Talk about a flashback, a high-school classmate of mine had a 1971 Ford Mustang that looked just like this Hyde Park, Massachusetts domiciled example. The second that I spied it on our tip list I knew that I’d want to take a closer look. And as is often the case, things are not exactly as they appear. This Mustang is available here on eBay for a current bid of $12,600 with four bids tendered so far.
On the surface, this car is finished and equipped the same as my classmates Mach 1 was. You see, after selling Chevrolet’s for a few years, this boy’s father bought a Ford franchise in the late ’60s so by ’71 the classmate and his older brother were getting “demonstrators” for daily use. And of course, those demonstrators weren’t Mavericks, they were cars more in keeping with sporting intentions. Where things start to turn in a different direction with this specific example is the fact that this white with back trim “Mach 1”, isn’t a true Mach 1. The seller states, “Originally Grabber Green. The 1st owner had it painted to look like a Mach 1 sometime prior to 1986“. For further authentification, the VIN is missing the tell-tale “05” code in the third and fourth position which would identify this Mustang as a true Mach 1.
Sitting in a barn since 1992, this Mustang is externally in fair shape. The driver’s side fender has experienced some friction and the rear bumper is slightly bowed in but the Mach 1 conversion has been faithfully reproduced and is pretty legit looking right down to its tarnished Magnum 500 wheels. While hardly a fan of the “big” Mustang upon introduction, the lines have grown on me over the years. Outfitted and finished in a proper manner, this vintage Mustang cuts a stylish path.
One place where this faux Mach 1 got things right is under the hood with its 285 gross HP, 351 CI “M-code” Cleveland V8 engine and accompanying four-speed manual transmission. Par for the course, however, is the old and tired statement of, “We have not started it and do not know if it runs. It ran when it was driven into barn in 1992“.
The interior is a bit worn looking but some of that may be due to accumulated dirt and mold. The upholstery is starting to split in places, as has the dash pad, but the environment looks complete and does not appear to be missing anything of significance. Usually found with a center console, this Mustang opted to not be so equipped. The one item that does stand out is the shifter boot’s bezel – it looks to be rather oversized.
The seller states and the included Marti report documents this Ford as being, “RARE” because it’s a code 90 export version and I’m not sure what that means. The claim is made that the car has been in the seller’s family since 1986 and it has resided in both Miami and Massachusetts during that time. The fifteen years prior to 1986 are not accounted for so this car could have been anywhere but the export code doesn’t manifest itself in any visible or discernable way. Rare? Maybe from an equipment code perspective. A value enhancer? Doubtful, what’s your take on that matter?
My 2011 Mustang GT is also an export version. It was ordered by someone serving overseas in the armed forces and delivered to Switzerland. It was shipped back to the US when the original owner was assigned to a US base. Something similar may have happened here.
Nice car, also must have been quite nice (and somewhat rare?) in it’s original guise I imagine though…. I mean a grabber green 4 speed w/ limited slip 351-4bbl non Mach-1 sounds pretty cool to me for sure!
greg v.
Export, perhaps Canada, easy to bring “home” again
It did not go to Canada. The Canadian DSOs all start with a letter followed by a number, i.e. A1. This car went someplace else originally. A deluxe Marti report may have the answer.
I expected this to be a right hand drive version.
Wonder what else an “Export” model has?
Interesting car…they forgot to change the air cleaner to go with the hood so it functions. I also think the Mach 1 had a special gas cap that this doesn’t have and it’s missing the chin spoiler. Maybe has the standard grille w/o the turn signals…wonder what country it was going to…
It’s NOT a Mach 1
If its was an export model, would it have KPH instead of MPH?
Rare to see a non-boss with a four speed.
If I remember my research from about 25 years ago, Export DSO had nothing to do with vehicle equipment, it meant the car was not required to pay excise taxes on parts like tires, and other US motor vehicle fees and taxes, as it was being exported.
Special equipment like a KPH speedo, special side lamps, different color lenses, or RHD, would be detailed in the build sheet.
American cars sold to US servicemen were always equipped for eventual USA delivery, and not home country [duty station] specs. This is why US servicemen vehicles had special license plates marked USA. Anyone buying a US vehicle in Europe [Germany], S. Korea, Japan, or England, had to either bring it to the US when they came back, or sell the vehicle to another serviceman. They could not be sold to foreign citizens without paying import taxes for whatever country it was headed to upon sale.
“…what’s your take…” the 1st posted.
Buddy had one too – as a hi skol senior (15 mi from “…just like this Hyde Park, Massachusetts domiciled…”) . Slipped on the ice & was killed ( when the mac I was new) in collision wida tree. He loved that car
A non Mach1 351c 4v four speed is rare. The grabber green would grab your eye for sure. With the price of muscle cars going through the roof it would make a good project if it isn’t a rot buggy and goes for under $15k
SOLD for $12,800.