It has been said that for an enthusiast to make a small fortune out of a classic car, they sometimes need to start with a large fortune. Restoration budgets have a nasty habit of blowing out, leaving the owner with a car that owes them more than it’s worth. That isn’t an issue if they intend to retain the vehicle as a family heirloom. However, should they choose to sell, they can experience a world of pain. That could potentially be the case with this 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1. The seller invested $55,000 in the build, creating a rust-free and stunning classic. Only time will tell whether the investment has been sound, and that time will be when the hammer falls on this auction. The Mach 1 is listed here on eBay in Saint Cloud, Florida. The bidding sits at $25,900 with No Reserve in play.
The seller indicates the build on this Mustang was completed around seven years ago and was a nut-and-bolt process. No aspect of the car escaped their attention, and it has only clocked around 21,000 miles since. The first thing purists won’t accept is the paint color because it isn’t a Mustang shade. In fact, it isn’t even a Ford color but is Sassy Grassy Green from the 1971 Plymouth color palette. Leaving that aside, it makes a bold visual statement that it backs with its overall condition. I would hesitate to describe it as perfect, but there are no visible issues in the supplied photos. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with consistent gaps that are the result of careful assembly. There is no visible rust, and I wouldn’t expect any, considering the car’s recent history. The trim is in as-new condition, as are the Magnum 500 wheels. The glass is flawless, and I can’t see anything the winning bidder will need to do but continue lavishing love and care on this beauty.
This Mustang’s interior is as impressive as its exterior, with no visible wear on the Black upholstered surfaces or carpet. The dash and pad are spotless, and there are no signs of damaged plastic. The car features air conditioning and aftermarket additions to improve occupant comfort. These include a leather-wrapped sports wheel, white-faced gauges, and a modern touch-screen stereo. Once again, the changes won’t appeal to purists, but they will be welcomed by a new owner seeking an above-average and comfortable driver.
The VIN confirms this Mach 1 rolled off the line equipped with the H-Code 351ci V8 producing 177hp and 284 ft/lbs of torque. It retains a 351 Cleveland, with the remaining mechanical components including a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The V8 wears a host of updates to the induction system, carburetor, and camshaft, making it difficult to determine its current power output. There are also cosmetic improvements, including billet parts and alloy valve covers. I always believe the difference between a good and great build is the creator’s attention to detail. That is why I find this engine bay extremely disappointing. Considering the care and attention lavished on the rest of the vehicle, the rat’s nest of wiring near the battery is well below par. That needs fixing ASAP, and the reasons aren’t merely cosmetic. Wiring as tangled as that can make it easy for one wire to snag another, introducing unexpected faults or failures. That same entanglement would make tracking such faults challenging. Therefore, I believe the area requires attention before the car clocks too many more miles. However, it is a turnkey classic, ready to provide the new owner with immediate enjoyment.
There is no denying this 1973 Mustang Mach 1 is a stunning car, and it will undoubtedly attract its share of attention wherever it goes. It won’t suit a purist due to the numerous updates, making predicting a final sale price challenging. It has received thirty-two bids, which is an encouraging sign. However, I believe it will struggle to reach the figure the seller invested when creating it. In this case, I will not make a prediction but will leave it to you to state your opinion. I expect the responses to be many and varied, and reading them will be fascinating. So, it’s over to you.
Too bad they couldn’t have gone with an equally vibrant shade of Grabber Blue.
Never was a fan of these-too dang big compared to my ‘66 coupe or even my friends ‘69 fastback. Everyone we knew thought it akin to a same year T-Bird with less rear passenger egress.
That being said, this looks pretty clean for what it is.
The New Mustangs are Bigger and Heaver
But you get a lot more with a new Mustang.
But look what came in ’74 wee lil pony….
It might do better if it was dead stock, the rear leaf springs are shot!!
Why not paint it Grabber Lime and keep it in the Ford family? Also, the front bumper is a 71-72 item. I’m not sure it matters, given all the other deviations from stock configuration.
Yes, I had a ’73, and it had the front crash bumper that stuck way out. This is a ’71 or ’72. The interior also reveals it as such.
I am not a Ford guy ,but it looks great except for the leaf springs shackles ext.! Even Mopar guys know that’s a big NO NO!! The leaf springs can be re-arc and add leafs to it. No traction bars are required. Example 7 leafs on right side 6 on the left side. That’s how you get all the traction you need. The engine looks great. I hope they really beef up the motor to get more than 177hp out of it. Unfortunately they won’t get the price they are looking for. Just hope all parties are happy when the hammer falls. 🐻🇺🇸
After witnessing money thrown around foolishly on certain cars with plenty of work & money to bring them close to this classic & one of my favorites of all time I can easily see value & appreciate what this car offers. 1973 wasn’t a year for the ages when horsepower was concerned but the lines on this year were among my favorites. There are strikes against it from a purest view but I’m not hung up on every last detail. If I had the money I would buy & enjoy a great car!
BA I agree.. 73’was the last year of the Mustang as we know it. 1974 was the Mustang II 4 cylinder engine. Opt. 6 later 302-2 . Yes it’s a good looking Stang. But backing up with that rear window. It could of use a camera! 😂 At least we where able to grow up and enjoy these cars when they where new. 🐻🇺🇸
I can’t believe I’m about to write this, but- that is one beautiful ‘73 Mustang. I love the new color, love the stance with the magnum 500’s and the interior is faultless. I don’t understand why they continued to call it a Mach1 with only 177 horsepower, but it’s a sweet car.
No reserve….yikes. I would have put a reserve on it. I’m not a big fan of these , I like the 69 – 70 style. Agree with wiring by the battery.Would look under the dash before I bought it probably looks like a bowl of spaghetti.
Troubleshooting is easy- start it up and see which wire the smoke is leaking out of…
Mustang love is abundant here.
Nice restore.
I am surprised he is not driving it until the wheels fall off as getting a return on investment is not happening here.
Nice start.. fix the leafs and someone will enjoy it.
I would give him no more than $15,000 since it’s going to cost you about $20,000 to fix all his mistakes and do a decent paint job that needs it badly
Beautiful car. Better to keep it and enjoy his investment. That being said, I’ll take a 69-70 mach1 over this. Never did care for this body style tank smogger. Again he should pride himself on the nice job
So, for his $55k investment, he enjoyed 7 years and 21,000 miles. Let’s say that he may recoup $30k leaving him $25k in the hole. That’s $3500 a year or $1.25 per mile and he got exactly what he wanted. That’s about what 35 rounds of golf at a cheap course would run, less than what a boat or snow mobile would cost and probably the depreciation on a normal SUV. Hopefully, he’s only selling it to fund his next project. Not everyone does this hobby to make money. But yeah, the shackles and traction bars are very 70’s. Just like the car.
I like it. There is something to be said about having a one of one Mach 1. The Ford Green was fugly that year.
That’s exactly how I would love to trace an electrical problem on a vehicle. Sure beats cutting and un-ravelling tape on a harness!
Sold $28,700.
I liked it so much I bought it. I was looking for a Mopar in that color, but $. I’m a Ford guy anyway. I like big bears solution for rear springs, but I may look for a bolt- on coilover setup. Motor is hopped up with cam, Magnaflows, can’t wait to hear it rumble.
Congratulations 👍🏼✔💯