The Grande offered an excellent alternative for those who longed to own a 1st Generation Mustang but were not attracted by the prospect of a hard-edges Mach 1. With extra sound deadening material and softer suspension settings, the Grande provided the Mustang lifestyle in a softer and more civilized package. This 1973 Grande runs and drives, and the buyer could enjoy an active ownership experience while tackling the restoration work as time and circumstances allow. It seems that plenty of people are attracted to this concept because the car has already received forty-four bids since it was listed for sale here on eBay. It is located in Saint Louis, Missouri, and all of that bidding action has pushed the price to $4,450 in a No Reserve auction. A big thank you goes out to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting the Grande for us.

By 1973, the 1st Generation Mustang was reaching the end of the line, and the entire range had increased in size and weight compared to its glory days. However, the Hardtop version that we see here managed to look lighter and less cumbersome than the Fastback. The owner admits that our feature car has received one repaint in its original Medium Brown (Ginger) Metallic. While it presents well, it does have a few flaws that the buyer will need to address eventually. There are a few bubbles in the paint and some minor rust appearing above the windshield. That isn’t the end of it because he also indicates that there is some in the trunk pan, although he doesn’t clarify how bad it is. The front floor has a prior repair that looks okay, but the rest of the underside and the shock towers are in good order. The exterior trim looks pretty respectable, as do the wheels and the tinted glass. The work required to lift this Mustang to the next level doesn’t appear to be extensive, which could make it a great way to while away the time during the upcoming colder months.

The news inside this Grande is not quite as good as it is outside. The slipcovers conceal seat upholstery that is past its best, while the same is true of the door trims, headliner, and dash pad. This last item isn’t that bad and could be a prime candidate for repair utilizing a product like Polyvance. Otherwise, the buyer might need to shop around for replacement trim. A trim kit would be the ultimate answer in this case, and they generally cost around $2,000 for everything that an owner could want. However, I would add a note of caution here. The Grande is not a “big dollar” version of the 1st Generation Mustang range, so owners need to be careful about expenditure regarding restoration costs if it is to remain financially viable. Depending on where the bidding goes, the next owner could find themselves better served to search for a parts car that they can raid for a good interior. The other item that will require attention is the factory air conditioning. The system is complete but doesn’t blow cold. It sounds like a recharge could be on the agenda.

Ford offered the Grande with several different engine options, and the original owner ordered this one with the 351-2V version of the Cleveland V8 that produces 157hp. In keeping with its luxury leanings, they also specified the 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The ¼-mile ET of 17.6 seconds was an indication that the Grande was not conceived as a high-performance model, although it is possible to extract some better numbers if the buyer feels inclined. Getting the 351’s output closer to the 4V’s 243hp is a straightforward proposition, and that would drop the ¼ mile to around the 15.2-second mark. The news from a mechanical perspective seems positive because the car is said to run and drive well. The brake pedal is a bit low and might warrant investigation, while the owner advises that potential buyers should budget for new tires due to the age of the ones that the car wears now. Apart from the tires, it appears that the Grande has no immediate needs. That means that the buyer can hit the road for a spot of enjoyable classic car motoring before the weather deteriorates.

If you were to offer me the choice between a 1973 Mustang in Fastback or Hardtop form, I would probably opt for the latter. It is a matter of personal preference, but I think the styling is crisper and more in keeping with Ford’s original intent with the Mustang. This car looks like it could be a gem, but potential buyers will need to take care not to over-capitalize on the restoration process. Tidy examples tend to sell for around the $16,000 mark, while a spotless car could command a value of close to $25,000. It’s also worth remembering that unlike so many variants within the 1st Generation range, values have remained stagnant on the ’73 Grande. They haven’t fallen, but they aren’t setting the market on fire either. If this car sells for somewhere around its current bidding range, that would leave some room to move before it is no longer financially viable. If the buyer is willing and able to complete some of the work themselves, that will help its cause significantly. Is this a project that you might consider tackling?