The buying public knew that the First Generation Mustang had reached the end of its production life by 1973 and that a new, smaller model was waiting in the wings for 1974. Overall sales had dropped consistently since the glory days of 1966, but they rebounded slightly for this final year. This 1973 Mustang Mach 1 is a tidy and solid driver sporting a range of desirable options and a few aftermarket upgrades. The new owner could enjoy all it offers in its current form or undertake some minor cosmetic work to lift its presentation to a higher level. The seller feels a new home is in its near future, listing the Mach 1 here on eBay in Staten Island, New York. They set a BIN of $18,000, and plenty of time remains on the listing for those who prefer not to make a rushed decision.
Ford introduced its final significant update to the First Generation Mustang in 1971, with the car following the previous trend of growth in every direction. Subsequent changes were evolutionary as the company prepared the Mustang II for its 1974 release. Our feature car is from the final production year, and it is a tidy classic finished in Bright Red with a Black vinyl half-top. Its presentation is acceptable for a driver-grade car. Still, there are enough minor imperfections to satisfy a new owner wishing to be hands-on in lifting the appearance to a higher level. What this Mach 1 lacks is apparent significant rust issues. The panels look pretty clean, while the underside shots reveal nothing likely to cause sleepless nights. The trim is in good order, as is the glass. It is unclear whether the car ever received any restoration or repaint work, but I would never rule it out in any classic of this vintage. The Mustang features a functional Ram Air hood, which gels with the information provided by the VIN. However, Ford didn’t offer buyers the option to combine the Ram Air with hood twist locks. The seller seems convinced the Ram Air is original, suggesting the locks are a later addition. I’ll be unsurprised if the new owner invests in a Marti Report, particularly if they aim to present this Mach 1 in a faithful state.
The VIN confirms the original owner ordered this Mach 1 with the H-Code 351-2V V8. They ticked the boxes beside the three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes on their Order Form, guaranteeing an effortless driving experience. The H-Code produced 177hp and 284 ft/lbs of torque in its prime, resulting in a ¼-mile ET of 17.5 seconds. Things appear consistent so far because the only engine Ford offered combined with the Ram Air hood was the H-Code. However, this is when the waters become muddy for this classic. The engine sports a shiny new Holley carburetor, with the factory unit in the trunk. Both appear to be four-barrel units, and the seller clearly states that this engine is a 351-4V. If that is the case, it can’t be numbers-matching, despite the seller’s claims to the contrary. That probably warrants clarification for enthusiasts considering the investment potential of this Ford. They recently replaced the master cylinder, brakes, alternator, fuel tank, sender unit, belts, and filters. It runs and drives beautifully, ready for a cross-country adventure with the new owner behind the wheel.
One aspect of this Mach 1 that appears unmolested is its interior. I would class it as honest because nobody has attempted to hide its shortcomings. The seatcovers have a few splits, which I believe are beyond repair. The driver’s door trim is damaged, and the same appears true of the console lid. The dash and pad look excellent, as do the carpet and plastic components. The interior doesn’t require a complete retrim, but the listed parts will put a fair hole in $1,000. The original owner loaded the interior with desirable options reinforcing its luxury leanings. The new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, a console, a folding rear seat, a factory tachometer, and a factory AM/FM stereo radio.
The First Generation Mustang was a different beast by the time this Mach 1 rolled off the line in 1973. Its dimensions and weight had grown significantly while legislative changes had taken the hard edge off its engine power. This car’s luxury appointments make it more of a Grand Tourer than a high-performance vehicle. However, the upgrades performed on this classic should help it claw back some of the lost ground. The seller’s BIN appears to be in the ballpark for a vehicle of this caliber with the desirable factory appointments. There are 107 people watching the listing, and I’ll be unsurprised if one of them hits the button on this classic. Do you agree?
The BIN is $21,500.
I love this car yes it could be better but 4 barrel 351 with that millium falcon roof line that brings back memories of a 4 speed in high school which seemed extremely fast back then! I think the price is right even at 21 bin but better at 18. Not as good a bargin as a C3 with a 454 but close!
Ya the 4bbl 351 wouldnt pass emissions with the Ram-Air so you could only get the 2bbl,on the other hand you could get the non-Ram-Air 351 CJ still which though toned down was still pretty mighty and only a bit of tinkering from being ferocious.
I had the convertible 73 Mach 1 in silver and black stripes .. did the tarantula hi rise, Holly 650 spread bore 4 brl, hooker headers and noss on a balance and blue printed 351 Cleveland with a built C6 automatic, traction bars and a drag link …
The Mach I was only available in the fastback body style.
The paint on the hood is NOT original, and I’m not sure where that piece of chrome came from that’s on the end of the hood because the 73 MACH didn’t have chrome on the hood. The right rea quarter around the bumper looks like it took a hit and it’s still there. Nice Pony, But a few un answered questions.
This is the same seller who has the affordable Javelin that you featured a day or so ago.
If the cars are as legit as advertised, I would say it is one of the only remaining bargain sellers on EBay.
But, both ads leave me suspicious, an in person inspection would be needed.
Yes, they still have the Javelin listed.
Power windows are rare on these.
My thoughts are that the hood is from 1972 with the chrome. As for the painted corners well that is just plain ugly.
I have never held it against adding upgrades such as a 4v over a 2v carb or adding ram-air. This idea that it has to be exactly as it came from the factory should only apply if it is going to a museum. These cars are meant to be driven and enjoyed. Other than the chrome on the hood and the vinyl roof I would love this car.
Also as one commentator mentioned the right rear took a hit albeit minor as the bumper it self does not appear to be damaged but is out of line and body markings indicate that it was compressed a little beyond it’s 2.5 mph limit.
I had a 71 Mach1 and I’m under the impression that the twist hood locks were an option and that they also came when the ram-air was ordered.
I think that you are right I could have bought a 71 429SCJ and a 72 351-4V both were Ram Air and both had the hood pins.
A Mustang exactly(?) like this one sold at BJ yesterday for 60K! I’ve never thought them to be worth more than 8 to 10K. IMO one ugly car.
In 1973 the looks of this Stang was THE KING OF COOL!
already SOLD…
tell us sooner… :-)
I had a stock plain jane 73 in copper color w/302. Bought it while in college from a 43 y.o. lady who bought it new. Only had 46,000 on it in 1983. Paid $800 for it. Then this thing called life showed up. Graduated from college in 84, married in 85, first kid in 87. Car had to go. Like most of y’all say, “Man I wish I still had that car”.
I am a big fan of 71-72 Mach Ones but for some reason I could care less about 73’s. IDK If it is the Grill. The revised stripes or now that the Mach One logo is now behind the door on the lower rear quarter or perhaps the wheels Magnum 500’s were no longer available. In 71-72 you could get Ram Air with a 351-4V or a 429. The other strange thing if you want to be bad and drive a Mach One WHY would you not order the 73 only 351CJ. The one and only year Ford used the Cobra Jet title with the 351. I used to have a co worker that had a 302 Mach One why bother?
SOLD for $21,500.