This 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is more than a pretty face. Lifting the hood reveals its original 429ci Cobra Jet V8, a motor that the company only offered during this model year. It presents extremely well as a survivor-grade classic, retaining its original Ford steel. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Mach 1 listed here on eBay in Beckley, West Virginia. The seller set their BIN at $78,000 with the option to make an offer.
Ford performed the final major update to its First Generation Mustang for the 1971 model year. These changes would see the badge through to the end of its production life in 1973 with only minor cosmetic tweaks. As before, most of the physical dimensions grew as the company continued to focus on the Mustang’s ability to accommodate larger engines under the hood. This 1971 example is a desirable Mach 1, ordered by its first owner in Code A Raven Black. The seller doesn’t mention a restoration history, though the lack of visible chips or scratches in the close-up shots suggests a previous owner may have given the car a cosmetic refresh. The Mach 1 has led a sheltered life, splitting its time between Texas and Nevada. Therefore, the fact that it retains its original steel and has never suffered rust issues is both unsurprising and welcome news. The panels are laser-straight, and there are no issues with the trim or the tinted glass. The Magnum 500 wheels aren’t original, although they are period-correct and suit this car’s character.
Lifting the Mustang’s hood reveals that this Mach 1 isn’t a one-trick pony that merely looks good. The first owner equipped the car with the one-year-only 429 Cobra Jet V8. They teamed the motor with a three-speed C6 automatic transmission, a 3.25 Traction-Lok rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. Ford’s Dealer Bulletin quotes power and torque figures of 370hp and 450 ft/lbs, and while the 1971 model was the heaviest First Generation Mustang to that point, the Cobra Jet gave it excellent performance. The seller confirms that this Mach 1 is numbers-matching, including ancillary items like the carburetor. They include this YouTube video showing the car in action. The motor sounds silky smooth, and the vehicle runs and drives extremely well.
The included copy of the Dealer Invoice and the Marti Report confirm that this Mustang’s first owner didn’t focus exclusively on outright performance. They equipped its interior with air conditioning, a tilt wheel, a Sport Deck rear seat, intermittent wipers, and an AM radio. Somebody replaced the factory radio with a later radio/cassette player, which appears to be the only addition or modification. The overall condition isn’t pristine, but the appearance is comfortably acceptable for a survivor-grade classic with fifty-four years of active service under its belt. The driver’s seat outer edge exhibits wear, but the remaining Black trim is in good condition. The buyer could splash the cash on a replacement set of seatcovers. However, a set of high-quality slipcovers would protect the seats from deterioration while preserving the car’s survivor status.
First Generation Mustangs remain strong performers in the classic market, though values for the 1971 Mach 1 have softened slightly over the past year. However, the situation has stabilized, which may be a sign that they will climb to their previous level in the future. If that proves the case, now is the ideal time to buy if future investment potential is a key consideration. Many enthusiasts will rightly argue that purchasing a vehicle is about more than financial return, and that the pleasure a classic provides is the primary motivation. If you share those feelings, could this Mach 1 be a contender that you can imagine in your garage?
As 1971 have mostly been soft price wise, this one with the big engine does step up the status. And it’s black, so it’s a winner, winner!
Nothing more sinister than a black on black big block muscle car. This one is more than just muscle with all its comfort options and its condition looks outstanding. It also looks great without the spoilers that everyone tacks on. Tome it’s worth the money.
It was surprising to see it was ordered as a fleet vehicle. Nice car, would likely have an interesting story that is probably lost to time.
Steve R
Yep…..another Midland – the oil capital of Texas – ordered Mustang….no issue selling this beast back then….
I like the 7 gals gas charge on the window sticker for $2.33
Greg, how’s about .30/gal sound 👍 😃
for high-test
For everyone that misses $0.30 per gallon gasoline, I wonder if they also miss the average wage of $6,500. Today’s average of $70,000 means that gallon of gasoline should be about $3.25, which it kind of is. Factor in the fuel economy of today’s vehicles and guess what? These ARE the good old days.
Larry – i agree – gasoline & heating oil adjusted for inflation today is fine.
But oddly, the prices of MOTOR oil & other misc auto fluids are NOT fine, considering in early ’90s, a quart of Shell Fire & Ice 10w30 was on sale for 19 cents !(not a typo) after rebate on a case at Strauss Discount Auto. & THAT oil had HIGH ZINC for flat tappet cams. Most of today’s oils do not – & oils that do can cost $10 a quart or more!!!
10 years ago i got 5 gallon jugs of 10w30 motor oil ON SALE at Kmart for $7.49! The word “sale” is a dirty word – at Walmart. & also don’t expect to find any spark plug wires out on the floor at Walmart or Target, let alone the Made in USA delux Autolite wires they did have out on the floor at Bradlees back in the day for Chevy straight 6s, Pontiac 400s, etc.! I am not thrilled either at the price of car batteries – they just went up again at Walmart. arrgh. Sure miss the $29-$5 coupon Sears Plus Start batteries! & beware today of thermostats made in Israel. & overseas only AC Delco is nothing GM should be proud of today. These are the good old days with mostly colorless 4 door only ugly all lookalike appliances on the road? Going to a “car” dealer today is about as exciting as watchin fruit get ripe.
@JoeNY … never mind the price of motor oil, you see what happened to the price of houses? I sold a home in the Vancouver area in 2001 for $235,000. Two years ago the same home sold for $2,050,000! And what about televisions? My first 20” colour TV set me back $504 in the early 1980’s, and for that kind of money I can only get a 65” ULED today. Oh, wait. I guess we can find pricing examples that go both ways. My point was, and I am sticking to it, the powder keg that has always been the price of gasoline is nothing more than a political rallying cry.
As for the vehicles of today, keep in mind that the showrooms of the 60’s and 70’s were full of beige four door sedans and olive green station wagons, none of which could hold a candle to the average SUV of today. Meanwhile, we still have sports cars and muscle cars that can run circles around the “great” cars of the olden days.
All that said, I sure would love a 1969 Mach 1.
Thanks Curvette, but i can surf eBay on my own. Same goes for craigslist. Can we get some more original finds as keep seeing the same content over and over.
Hmmm, I let BF curate for me and appreciate the effort they make to keep it interesting.
Bill,
Having a bad day? I appreciate Curvette’s finds, most are pretty cool and some really interesting. You can do the same thing, and send them to BF for consideration, don’t need to throw shade.
Having a bad day? I appreciate Curvette’s finds, most are cool, and some very interesting. You can do the same thing and send them to Barn Finds for consideration. No need to throw shade.
I appreciate Curvette’s find, most are cool, and some very interesting. You can do the same thing while surfing Ebay and CL, and send it to BF for consideration. Curvette, keep em coming!
I appreciate Curvette’s finds, most are cool, and some very interesting. You could do the same thing while you are surfing Ebay or CL, and send it to BF for consideration. Curvette, keep em coming!
I second Mark’s opinion, 4 times!
It’s unbelievable to me that people will complain about a free service – get over it!
Sweet!! The inside does not look too clean, mainly the rear seats.
Everyone should own a black car…to make them appreciate how nice it is to have any other color. And yes, I own a black car, in fact, as much as it killed me, I just put a fresh coat of black on it after blocking it out about 7 times.
I always thought I wanted a black vehicle until I bought a black F150 two years ago. Looks great when clean but I have to wash it every weekend to try to keep it that way
EBay seller just sent me an offer……$13,000 off.
It can be mine for only $65,000.
Black Friday came early
Should I pull the trigger?
Did you go for it? You should counter offer. Good luck.
Go for it.
strong # for a strong ride. only demerit is dash being cut for the radio? why?
So a CobraJet (as opposed to a SCJ) would have a Quadrajet, instead a Holley?
Kinda peculiar aint it? B-O-P fuel inlet (Chevy is a sideways inlet). AFAIK, Ford never offered a spreadbore pattern either. Something is rotten in Denmark! If it is REAL (looks vintage enuff), its made from gold. https://www.ebay.com/itm/116876912451
The GM QJ helped Ford meet emissions & mpg standards. The impressive SD-455 also ran a special QJ.
Yes the CJ had the Quadrajet, and the SCJ came with a Holley 780 CFM carb, as well as other improvements.
Crack cocaine auto, repaint, worn out original interior, hmmmm cool but 78k
He’s back………
I thought it made no sense in ’71 to even offer the 429 since the boss 429 was gone & the boss 351 was faster. But then i realized looking at this car that a/c & automatic were not available with the boss 351.
What’s up with that “429 THUNDERJET” air filter cover?
Reminds me of my first Pony. A 1971 Boss 351, Raven Black, Grey Silver stripes, Hurst shifted Top Loader 4 Speed. Same colour scheme as this Bad Boy! Beautiful Pony. At my age 64, I still have an 04 Shadow Grey, 40th Anniversary GT Convertible. ” Old Smokey” is a sweet Pony, but I need another 71. GLWTS