Joe. The one that causes so much controversy bc it’s so nonauthenic. The 429 pictured at the lake. Can’t think of the guy’s last name off hand, Dean ?, has perfect well preserved 71 green on green in Wisc. or Illinois I believe it is. For a whole lot more.
The ad says it’s an automatic. Picture shows a manual. Is this the car for sale?
No picture of the pedals……
Oops. Just re-read the ad and seller says it’s a 4spd. Must have been a typo in the add where it says Automatic.
If I remember correctly the 71 and 73 had rubber front bumpers and the 72 had chrome, so something is not right
My age is a curse when it comes to a lot of classic cars, including this one. I was there when these cars were new. I drove a lot of these cars that are now classics. They didn’t handle great, they weren’t really that fast and they broke really easily. They just weren’t made to last. They were great looking though. This one is a beauty.
The mach 1 was a hydraulic cam and the boss was a solid cam.That was the only difference. I love how people talk a nice Car down just like the project cars.get off the couch and start wrenching!
Perhaps I am a weirdo, but I love the colors on this one. Classy.
I liked the green with black stripes one myself but I could live with the silver stripes
Ahh, 1971… The beginning of my life and the beginning of the end for the muscle cars of the day. Never cared much for the ’71-73 Mustang but for this I’ll make an exception. I like everything about this one. Money is no object because I don’t have any !
Hey Al, you could sell that Dart that you inherited from your father. That should give you enough cash to buy this Mustang. You would even have some cash left over.
Very nice , 71-73 Mach1’s are getting more popular,long,sleek,low,beefy,and fast. And the powertrain is awesome! The 351 Cleveland speaks for itself, so many combinations and great handling car.
With an incorrect front bumper, added on side stripe, incorrect hood treatment and overall condition of the under hood paint I’m really questioning the originality of the paint. I’ve never seen original paint shine that well and I’ve seen a number of low mileage cars. The chrome bumper on a Mach 1 is usually a good indicator of a front end accident as the original urethane bumpers can be hard to find and are pricy when you do find them. Something about this car would make me look very carefully for previous damage.
That being said it is a really nice car but I just question the claim of 90% original paint.
I have owned 3 ‘72’ Mach I’s they all had the neoprene front bumpers. If they put them on the 71’s I missed it only saw chrome ones on the 71’s.
All 71-72 Mach 1s came with the urethane bumper and not chrome
The nearly identical car in similar condition struggled to bring $25k on eBay in spring/summer of 2023 (multiple listings by private seller in the Northeast). True story because I almost bought the car and that’s when I knew the market was going down for remainder of 2023 (which it did). I see lots of cars coming out of the woodwork in final quarter of 2023 where people thinking they can cash-out on stuff they been holding when prices went up for years, problem with greed is most wait too long and much more difficult to sell on the way down. This is just the beginning, bigger things at pay, priorities are shifting.