- Seller: Richard A
- Location: Springfield, Pennsylvania 19064
- Mileage: 126,000 Shown
- Chassis #: 2F03F146471
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: V8 302
- Transmission: C4 Automatic
In 1972, Ford referred to its line of Mustang models as “Sports Compacts,” even though they were anything but compact compared to the earlier models and were the largest Mustangs, at least in length. They came in three body styles: a hardtop, a fastback or “Sportsroof”, and a convertible, as seen here. This 1972 Ford Mustang Convertible, listed here as a Barn Finds Exclusive, is a running and driving project car as it has a lot of rust for the next owner to repair before it can be safely driven.
The first-generation Mustang was made from, as we all know, 1964 (ok, 1964-1/2) until 1973, but there were several redesigns within that decade, from the small pony car introduced at the 1964 New York World’s Fair to the much bigger Mary Tyler Moore-era cars. Finding replacement body panels is a no-brainer, as are most replacement parts for almost every year and model of the Ford Mustang. There are endless online sources for parts. This car would have been around $3,000 new in 1972, a very inexpensive car, representing only $22,600 in 2024. You’re not getting a brand-new convertible with a V8 today for under $23,000.
This car, however, has some big-time rust underneath, and the seller has provided many more photos of the rust than they have of the car itself, if that makes sense. They say it’s been in storage for 34+ years, and they don’t have time to get back to it because of medical issues, so it’s listed here on Barn Finds. There is extensive rust underneath, but most of those panels should be available, or the next owner can make them him or herself as we used to do in the ol’ days.
As expected, this car has a three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic rather than a manual transmission, and the seller says it operates as it should. They removed the carpet to assess the condition of the floors, so they added a full interior kit to the aftermarket catalog list. It had a white interior, but they temporarily added a brown seat and used a boat gas tank as a temporary gas tank. The original seats and gas tank are included. The tank is said to be in decent condition and was removed to assess the rust. As for the original seats, the seller believes the seat backs could be reused, but the bottoms will need to be restored. Also, a new exhaust system is included in the sale.
One unusual and very cool feature of this Mustang is the color-keyed front bumper, an extra-cost item on non-Mach I cars. Typically, it’s part of the Decor Group, which includes a different grille, as seen here. The VIN decodes to being a Ford 302-cu.in. OHV V8, which would have had 141 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque when new. It’s said to run well, but as mentioned, many rust repairs must be done before this car can be driven on the street again. If you’re handy with a welder, this car is for you!
Another unfortunately rusty Mustang with a common powertrain and a well-worn interior. But I can visualize the finished product, keeping the red/white theme with some Magnums would look sharp. Maybe someone will want to tackle this big project.
Thanks Scotty for the price reference, illustrating how inexpensive these cars actually were in the context of today’s new cars. $23,000 today buys a mere basic economy car, you know the kind which show up on The Price Is Right.
This is truly a “Rustang” in Pennsylvania, known for being “metal unfriendly” due to salting of the roads. The tin worm has been eating good in the neighborhood here. This vehicle may be better off as a donor, a lot of good parts here.
Just forget this, unless it’s a parts car you’re after. There’s still too many nicer affordable ones out there.
I removed and replaced rear quarters and rockers on a 66 Fastback a few years ago, and swore never to do it again. If you’re a talented metal fabricator, and welder, this Mustang is for you. Its a hard pass for me.
I had a ’71 in this body and something not shown that I can guarantee is falling out is the taillight panel. Mine was a completely rust-free southern car except Ford, for reasons known only to them used a thick closed cell foam gasket under the lamps. As they aged the outer “skin” of these things would crack turning them into big sponges that were held up all the way around the lights killing the panel over time. The only thing at the rear of this car that’s going to be any good is the deck lid.
Yep Micheal, those get toasted too. When I removed tail light buckets on my 66 Mustang Fastback, I had to do some grinding and rust treatment and paint before replacing the entire tail light assemblies, including new wiring and light sockets. The tail light assemblies were completely toasted.
Trunk floor is intact as well as the taillight panel. I do not have pic of it as it is good.
I had the same car yet it 6 cylinder 3 speed stick, nothing fast, but boy the girls loved the rag top,fun car