Ford created the Mach 1 in 1969 to generate more interest in the Mustang which had been declining in sales. It was largely an appearance option that could be combined with some muscle under the hood if the buyer so desired. This 1971 edition is a one-of-a-kind restomod that sports a whopping 460 cubic inch V8, often found in big Lincolns of the day. We suspect the seller also has a whopper of an investment in this automobile, too, and from Peekskill, New York it’s available here on eBay. The bidding is at just $15,100 with an unmet reserve.
The first-generation Mustang got its second (and last) restyle in 1971-73. It would soon be reinvented as the sub-compact Mustang II when fuel economy became the name of the game. Ford changed up the Mach 1 package in 1971, giving it a broader appeal which resulted in 1 out of 4 Mustangs built that year being Mach 1s. You could only get the Mach 1 with the SportsRoof (aka fastback) body style, and the VIN and door tag codes identified the car for the first time (neither piece of data is referenced by the seller on this beautiful custom car).
While a 302 cubic inch V8 was standard with a ’71 Mach 1, you could opt for the 429 as well. So, the Ford could look fast, go fast, or do both. We don’t know how the seller’s restoration left the factory (if a Mach 1 at all), but a 460 V8 occupies the hood space now. Though rebuilt when the rest of the car was restored/customized, it’s developed a valve tap that will require investigation. It appears that no expense was spared in redoing this auto. But the photos provided don’t do the car justice, all taken while it’s perched atop a lift inside the garage.
Besides a sweet-looking blue paint job and stripes, the interior has been treated to leather upholstery and a custom steering wheel. A Dakota gauge packet has been added along with a fancy sound system. After all the work and money were expended on this car, it looks as though it has seen little use and the seller acknowledges it’s been sitting in a while. Keeping company with the shell of a Rolls Royce (under clear cover). What kind of serious cash do you think will be required to take this beauty home?
Nice build from what we can see…but that steering wheel has got to be replaced.
Why not diagnose and repair the source of the valve tapping on such a nice car so much $ has been sunk into to get top dollar? I don’t get it.If you can’t do it farm it out to someone knowledgeable and get er done.glwts.
Exactly… So many of these cars are nice. But once you butcher it, motor swap paint whatever. It really has not much value. But the fool and their money comes into play. Just because someone sank a lot of money into it doesn’t make it valuable.
You’re right, diag noise. It could be $1000 or North or $15000 pending what it is. A big block in this engine compartment may require pulling motor to fix or replace. jc
Don’t think it gets used, repair an unused car vs selling for cash…
I wouldn’t give the seller dime one if he or she is too lazy to move the car, take proper photos and provide more info. Guess I’m too lazy to pull out my wallet.
Why not lower it down for better photos? Yes looks like a car on the bottom, so just move it too. And as Mike said that steering wheel has to go right away!!
If a seller DOESN’T fix something of importance – it usually can’t be. Air conditioning is a good example. Air conditioning “ either works or doesn’t “. No in between. VALVES that TAP usually require some “significant effort “. This 1971Ford Mach 1 is definitely worth considering and checking out. I’m curious as to how much horsepower it puts out – this one must be a screamer! Good luck!
If it is a bent valve $1000 to replace, if it is broken spring or collapsed lifter not so much
Don’t like The stripes our the wheels .🔧
🤮
Had plenty of 460’s. They’re smooth quiet and last. ANY noise is a problem waiting to happen. Needs checked out by someone in the know. Also ditch steering wheel.
The engine noise certainly brings the question of price into focus,the 460 is not cheap to build or replace internals,determining whether the noise is really up top or lower could matter as far as just taking the top end off or pulling the pan,would need to remove the engine in any case.you might luck out and just be a bad lifter or two,cam lobe damage at worst.a few hundred of a few thousand to fix?could you DIY and fix the problem?a few things that make a big difference$$$$
The covered Rolls may be a Bentley. Same body shell.
I’m a big fan of Mustangs and the Mach 1 in particular. But there’s nothing I like about this car. As others have said, the steering wheel has to go. The “Mach 1” and “Boss 460” on the rear look tacky. It could be lighting/angles, but I see flaws in the paint and bodywork. It will be interesting to what it sells for, but it’s not a high dollar car in my opinion.
Idk why you’d spend this much $$$ on a project car then keep it up in the air in a garage somewhere “for a while” the seller stated. Wish my cash had flow like this sellers. Not surprised by Lincoln 460 tho. A 70 Cadillac offered a 500 ci/400hp/550 lbs. torque option. Those huge cars back then could haul also.
No one else has ever had a car fight them at every turn, and once it’s painted and the engine is rebuilt, you go to start it, and TAP,TAP,TAP and it’s the straw that brakes the camel’s back, and you throw in the towel?
Would love to see if it’s a J (?) code 429 from the factory. If so, buy a 460 crank, slip it in, and instant cubic inches.
Different con-rods or pistons would be needed for that, unless you want the top of the piston coming out the deck.
That’s right the 429 and 460 were the same bore but the 460 has a stroke that is 0.250″ longer than a 429.you could use a 429 crank in the 460,but not the other way around.
Figure out which side the noise is on by listening with a screwdriver of you don’t have a stethoscope. Pull that valve cover, see if it’s a spring or bend pushrod. If not then pull intake and while your in there change all the lifters to crane lifters. You can probably do it if you pull the bracing off the firewall. Could take an hour or could take 4 hours.
Half the cars you preview look like they drove down a dirt road for 20 miles before they took their pictures! Hose down the engine compartment for Heaven sakes!
Ford engines of that vintage all had tappet noise once they got some miles on them.
Ended at $23,433 – Reserve Not Met.
Not surprised, with those terrible pictures.
Went to $23,433, 46 bids, reserve not met.
Valve tap? No way!!!
I didn’t look them up, but many of the Fords had hydraulic lifters. But I’m thinking a few had solid lifters. Which could mean one is way out of adjustment.
Love the 460 transplant but for a non original with a possible engine problem? 20k would be tops for me.
I have been an avid Ford mustang fan since they first came out I have had two 70 Mach ones one with a 351 Cleveland 4 barrel engine and one with a 351 Windsor. I built both the engines and never had about tapping noise unless I bent a push rod. I have a 67 mustang right now with a 351 Cleveland 4 barrel engine in it and one engine on a stand that is a 351 Cleveland going to be stroked to a 427 and that will go in it with a 4 speed. As far as the 71 mustang Boss 460 it’s a nice looking car I agree the steering wheel has to go would be better off with a wood grain Ford steering wheel on it, and the boss 460 on the back needs to go. But looks don’t bring money alone, looks and quality of the drive go hand in hand. If I had to bid on it $16,000 would be my top dollar
C.Griffith here again, if the seller is interested in $16,000 bid and I’ll come get the car let me know, you have my email address