- Seller: EDWARD E (Contact)
- Location: San Jose, California
- Mileage: 20,212 Shown
- Chassis #: 3F05H100654
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 351C V8
- Transmission: 4-Speed W/Hurst Shifter
This 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1, available exclusively through Barn Finds, represents the last year of the first-generation Mustang fastback, and it’s a fine example of the breed. With a 351 Cleveland V8 under the hood paired to a 4-speed manual transmission with Hurst shifter, this Mach 1 combines iconic styling with classic American muscle. Showing just 20,212 miles on the odometer and accompanied by a clean California title, this vehicle has been fully refreshed after decades in storage, presenting a good opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Originally discovered as a yard find that had not been titled in 25 years, this Mach 1 has since undergone a full restoration. According to the seller, all major systems have been repaired or replaced, including the radiator, carburetor, tachometer, and interior components. Rust issues were corrected before a full repaint, ensuring both cosmetic appeal and long-term preservation. Unfortunately, there’s no documentation to verify the accuracy of the shown mileage.
The Mach 1 fastback body style remains one of the most iconic designs of the era, and 1973 marked the end of this shape before the Mustang downsized for 1974. Finished in fresh paint and complemented by upgraded upholstery, this example offers a combination of originality and tasteful updates that make it immediately usable and visually striking.
Power comes from the 351 Cleveland V8, a motor renowned for its robust cylinder heads and exceptional performance potential. The 4-speed manual with Hurst shifter ensures a direct and engaging driving experience, just as muscle car fans demand.
Inside, the seller notes that the headliner, dash pad, floor pans, and upholstery have all been replaced or upgraded, giving the cockpit a fresh look while maintaining its period-correct feel. The improvements make this Mach 1 far more comfortable and enjoyable than a typical unrestored survivor.
With rust removed, cosmetic flaws corrected, and mechanicals refreshed, this Mustang is described as both solid and road-ready. The result is a muscle car that retains its authentic character while benefiting from significant recent investment.
This Mach 1 stands as a terrific example of the final year of the first-generation fastback Mustang, a car that blends collectible appeal with driving enjoyment. You can view all of the professionally taken photos below or the high-resolution copies here. Offered exclusively through Barn Finds Auctions, it’s ready for its next caretaker to enjoy and preserve.
Bid On This Auction
JCA bid $8,000.00 2025-09-02 16:10:57
John P bid $3,100.00 2025-09-02 12:49:08
Needaproject bid $2,850.00 2025-08-31 15:51:35
Fastkat bid $2,600.00 2025-08-29 09:28:47- John P bid $2,000.00 2025-08-29 08:04:42
Larry bid $1,750.00 2025-08-28 19:05:44
dcoxbama bid $1,500.00 2025-08-28 08:53:23
David bid $1,000.00 2025-08-28 08:49:27
The VIN that has been provided is incorrect. The first digit posted is a 1 and it should be a 3. You can see the correct VIN in the photo of the dash VIN plate.
The 4 speed is not original. The posted photo of the door data sticker shows the transmission code as X. That is for an FMX automatic transmission.
The sticker on the air cleaner lid shows a 351CJ. If that is what the engine is then it is not the original engine. The VIN shows the engine code as H, which is a 351 2V.
I would hardly call this car a careful restoration. I would call it rather sloppy. All the pieces in the door jambs are painted over. The roofrail weatherstrip retainer looks to be painted over. The A/C compressor is missing. Lots of little rubber bumpers are missing. The rear side markers lights have overspray on them. When I see so many little things like these that would be very easy to prevent I really have to question the rest of the work. I would suggest that anyone truly interested in this car either inspect it themselves in person or have a qualified person do the inspection for them.
Thank you for pointing out the error in the VIN. That was a typo on our end, and we’ve corrected it.
If anyone would like to view or have the car inspected, please let us know, and we will connect you with the seller to arrange that.
I agree with you 100%. I graduated in 1973, and I would love to have a 73 Mach1 but I would have to take a hard pass on his one. There are just way too many issues I easily see after their careful restoration.
Did you notice that the steering column appears to have been pieced together with components from different vehicles?
I noticed a light nut or bolt missing in the third picture. I was wasn’t nitpicking ot just started to look over the pictures. If you rebuild or refresh a vehicle you make sure all visible parts are there.
Sorry but I don’t see this as a first generation fastback. It has a different look from a 65 thru 70 fastback. More like a second gen
It’s probably a nice driver, but as noted above the restoration brings this up to “survivor grade” at best. The details in the interior, the re-used corroded parts under the hood and underneath the car don’t beg for big bucks. But again, as a survivor that can cruise around & draw a crowd at a Cars & Coffee, not too bad.
I have to agree on the sloppy aspect of this vehicle (Cathouse). One of the most basic things that could have been done is vacuuming out the glove box. The shifter boot also looks like it was just stuffed in the console. The list of other problems is long; even though they may not be huge issues in the grand scheme of things, they certainly detract from the vehicle overall.
Little observations just do not add up. This needs close inspection underneath where the answers lie.
Did this car spend time in a very damp environment? Lots of rust and tarnish in the interior and under the dash.
I noticed a lug nut or bolt missing in the third picture. I was wasn’t nitpicking ot just started to look over the pictures. If you rebuild or refresh a vehicle you make sure all visible parts are there.
Can of black spray paint on the chassis would go a long way.
I bought a new Q code 351 4 speed in 1973. As Cathouse states, several things are wrong beyond the serial number/engine combo. The front bumper does not have the 1973 indention. The bumper on it is a 71/72 era. Looks like rust in the glove box – what gives there? Also, the gas cap in 1973 was a half turn removeable, not the snap latch, and the area around it looks to have been poorly repaired. My guess would be that this vehicle was damaged at some point and the owner repaired it with available parts. Hard pass for me.
Hmmmmm… the aviation-style “pop-off” gas cap is correct for a ‘73 Mach 1, but there’s the question of if it is a true Mach 1 or not. The “BODY” code on the door code should read “63R” (Mach 1) or it would have read “63D” for a standard fastback. Conveniently enough, that small section of the door label is missing, so it’s impossible to tell from the info we have. The ‘71-‘72 Factory “hockey stick” style stripes are an odd choice for a ‘73. The ‘73 Mach 1 stripes are MUCH easier to apply properly, too. I share the “hurried-up and shortcuts taken” sentiments from above, but if it sells cheaply enough- to each their own. Still cool to see this body style on the site (though I’m very biased!).
GLWTS!
OUCH! How incorrect can a “restoration” get? They obviously have a different definition of “restoration” than what it really means.
I have been attempting to obtain a carfax report on this car but unable, wrong vin,etc. what is seller attempting to hide? Was this a flood car? IFI can’t get verification that the car was not wrecked or a flood car, hard to justify a purchase.
That’s because you can’t get a Carfax for any car older than 1981.
I notice the driver is missing from behind the steering wheel! That should be me, but i already have a 71 stang. Red and black. I thought this was to a car car to like you want.