The styling of the first-generation Ford Mustang was updated in 1971 and was perhaps the slickest so far. But the cars were longer, lower, and wider than in 1964 – and some 800 lbs. heavier. The fastback had been called the SportsRoof since 1969 and comprised 42% of sales in ’71 (“regular”, Mach 1, and Boss 351 combined). The seller has two of these in project status, and one appears to be in better shape than the other (use the second one to restore the first one?). They’re offered by the seller only as a pair.
Despite the changes in 1971, Mustang sales continued to decline (151,000 units vs. 607,000 in the peak year of 1966). The “pony car” market was flooded, and performance versions were falling out of favor due to rising insurance premiums. Yet the Mustang would still outsell the Chevy Camaro by one-third. One of the seller’s cars is a red SportsRoof which reminds me of the stunt car driven by James Bond in the ’71 action flick Diamonds Are Forever, While the styling was nifty, I don’t know how anyone saw much out of the rear glass which was nearly flat (even worse when optional slats were added).
1971 Mustang (Red)
This is a “regular” SportsRoof with a 302 cubic inch V8 and automatic transmission. It’s got a lot of goodies like a NACA hood and is in overall better condition than the other one (of which we only get one photo of a rough car). The rear glass was replaced at some point. We gather the engine is out of the car but will come with the sale. All-in-all, this seems to be the better of the two vehicles to devote attention to.
1971 Mustang Mach 1 (Grabber Blue)
If hard to talk much about this one since it wears a lot of grey primer and probably a fair amount of body filler. It came with a 351 V8, automatic transmission, and a white interior (as we’re told). It comes with a Ram Air hood and a urethane front bumper. Extra parts for this car include another hood, front fenders, trunk lid, and doors (so the sheet metal must be toast). The seller also talks about it having a 429, so we don’t know what’s the case.
As a bonus, a third (or fourth) Ford V8 will be thrown in for good measure, a 351 from a 1980s Ford 150 pickup. The seller doesn’t have time to mess with either car, which seem to be in separate storage units. Located in Shenandoah, Iowa, this duo is available here on eBay where $3,025 is the current bid with a reserve that is still in play. Would you try to restore both or just try to end up with one good car in the end?
The blue car is for parts the red one is the project. That’s how it used to be done, when cars were inexpensive, buy a project then find a similar make/model to supply parts and recoup some of your money and help cover some the costs for the keeper.
With the amount of rust on the top of the inner fender of the blue Mustang it’s more than likely the rest of the car is riddled with rust.
Steve R
My least favorite iteration of the Mustang, as by then, the 1971-73 examples like these had gotten too big and too heavy. As ever tightening emissions controls took a bigger bite out of engine power, these big boys, approaching mid-size car status, became ever slower and more fuel thirsty. “Bunkie” Knudsen’s fingerprints were all over these, and as sales of the Mustang continued to decline, that may have hastened his exit from Ford. It took the Mustang II (1974-78) to restore the Mustang back to its original roots of a small, compact, sporty car for the masses. Yes, I know that most people hate the Mustang II, but I hope that that attitude is changing, and the Mustang II’s are getting more love from collectors and enthusiasts. I would argue that the Mustang II, despite its shortcomings, saved the Mustang from extinction, and allowed it to progress to the Fox body (1979-93) that so many people love!
Ended at $5,880.
Reserve Not Met.
Someone was willing to pay the seller almost 6K to clean out their property.
Sounds like a missed opportunity.