By 1973, virtually every dimension of the First Generation Mustang had grown, with one notable exception. While the car was longer, wider, and heavier than its predecessors, engine power had dropped noticeably. These changes transformed the classic pony car from lithe and lively to a classic better suited to relaxed touring. If that thought sounds appealing, this 1973 Convertible project might be your car. The seller’s price seems affordable, and the selection of new parts included in the deal will help the new owner on their pathway to restoration heaven. Located in North Port, Florida, you will find the Mustang listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $5,500, with eighty-two people watching the listing.
The history of this Dark Green Metallic Mustang is unclear, although there is evidence to suggest it may have sat exposed to the elements for a while. External rust looks pretty limited, with the worst visible on the edge of the trunk lid. The lower body extremities have a few issues, but most of these appear to be the type that the buyer could address with simple patches. The White power top is shredded, so I have put two and two together to draw the “extended exposure” conclusion. The top offers no genuine weather protection, with the corrosion on the inside floors and on surfaces like the ashtray suggesting these areas have seen plenty of moisture. The seller indicates there is floor rust, but if what we can see is the worst of it, treating it should be easy. The tinted glass looks excellent, while most of the trim could potentially see service on a driver-grade restoration. The Convertible rolls on a fresh set of Magnum 500 wheels and new tires. These represent just some of the vast collection of new parts included in the sale.
The original owner ordered this classic equipped with a 302ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. This V8 would have produced 135hp, allowing the car to cover the ¼ mile in 18.2 seconds. Potential buyers should not consider this vehicle roadworthy because the brakes don’t function. However, the motor runs, which is confirmed by this YouTube video. It sounds rough and would benefit from a tune-up and a new exhaust, but it shows potential. Once again, scanning the parts collection reveals new shocks, a new water pump, a fuel tank, and many other seals and items to help this classic return to our roads.
The interior will represent a mixed bag for this Mustang’s next owner. The seat upholstery doesn’t look bad and may respond positively to a deep clean. Many of the plastic trim pieces have seen better days, meaning the buyer may need to compile a long list of parts to return the interior to its former glory. The state of the floors and inside of the ashtray in this shot seems to support my belief that moisture has found its way into this Mustang’s interior. If this proves correct and this interior has been wet for an extended period, there may be hidden issues for potential buyers to consider. That type of moisture won’t have done seat foam any favors, and it may not smell nice. A more pressing concern is if water has penetrated behind the dash. This raises concerns about the state of the wiring, connectors, relays, and the accuracy of the gauge cluster. There may be no issues, but bracing for the worst would be the wisest approach for the new owner.
While sales figures slumped from the record-setting numbers posted in 1966, the First Generation Mustang rallied during its final year of production. Even though potential buyers knew that a radical new model was waiting in the wings for 1974, a respectable 134,867 people parked one of these classics in their driveway. These final cars don’t rate as high as earlier examples, but they remain comfortable vehicles that effortlessly consume the miles on the open roads. This one needs plenty of TLC, but the next owner could perform much of that work in a home workshop. Restored to a high standard, it should easily achieve a value north of $30,000. That makes it worth a closer look.
Electrify it and call it the Elon Musktang.
How sad, but yes lots of parts.
This would be a perfect family project. Parts are cheap and available, Nothing so mechanically complex that you couldn’t figure out.
Look at the rust even on the inside of the glove box door. This thing has flood car written all over it.
I think its more likely the car sat outside with a ripped top for quite a while and the interior was exposed to all kinds of weather. The glovebox may have been left open so mice wouldn’t make a nest in it. These cars were rust prone, and if this was a flood car it would be It ready to break in half
Judging by the chrome bumper and trim around the grill this car is a 1971. ’72s had a rubber bumper but the ’73 bumper grew larger for 5mph standards.
I believe that’s actually a 72. 73 had a color matched front bumper. 72-73 had the Mustang script on the decklid. 71 had the chrome front bumper too but instead of the Mustang script, M-U-S-T-A-N-G was spelled out across the rear trunk lid in individual letters.
My first Mustang was a 73 convertible (it needed a little of everything).
The VIN says that this car is a 1972 model.
“The original owner ordered this” – Honestly Adam , these were everywhere, a 302 powered Mustang with an automatic and power steering was as common as dirt , even the Mach 1s were easy to come by right on the Ford dealerships lot. When someone wants a car, they dont want to wait for one and most buy what the dealership has on the lot, and there would be a long row of Mustangs in all styles ,colors and engines. There really was no need to order one of these unless you wanted to load it up with options , which this one certainly isnt
not sure it’s a flood car more like it has ridden out every hurricane to hit Florida since 1973!
The seller needs to inventory and list all of the parts so the buyer kinows what they are getting and what they will still need to buy.
The price tag on those parts (if they even fit the car and are usable) may make this an affordable project for top down slow-rolling fun.
Nice filter and valve covers.