It can be easy to underestimate the importance of documentation, but it can unlock some crucial information about a classic car. Take this 1972 Mustang Mach 1 as a prime example. Only the included documentation reveals the significant cosmetic change it received at some point. It still presents superbly, with the original owner loading it with some of the brand’s most desirable options. This Mach 1 is listed here on eBay in Easton, Connecticut. Bidding sits below the reserve at $22,601 following some intense activity.
Ford introduced the Mach 1 to its Mustang range in August 1968 for the 1969 model year. Its immediate raging success saw the company ax the GT, although the Boss 429 was available for those who wanted a genuinely hard-edged motoring experience. Our feature car rolled off the Dearborn line in May 1972, and its appearance is hard to fault. The seller indicates they believe it received at least one previous repaint in its original Code 4Q shade of Dark Green. I previously mentioned documentation, and this is where it shows its worth. The Window Sticker and Marti Report confirm the original owner ordered this classic with a Green vinyl top. Since there is no evidence of that feature, the repaint is confirmed. The paint shines beautifully, the panels are straight, the gaps are tight, and there is no evidence of rust. The trim and tinted glass are excellent, but the paperwork confirms the Magnum 500 wheels are a later addition.
The original owner wasn’t afraid to splash their cash on this Mach 1, ordering it with the Q-Code 351ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, a 3.25 Traction-Lok rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. That put 266hp at the driver’s disposal, allowing this classic to cover the ¼-mile in 14.6 seconds on its way to 127mph. There were faster cars available in 1972, but this Mach 1 would still have commanded respect wherever it went. The seller makes no wild claims about this car, and although the listing shows an odometer reading of 75,000 miles, there is no mention of whether or not the reading is genuine. We learn that this is a healthy vehicle that runs and drives well. It sounds like a serious contender for those seeking a classic providing instant gratification.
The original owner ordered this Mach 1 with a desirable drivetrain and paint combination, but they pushed out the boat when devising its interior. To the regular Mustang fare, they added air conditioning, power windows, a Sport Deck rear seat, a console, an electric rear window defogger, a rim-blow wheel, and an AM radio/8-track player. That makes this Mach 1 pretty special, and the car retains all those features. There is no evidence of aftermarket additions and every sign this classic has been treated respectfully. There is no torn or battered upholstery, the carpet looks excellent, and the dash and pad show no evidence of UV damage. It isn’t factory fresh, but it is what buyers would expect in an above-average driver.
This 1972 Mustang Mach 1 presents beautifully, and the loss of its vinyl top shouldn’t unduly impact its value. It is loaded with desirable options designed to make life on the road pleasant. It isn’t a show car, but an immaculate driver that would cause its next owner no shame if they rocked up to a Cars & Coffee. I could discuss its desirability, but the fact that it has attracted thirty-one bids in less than two days makes the case more eloquent than I could. If past results are an accurate guide, it will have to push well beyond $30,000 before passing the reserve. If that happens, someone could drive home in a classic that needs nothing.
Nice example of this generation of Mustang. That Q code Cleveland will make this large Mustang fly. There was a time when the green would be a problem, but not so much now, I would think.
It’s sort of rare just due to the vinyl top option they ordered on a Mach 1. Rare and special would have been to order the 351 HO, which would have been the top engine option that year. It would have came with a de-tuned Boss 351 engine from ’71 as well as 3.91’s in the rear, a Hurst shifter, performance suspension, AC delete and more. Change the intake and carb on it and you have something fast, mid 14’s or better in the Qtr. I don’t think this CJ 351 can do 14.6 in the qtr mile in stock form.
I definitely agree with your statement on the et’s of this combo…..mid to high 15’s are more likely especially with the AC….these later Mustangs were no lightweights either…nice car generally, though I’m sure it will need some parts replacement and maintenance to the next owner…..
From my experience, one doesn’t see too many 71-73 Mustangs with manual transmissions. A viny roof on a Mach 1 would be unusual. I like this car and its dark green/ silver combination.
They may have TRIED to order it with a vinyl top but i have never heard of any Mach 1 having such an option. Been wrong before. Just find it hard to believe. Especially since the fastbacks were never designed for vinyl tops. Where would the trim go to cut it off? Unlikely
I see they did make a partial top in 73 for the front part of the roof on some fastback models. Learn something every day.
It could be ordered. It was a 3/4 vinyl, so the trim went from the rear of the rain-drip rail across to the other side. I felt they were useless and ugly I don’t blame who ever painted the car to not replace it. The power windows were a rare option even more so than the AC. The sport deck looks to be altered. I like the car but I have never been fond of the Green. Almost any other colour would be more appealing to me. I had a 71 that was optioned out much like this accept mine was red with a black interior. My guess the reserve is close to 35-40K.
My 73 had a partial vinyl top before it was repainted.
Yes looks great!! Still has a week to go to make that reserve.
Lovely Ford. Nicely optioned. 3.25 rear gear ⚙️ for hwy cruising is nice.
Note that the 3.25 had 28 spline axles. You didn’t get 31 spline until 3.50. Still plenty for most situations.
On my ’73 Q code 4 sp w/3.25, I went through 2 rear ends on warranty, with the 3rd one done right. Of course I was a young’un back then and loved doing long smokey burnouts…
Love the Mach 1. A friend had one with the 351 and defiantly didn’t disappoint when hot rodding around. Would love to have one
Nice!!!!!
Since the Marti report and the original Ford window sticker says it was ordered by the dealership , can we assume it was ordered by the dealership for stock and isnt an “original owner ordered ” car ? The special ordered car paperwork I’ve seen always has the customers name on it
Window stickers never reflect the buyers name
I meant the order build sheet , sorry. a special order sheet usually has the buyer name on it and the dealership its heading to . This one just says the dealerships name , so it was likely an order from the dealership for lot sales
When I was a kid, I’d ride my bike up to out local drug store to buy comics, wacky packages, etc. The druggist drove an absolute base model brown 70 Gremlin . One day I came around the corner and there sitting in the parking lot was a 72 Mustang , identical to this one with the exception of it having the small hubcap /trim ring set up Ford was into at that time. I fell in love with that car , and its a memory that came right back when I saw this one ,but seeing where this one was delivered to and the fact that it had a vinyl top originally, I know its not the same car
Wacky Packs. Now that brings back memories.
Had a 71 notchback. 302 3 spd. Same color. A blast to drive.
I’ve always thought it was a shame the Cleveland came along at the peak of the muscle car era, they were a great motor, and not severely crippled by emissions, like most engines, by this time, they would outperform the 429. I had a 73 Cougar with just a 2barrel Cleveland, it was pretty impressive compared to most other 73 models. Somebody’s gonna get a nice car here.
$25k now, reserve met!!
I know in ’73 could get the 4 sp trans only with the Q code engine, not sure about the other yrs. 3 sps were standard of course on all the engines including Q codes AFAIK.
I’m confused a bit on CJ/HO in ’72. I know in ’73 they went to open chamber heads lowering CR to 8.8, but did they do same in ’72? I thought ’73 was first yr for those heads. The ’73 engines were basically the CJ from ’71 with same cam but retarded 4 degrees and of course the open chamber heads. Again, not sure about ’72 but hp rating for ’73 was 266.
Nice car. I like the AC personally for today’s cruising to the car shows and similar.
Sold $27,051.00
Knew a guy in High School who had a ’72, Silver on Black. He came from money, they pulled the 351 and dropped a BUILT 427 with a trick out auto into it. Rolling at 20 mph punch it and it would break loose slide out to the right straighten out and keep spinning all the way thru the gears repeating the swing to the right every time it shifted. He broke down and let his girlfriend drive it one day, she got the nerve to try it, in second it caught and launch them into a telephone pole, huge round crunch almost dead center in the nose, fortunately they always drove with their belts on, car was totaled. They were able to save the engine, trans, and diff. Not sure what they wound up in we graduated, I went to college and lost touch. Always liked that body style even though they weren’t a capable road racer, just built for straight line speed.