In 1969, the Mustang was restyled and had a bigger, thicker, heftier look to it. Detroit has a history of making cars bigger and more luxurious over time and the Mustang was no exception. In addition to the Mach I, another more luxurious model was added to the Mustang corral in 1969 and given the name Grande. And it was an appropriate name (it means large in Italian) because by the next restyling in 1971, the Mustang had grown again by six inches in length and added another 440 pounds. This 1972 Mustang, which is being listed as a “Grande” survivor, has 72,006 original miles and is currently calling Santa Maria, California home. The seller doesn’t say if it’s been a lifelong California car or not. In fact, the seller doesn’t say much at all; only 15 words: “This Mustang is 90% original. ” Survivor” Original paint and interior. 72006 original miles. $21,500 firm.”
The seller also doesn’t tell us what that non-original 10% is, but it’s supposedly wearing its original paint (which I believe is Medium Lime Poly). The paint looks presentable and shiny and I’m not seeing signs of rust or body bumps and bruises. The chrome, shiny stuff, glass, and lenses look good as do the sporty mag-type wheels. Grande’s in 1972 came standard with a choice of five vinyl roof colors, with a special Grande script on the C-pillar, and this one isn’t sporting either one. Could it have been ordered without a vinyl roof? Enquiring minds want to know. And I’m also not seeing what the ’72 sales brochure called “unique bodyside tape stripes.” Hmmmm.
The green theme and “Grande or not a Grande” debate continues with the Mustang’s tidy interior. It’s advertised as original and appears to be in good shape to be 52 years old. I’m not seeing any rips or tears in the front bucket seats or rear bench seat, but the dash is showing two cracks. Although it appears to be in good original condition, the interior doesn’t match the photos of the upgraded Grande interior from the ’72 sales brochure or photos I’ve found online. The Grande had molded door panels with faux woodgrain trim and the faux wood was carried over onto the instrument panel. Plus, most ’72 Grande’s came with the Lambeth cloth and vinyl seat trim. I’m not seeing any of those upgraded Grande interior cues in the supplied photos.
Mustang hardtops, including the Grande, came standard with a 250-cubic inch Inline Six, but could be ordered with a 302 or two 351 V8 options. This Mustang was the 140-horsepower 302 V8 under the hood and is mated to an automatic transmission. The seller states the powertrain has 72,006 original miles but doesn’t mention having any documentation. I don’t claim to be a Mustang Grande expert by any means, but, based on the photos, there are enough flags raised for me to question if this ’72 Mustang survivor left the factory with the Grande 65F trim code. You can view more photos here on craigslist and I’d like to thank T.J. for sending another interesting pony car our way.
Thanks Ron. For those who like the “big” Mustangs, like me, this is a nice example. I appreciate it as a coupe just as much as the (infamous) flat-glass fastback. Don’t see the coupes all that often. Period-correct colors. Meager ad. I too doubt it is a Grande; maybe the seller just used the term as a catch-all for a coupe.
I believe one of the things the Grande had was a vinyl roof. That, obviously, is missing here. It may have been removed and the car painted.
Bob, I owned a very similar color Grande w 302 vinyl roof, that was a cruising machine, drove so well! At the time in 1980 I was dating a girl in Miami I lived in Tampa id cruise it south on US19 cut across alligator alley. Good times. My love for green vehicles persists im painting a 87 FJ 62 as we apeak.
I remember when these came out with the “Grande” option, I was thinking, what’s next, “Brougham”? And I lamented that they’d gotten bigger, and heavier. I still liked it though. But when the awful Mustang II’s and then the endless string of equally bad fox-bodies came out, I had ceased being a Mustang fan. Now looking back, this car is an example of a collectible I wouldn’t mind owning at all, especially since earlier generation Mustangs are so expensive.
Bad Fox bodies? You mean the Mustangs that basically kick started the muscle car resurrection? 40 years ago? Surely, you jest?
A “performance” car with Ford Fairmont underpinnings? No wonder BMW and Audi popularity exploded.
Yeah. We ALL ran out and bought Audi’s. Not in the world I lived in. We wanted cars that actual ran.
Another lame ad with next to no information. I always hope they never sell due to lack of effort on the seller. They want top dollar but can’t spent five minutes writing a detailed ad so a potential buyer can make an informed decision.
I used to hate these,I dig them now
$16,000 would be plenty for this car – no special options and entry level engine. Might be worth more of it was a 4 speed.
These are basically the same size as the current Mustang. Which I’d argue is still too big for a “Pony car” but maybe why they no longer seem as large as they did when they were new.
At least there is legroom in back seat on these- ck legroom in modern stang or camaro.
Terry, maybe you forgot that the original Mustang was basically a Falcon.😁
Not a Grande, but a nice example of a 72 Coupe. If they would provide the VIN and prove it is a Grande then the price might be OK. If not, then it’s a bit high. The “BIG” horse isn’t really all that big. The interior is exactly the same size as 69/70. The nose is a couple inches longer and it’s wider because the impact resistant doors are an inch or so thicker. My 73 Mach 1 sits lower than my 69. I like the wider stance, it’s more stable and the Sportsroof is just as nice to look at as the 69/70 Sportsroof, if not more muscular. With the 302 it would make someone a nice daily driver.
Not a Grande, but a nice example of a 72 Coupe. If they would provide the VIN and prove it is a Grande then the price might be OK. If not, then it’s a bit high. The “BIG” horse isn’t really all that big. The interior is exactly the same size as 69/70. The nose is a couple inches longer and it’s wider because the impact resistant doors are an inch or so thicker. My 73 Mach 1 sits lower than my 69. I like the wider stance, it’s more stable and the Sportsroof is just as nice to look at as the 69/70 Sportsroof, if not more muscular. With the 302 it would make someone a nice daily driver.
I lost my attraction for the Mustang after 1970 for some reason and it has come and gone with different models along the way. This is a nice affordable way to get in the classic market. Nice Mustang .