This 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 isn’t totally original, having undergone a few changes throughout its life. However, crucial components like its 351ci V8 and four-speed are intact, allowing the new owner to perform a faithful restoration if they prefer the authentic look. One of its greatest attractions is that the seller can take their time to make their decisions, with the Mach 1 ready to provide immediate motoring fun. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Mustang here on Craigslist in Granite Falls, Washington. The seller set their price at $23,950, with the vehicle only recently hitting the market.
Ford unveiled the Mach 1 for the 1969 model year, effectively producing a vehicle that sounded the death knell for the Mustang GT. The entire First Generation Mustang range underwent its final major facelift in 1971, with the car’s dimensions following an industry trend of “larger is better.” This Mach 1 was ordered by its original owner that year, with the Marti Report confirming that they selected Grabber Yellow with the traditional Black highlights. It is unclear when it underwent a color change to its current Orange, but its overall presentation means that it doesn’t need a refresh if the buyer is happy with the car in its current form. The paint shines well, the spoilers are intact, and the seller states that this Mustang retains 100% of its original steel. A close inspection will reveal minor paint imperfections, but nothing that would prevent this classic from turning heads. There are no signs of external rust, and the floors are rock-solid. The only identified problem is the presence of rust in the rear wheel wells, although the impression is that the issue isn’t extensive. The glass is in good condition, while the original Magnum 500 wheels have made way for a set of period-correct Cragars.
Ford offered 1971 Mach 1 buyers the 302ci V8 as the entry-level engine, but it appears that this car’s first owner had a focus on performance. They ticked the boxes beside the M-Code 351ci V8, a four-speed wide-ratio manual transmission, and a 9″ rear end with 3.25 gears. They passed on such luxuries as power assistance for the steering and brakes, and with the V8 producing 285hp and 370 ft/lbs of torque, this Mach 1 should provide pretty respectable performance by the standards of the day. The first consideration for those contemplating the investment potential of this classic is that it is numbers-matching. However, the engine features a mild camshaft update, an aluminum intake, and long tube headers. The suspension is freshly rebuilt at both ends, as is the steering. The seller confirms that the Mustang runs and drives extremely well, ready to provide the buyer with immediate motoring pleasure.
The first owner equipped this Mustang with a traditional Black “knit vinyl” interior, ticking the boxes for a factory tachometer, a Sport Deck rear seat, and an AM radio/8-track player. The latter has made way for a radio/cassette player, which appears to be the only aftermarket addition. The seller states that the seatcovers and dashpad are new, although the back seat appears to sport a split that may require attention. Otherwise, it looks clean, tidy, and easily acceptable for a driver-grade classic.
This 1971 Mustang Mach 1 is a tidy classic with no immediate needs. Its minor rust issues should be easy to address, leaving the new owner with decisions to make. It has no pressing cosmetic problems and could serve in its current form for many years. However, its original paint shade is one of the most desirable offered by Ford in that model year, which may be enough to motivate the buyer to reverse the color change. I don’t know what I’d do if I found the Mach 1 in my garage. Do you?
Nice call by the original owner checking the box ☑️ for the tachometer.
Always want to know what the engine is doing. Amazing it wasn’t std equipment really.
Nor was one standard on 2nd gen firebird formulas (even with sd-455, i believe).
Sweet ride!! And a manual. Why do the rotors-drums look painted?
Bad ass… Great price too…
Not original. 71 must had chrome bumper
My first car was this car in Grabber Yellow. The front bumper was color matching urethane covered. And the trunk in mine was extremely rusted out already in 1978 when I bought it
I always like the 71 M code 351 Cleveland engine. The Q code of course even better. The four speed was excellent addition too. The back seat could be repaired by a good upholstery person as its on the corner and hidden.
I would drive the unit orange for a while .
The yellow paint with black stripes okay but black with silver might make it look a lil smaller and wicked 😎😉
Seattle is a good haul to Midwest. It’s a fun place and still rocks with past Nervana to current Dave Grohl with the Foo Fighters … This looks like it might drive on a road trip.
I shipped a 69 Cali special past Seattle closer to Canada two years back for 2000 . The logistics shippers took some time to have a trucker bid.
Orange you glad I didn’t say banana? Never mind. This car looks great in orange and it got to me thinking. I have had a car in every color except orange and purple. Oh and yellow, but gold comes close. Just a thought while drinking my coffee.
I like orange on this gen mustang but I’m getting too old for no power steering or brakes. Decent price.
This would handle like a tank with Manuel steering and brakes, needs a conversion. Otherwise, bring a hammer and a magnet when you inspect it, these are notorious rust buckets.
The 1971 Mach 1 had body colored urethane bumper up front from the factory. The chrome front bumper is standard on the Boss 351 and the sports roof (fastback) Mustang models. The Mach 1 was a separate model from the sports roof. The 05 in the vin should tell you that it is a true Mach 1.
The sports roof Mustang models (fastback) were sometimes dressed up to look like a Mach 1 but have 02 in the VIN.
I know some early ’70s Torinos got quadrajets to meet emissions & possibly mpg standards.
But did any Mustangs or Cougars or full size Fords or Mercs or Lincolns also get them?
429CJ’s did, I don’t thing they came on any others.
Steve R
I detect some wonkiness here, study the front shot, fender doesn’t line up with the passenger door or valance above the hood, the hood hangs nearly an inch over the front lip and if it has polyurethane front bumper, then how’s is it bent downward under the left side of the grille? Also the trunk don’t line up with left quarter, there’s significant rot and factory yellow showing inside along bottom of the front doors and jambs. There are positives as these are pretty rare and if it’s a numbers match plus a 4 speed even better. But you’re gonna drop $15-20K getting it straight and back to factory colors. Then you’re close to top dollar value IF the price stays as is. Do a thorough frame check and put it on a frame starightener to see if it’s ok prior to purchase. It’s either been in an accident or someone’s teenager has been hill jumpin in it!
Good eye Cooter! This car used to be yellow from my observation. You can tell from the door jams and under hood pictures Hood alignment and fender alignments are not right. Would like to see more underside pictures and trunk pictures. It is nice that it is a 4-speed!
You can also tell it used to be yellow by reading the article.
71 was the best year for the new generation Mach1. After 71 the hp decrease quite a bit. Those 71’s got out really good. Love the color scheme.
I had a ’71 not all modelscame with chrome front bumper and this one is missing the proper stripping . This is a great mustang and the buyer has some work ahead of them to make it period correct.