- Seller: James H (Contact)
- Location: Latrobe, Pennsylvania
- Mileage: 96,400 Shown
- Chassis #: 3FD4H224637
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 351cui Cleveland V8
- Transmission: Automatic
Some cars come with stories you can’t separate from the metal, and this 1973 Ford Mustang Grande is one of them. Located in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, this Mustang is being offered through a Barn Finds Auction after spending roughly 25 years tucked away in a garage, quietly waiting for its next chapter to begin.
According to the family, this Mustang last saw regular road use in 1999, when its owner—now requiring long-term care due to Huntington’s disease—was no longer able to drive. Since then, the car remained stored indoors, preserved by time rather than restored or modified. Only recently was it pulled back into the light to see if it still had life left in it.
The results were encouraging. With a new battery and fresh fuel, the Mustang reportedly started right up, a strong testament to how well it was put away. A short 10-mile test drive followed, and the seller notes that everything appears to be working as it should. That kind of first reawakening after decades of inactivity is exactly what makes true garage finds so compelling.
This Grande is powered by a 351 Cleveland V8, backed by an automatic transmission, and shows 96,400 miles on the odometer. It carries a clean title, and while it hasn’t been refreshed or recommissioned beyond what was necessary to get it running, it clearly presents as a solid foundation for someone looking to bring a classic Mustang back into regular use. The family describes it honestly as a car that will need some work, but one that already shows strong potential as a future driver.
The Mustang Grande occupied a unique place in the early-1970s lineup, leaning more toward comfort and style than raw muscle. That makes survivors like this one especially appealing today, as they offer a different take on the Mustang story—one that’s equally rooted in personal ownership and long-term care rather than repeated restoration cycles.
What makes this listing stand out isn’t flashy upgrades or recent restoration claims. It’s the authenticity. This is a car that was loved, parked with intention, and left alone—not parted out, not modified, and not forgotten. The family’s hope is simple: that the next owner will appreciate it for what it is and give it the attention it deserves to become a dependable classic once again.
For someone who values originality, personal history, and the satisfaction of bringing a long-stored car fully back to life, this Mustang Grande checks all the right boxes. How often do you find a Cleveland-powered Mustang that wakes up this easily after a quarter-century of rest?
Bid On This Auction
Bugeye01 bid $100.00 2026-01-08 11:59:17
The real Eleanor. Would be a nice driver.
Good write-up. A refreshingly straightforward story on what appears to be a straightforward car. From the few pictures, it looks like it wasn’t abused (interior pics would have been nice to have). Just normally used for half of its life, and stored for half of its life.
These Grandes were nicely-equipped and trimmed cars. I hope it goes to a good home.
This looks like it would clean up rather well. With a careful cut and polish and treat the black vinyl top, and as Bob already pointed out, and I agree, some interior shots would go a long way. I’d actually get new white walls keep the wheel covers and show it as is. Not every Mustang was a factory hot rod, many of them were pedestrian models like this Grande here, and theres absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Like the earlier mild Monte Carlo.. no hot rod intentions. Clean it up, tune it up, add a quiet dual exhaust and cruise 😎
Nice to see the original body painted front bumper. Not sure if this is a “grande” thing or if all tangs in 73′ had this? Nonetheless more appealing than an out a place chrome piece that doesn’t follow the car lines.
All ’73 Mustangs had the body-colored urethane 5 mph crash bumper up front. Similar in this respect to the Corvette of the same year, body colored up front, chrome in the back.
Had 1 identical. Bought in Dec 1984 from an Army Capt. for $1,800. Pwr steering/front disc, AC, AM/FM. Luxury Mustang, but not as collectible as a Sportsroof or Mach l.
I use to own a solid 71 or 72 Grande for a short time. I stumbled into when a transplanted California girl had it in my buddy’s shop and didn’t want to spend the money to get the suspension fixed so she decided to sell it. At first she told me $800 but when push came to shove she stood firm at $1k. She said “I’m not greedy, I’m needy”. I ponied up the funds and got it running in no time. I think I spent $500 or so getting it road worthy and drove it for a while before selling it for $4500 I think. I probably should have held onto it but oh well.
I was pleasantly surprised at what a great ride it had. I had only had 65-68 Mustangs up until that point the factory ride on the first gen Mustangs is a long way from luxurious but the Grande was head and shoulders above the 1st gens. It was a Cadillac ride comparatively speaking. The Grande’s, being the top of the line Mustang was very well appointed with a 351C, FMX, PS, PB, PW, AC that worked and every other bell and whistle FoMoCo could stuff in it.
VERY few had power windows.
You are correct. That was the first thing I noticed when I looked inside. From there the car kept getting better and better, clapped out front suspension aside. Zero rust, zero Bondo and optioned to the hilt.
It looks like a nice car. 71-73’s don’t get normal “Mustang love” but they’re starting to grow on me. I wish there were a couple of interior shots and a couple of engine photos… by 73 the only 351’s available where the H code 2barrel and detuned Q code 4barrel… not a race car by any stretch, but certainly would be a fun little cruiser- I like it
Agree. Starting to warm up to these ‘71-‘73 Mustangs. This one has some potential for sure.
looks like a nice survivor and with a picture of pops too boot. a set of 500 wheels and a good detail and just drive it
3/4 front drivers side view as it sits on the trailer shows exactly where the mustang 2 front end styling came from. Just smaller, a rebodied pinto with better front suspension basically.
Still not a fan of 71-73 ponys, though interesting what one commenter said about the nice ride.