I may be setting myself up to be chastised by more than a handful of Mustang enthusiasts, but based on looks- and I mean only looks- the 1971 through 1973 Mach 1 is probably my favorite of all the body styles Ford has offered across any era of its legendary pony car. Some think it’s too large, and others find the sloped rear end bulky, but something about this design still makes me smile every time I see one. This 1972 Ford Mustang Mach I is running, and while it might not be quite up to par yet to call a drive-as-you-restore example, it’s certainly getting there. It’s in Milton, California, and listed here on eBay, where the seller has posted an own-it-today price of $13,000. Thankfully, you can also submit a lower offer.
1972 was a curse and a blessing for muscle cars, mostly the former, with some bad news that the segment was dying out in the marketplace. Horsepower ratings also switched from gross to net numbers, which made them look lower on paper, but that was actually good because it made a vehicle appear less aggressive to insurance providers. The seller reports that this Mach 1 left the factory as a Q-Code, meaning it was equipped with a 351 known as the Cobra Jet. It now has a 429 under the hood, which is said to be running nicely. It’s paired with an automatic, and all the gears are said to work.
First introduced on the 1969 Shelby, Grabber Blue is a desirable color now considered iconic for the Mustang, and code 3F on the door sticker confirms this car left the factory wearing this hue. That’s about all the exterior info we have here, and the sheet metal shows its fair share of bumps, bruises, and a few attempted touch-ups. Fortunately, the car seems mostly complete on the outside, and most panels don’t seem beyond repair. Unless filler is hiding something, I don’t see much severe corrosion either, so the bones may still be strong enough to work with.
Likewise, the listing provides few specific details about the interior. The front buckets could use a thorough cleaning, but they may suffice if it’s just a fun driver you’re ultimately after. The floors and trunk have a few holes, but the rails we can see underneath appear fairly solid, so the frame may still be structurally sound. The owner calls this a very fixable, desirable 1972 Mustang Mach 1, and from what we are seeing, I tend to agree. How about you?
Nothin’ inspires confidence like dual Little Trees!
Ou Ou that smell 🎶…..cannibas or rot? Just sayin 😂
Nice write up Mike. I like ALL Mustangs (even the Mustang IIs that kept the nameplate alive without a void in its linage). My next door cousin had a new gold 1973 Mach I. It was a great car. Many a fond memory was made in it. Unfortunately, he passed away unexpectedly in 1979. A family friend bought it from my cousin’s family and I understand that the gentleman who bought it still has it in his garage today. I hope that this one finds a good home with an owner who appreciates this era “pony”.
My faves 69 to 73
Very close between the 1969 and the 1971-1973 body styles for me as the best.BUT,i’d never own a 71-71′ fastback(sportsroof) in Toronto with our traffic.That flat back window and massive pillars are a heck no here.I’d go for a coupe,a Grande looking bone stock hiding a Kasse 429 under the hood :D
In 1972 you could get a red with black stripes or blue with gray stripes. I wanted blue with black. My dealer said Ok but a blue with gray was delivered. Said I didn’t want it and forced up some tears (female owner). They put black stripes over the existing gray. Loved my car (other than trying to go up hill on slippery winter streets in suburban Chicago).
It looks like a good car for a driver or restore project I like the 429 in although not an option in72.
The grabber blue is sweet.
If I was looking at buying one this would be it
I think the 69/70 fastback were the best looking followed by the 67/68 models. But like Tim S, I like all Mustangs. My 70 Fastback was Grabber Blue and was a great looking and running car (351c). Only problem was… it might just as well have a neon sign on it that said; “Hey cop, pull me over”. It seems they were waiting for me from behind every parked car, bush or whatever. Of course that’s when I was young and stupid/careless. Best wishes to successful buyer. Should be a nice sleeper with big block power.
SOME DUBIOUS ADVICE (to be taken with a pinch of salt): If the police come after you in one of these, Uncle Larry…just do EXACTLY what Sean Connery as James Bond does in Diamonds are Forever!
If I’m wrong,please correct me, but, I remember grabber blue being a color offered for the maverick grabber option, before it was a mustang color choice
I think so
The 72 Fastback Yellow Blaze is what started my Mustang fetish. In 1976 my Dad drove up in a 1976 Mustang 2. He special ordered it. And the V6 was the only option for a motor. Thank God, Ford called him and asked if he wanted to upgrade to a 302 V8. Thank you God! He let me drive the piss out of that car. I learned the cost of burning rubber in 1 night. I HAD TO BUY 2 NEW REAR SLINK’S. We also put Hooker tuned headers, A Holly Double Pumper Carb, and side pipes. It wasn’t the fastest car in town. He had that in a 1958 Plymouth Wagon with a 440 with dual quad carbs Stock from the factory. What a beast. I’m Driving a 2012 Boss 302 now. Bought it in May. I have it restored to Almost Mint cindition.
It runs and even stops!!
Winner of the Greatest Blind Spot Award.
Love the plug wire routing…
what a rats nest. how about a Marti report to prove what it is.
All generation of Mustang seem to have something to offer. Except for maybe that SN-94, or whatever it was after the Fox series. While the first years look lithe and nimble these are more like an ICBM, not really a bad thing. Should really motivate with that 429 under hood.
The styling right out of star wars and a nascar engine! What’s not to like? Sorry puriest the other mustangs are either under powered or beyond my mortal means unless we are talking fox bodies or later
Yeah big blind spot if a car ever needed a backup cam it would be theses besides the Lamborghini but ,I always liked them I had a ‘65 in high school our neighbor had a baby blue ‘71 with a 6 cylinder in it .
By far the ugliest stang ever made big ,ugly ,slow.i want a 70 boss all day long ,I can’t even find a nice angle on these era mustangs ,it needs a trip to weight watchers
My first Mustang was when I was just 16, and I was fortunate enough that it was a Raven Black Boss 351. Unfortunately, it was stolen a few months after I bought it. I like many love all Mustangs. And it’s great to see some nice, and decent ones come up for sale. Here I go again. If only… And it would look nice sitting next to my current 40th Anniversary GT Convertible! GLWTA