This 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is more than just a pretty face. Its sparkling paint and flawless panels are merely the entree because its engine bay houses the potent 429 Cobra Jet V8. Teaming this with a four-speed manual transmission produced a car with serious performance credentials. The seller feels the time is right for this classic to find a new home, listing it here on eBay in Georgetown, Texas. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve to sit at $24,100.
The 1971 model year brought the final major update to the First Generation Mustang, with its dimensions increasing to accommodate some of the company’s larger engines. The Mach 1 variant remained popular, with 36,449 buyers taking one home. The original owner ordered this classic in Raven Black with contrasting Silver stripes and graphics. The seller doesn’t provide any history for this Mach 1, making it unclear whether it is a genuine survivor or a restored classic. Its presentation is tidy, with the Black paint shining intensely. This paint shade is excellent for revealing panel damage or inconsistencies, but this Ford has no such problems. The gaps are tight, and I can’t spot any rust issues. The graphics are crisp, while the trim and glass are spotless. The Magnum 500 wheels might be a later addition, but the hood suggests there is more to this car than meets the eye.
The dual hood scoops were optional with the 1971 Mach 1’s entry-level V8, but they are functional on this classic. They feed cold air to the 429 Cobra Jet V8 occupying the engine bay, allowing it to churn out 370hp and 450 ft/lbs of torque. There’s no point having mountains of power if it can’t be effectively delivered to Plant Earth, but this car does so via a four-speed manual transmission and 15″ BF Goodrich tires. Modern rubber is significantly better than that used in 1971, meaning this Mustang should have more traction off the line. Therefore, expecting this beauty to deliver a ¼-mile ET better than the 14.3 seconds it produced off the showroom floor is realistic. Frustratingly, the seller only provides one engine photo and no information on how this Mach 1 runs or drives. I see nothing to suggest it is in anything but excellent mechanical health. The seller appears approachable, so posing questions on the subject would be worthwhile.
The Mach 1 is a car of contrasts, with its White interior trim looking striking against the Black paint. Its presentation is as impressive as the rest of the vehicle, with no rips, stains, or yellowing. The carpet appears spotless, and the plastic is excellent. I am undecided whether there is a problem with the lower edge of the dashpad on the passenger side or if it is an illusion. Otherwise, the overall condition is acceptable for a survivor-grade classic.
Some cars blend into the background like automotive chameleons, while others make a bold impact. This 1971 Mustang Mach 1 achieves the latter feat on two fronts. Its exterior paint combination and condition are guaranteed to command attention, while its mechanical specifications ensure it commands respect. The bidding has been surprisingly subdued, with only fifteen submitted at the time of writing. This may be a case where the situation changes dramatically as the end draws near. The reserve has been met, meaning a new home is guaranteed. Would you consider making it yours, or doesn’t this Mach 1 tick the boxes for you?
Good write up, Adam. It’s a shame any info from a Marti report isn’t included, as I’d guess the Black paint coupled with the white standard interior, rim blow wheel and the 4 speed was probably made in lower numbers. The waviness you noted on the lower edge of the dash pad is most likely the thin plastic trim piece that covers about an inch wide gap between the dash and dash pad- they are often warped and are very easily replaced, I’d “assume” they are repopped but am not sure. The gas cap was also upgraded to the always popular aviation pop-off style made in ‘73.
PS
It looks a bit naked w/o the chin spoiler since it has the wing and factory stripes. Not sure that I’d add it if it to this car if wasn’t there from the factory, though(maybe buy a second rear valence and drill that one for the factory chin spoiler?). Concerning the alignment of the factory stripes on the drivers side: the rear-most portion of the stripe appears to be angled off slightly as shown in the last pic above. These stripes are a bear to align correctly as each side of the car is 6 pieces (uggh!). Really cool car, though!
Rubber bumper / chin spoiler wasn’t an option until 73
I think they look more menacing without the chin spoiler!
Lots of people prefer the 65-70 Mustangs, with the GT, Mach 1, Boss, and Shelby models at the top of the charts. But I’m perfectly fine with a 71 Mach 1 like this. Especially in a dark color with the lighter colored accents and stripes.
I think they are cool. A Marti Report ought to be a mandatory part of a listing for a collectible Ford of this era.
The Top dog of Generation 1-B!
If I had $30k to burn on another Mustang? This would be at the top of the list. Always loved the “big” Mustang Sportsroof’s.
Glad to hear you say this. These cars are so frequently criticized for the dumbest reasons.
Yes, they’re a little bigger, yes, they’re a little heavier, and yes the rearward visibility is limited. WHO CARES??? These cars are not huge or obese by any means and if you can’t drive a car using your side mirrors to see what’s around you…well it’s just not the car for you. If you don’t like that it’s bigger than a ’65, then buy a ’65. The styling and lines on these cars is simply gorgeous. I own Mustang models from inception through ’72 and they all have their merits.
The door panels not the deluxe molded panels that came in Mach I’s and the seats are not the Mach I seats.
Not so sure this car needed the rear wing.
Listing removed. Fraudulent?
Looks great!! $29k now.
Beautiful car but no Marti Report or serial numbers listed. The reserve was way too low for a 429 Cobra Jet car. I doubt this is real.
An offer he couldn’t refuse? Hopefully it included a canolli.
Beautiful Mustang, however the reserve was way too low for a Cobra Jet car. With no serial numbers or Marti Report it’s very questionable. Likely a clone or tribute or whatever other dumb name gets applied to abused originals. But hey, if it makes you happy…
Yes the big mustang sports roof remains a top 10 car especially with 429 4 speed! Yes it was bigger but with a 429 pushing it to light speed I’m not complaining sign me up !
Very Nice.
….. A/C vents ?? Where is the compressor,evaporator, other gear ??
Yet another EBay scam.
https://barnfinds.com/spotless-survivor-1970-ford-mustang-boss-302/#comment-1442823
Scroll down the above post and read my comment (kevken1959). I was a victim of one of these scams. Read how it happened. These scams are becoming routine and many are run by outfits from overseas. The guy who got me was way more sophisticated than either of the perps involved with the blue or the black cars. In the case of the red 429CJ Mach I that got me, the “seller” answered all my questions and provided enough proof to make me wire him the funds. The second I wired the money there was no way to get it back and the seller was long gone. The area code of the person I was talking to was located in the same city as where the car was supposedly located. I’m certain I was actually speaking with someone in a foreign country. He did have an accent, kind of like a Russian accent. The danger is that even though these two auctions have been pulled, there was probably a connection made by phone or messaging between the scammer and a victim while the auction was running or after the auction was pulled, and that will inevitably lead to the victim wiring funds to purchase a car that is not there. It may be hard to believe, but when you think you have found a great deal on a car you just “have to have,” sometimes your hopes get in the way of your better judgement.
kevken, I’m sorry for your loss, but thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Thanks PRA4SNW. I don’t want anyone to go through what I did. I love calling these scam ads out when I see them now!