Had it not been for a stint left exposed to the elements, this 1972 Mustang Mach 1 may have remained a rust-free survivor due to spending most of its life undercover. However, it hasn’t deteriorated beyond the point of no return and should prove a satisfying restoration project. Adding to its appeal is its one-owner status, which you don’t see every day on a car with five decades under its belt. Located in Denver, Colorado, you will find this Mach 1 listed for sale here on eBay. The seller has set a BIN of $14,900, although they leave the way clear for interested parties to make an offer.
The seller describes the Mustang’s exterior color as silver, but I believe it to be badly faded Bright Blue. They include the original Dealer Invoice, but the paint code on that document doesn’t perfectly match anything on the Ford color palette of the period. However, it could be a misprint for the color I suggested. The Mach 1 is a one-owner classic that seems to have been treated with respect most of its life. The seller indicates that it spent an extended period exposed to the elements, which has taken a toll on the panels and paint. However, the photos suggest it is anything but a rust bucket. There’s plenty of surface corrosion, but genuine penetrating rust looks limited to the lower extremities. These include the front fenders, rockers, rear quarter panels, and lower door corners. None of these problems are horrendous, and addressing them with patches would seem a viable option. Some trim pieces require repair or replacement, but the Magnum 500 wheels look excellent for their age. The tinted glass is flawless, and the overall impression is that this could be a straightforward and rewarding project.
Lifting the hood reveals Ford’s H-Code 351ci V8, which produces 177hp. The original owner also equipped the Mustang with a three-speed manual transmission and power steering. By 1972, the Mach 1’s weight had ballooned to 3,360lbs, making the ¼ mile ET of 17.1 seconds no surprise. The company offered more potent versions of the 1972 Mach 1, and if the buyer isn’t concerned about complete originality, performing upgrades to extract additional ponies would be easy and relatively inexpensive. However, purists may elect to leave things alone, especially when considering that the motor has done little work since Ford rebuilt it during the 1990s. It isn’t clear whether this classic is currently roadworthy, but new items like the master cylinder suggest that someone has been working towards that goal if it isn’t. Therefore, returning this classic to active service for the upcoming warmer months may prove pretty easy.
One area where the new owner won’t need to spend a dime is on this Mustang’s interior. The owner treated it to a retrim earlier this year, and it presents in as-new condition. There is no evidence of wear or physical damage, and no aspect has escaped their attention. Slipping behind the wheel of this gem would be like rewinding the clock to 1972. It is also nicely equipped, featuring air conditioning, a console, an AM/FM stereo radio, and a factory tachometer.
By 1972, every dimension of the First Generation Mustang had grown, and sales were dropping dramatically. That year marked the worst for sales results, with 125,903 buyers handing over their cash. Of those, 18,045 (or 14.4%) elected to purchase a Mach 1. These later First Generation cars spent years in the classic wilderness, but they have begun emerging as a popular choice because they remain relatively affordable. However, with values showing a solid upward trend, that situation may not remain for long. There’s a good chance that the 1972 Mach 1 will follow earlier examples that have climbed beyond the reach of mere mortals. If you’re worried that this could be the case, buying one now could be wise if you have the funds available. With those thoughts in mind, maybe this car would be worth pursuing further.
“These include the front fenders, rockers, rear quarter panels, and lower door corners. None of these problems are horrendous ” Really ? both quarters have severe rust and are dented, so those would need replacement and its almost assured the inner wheels houses are also rotted. the front fenders also have holes in them and at least one is bent. The front aprons look to have rot holes in them. Since these cars are notorious rusters , Id bet there’s a lot more rot in the lower doors and floors that you cant see. This isnt a car that a restorer would use “patch panels” , I’m not even sure a plain jane 1972 Mach 1 in this shape is even worth a restoration
Saying: “Had it not been for a stint left exposed to the elements…” is a lot like saying: “If my Sister was a Puppy.”
Let me guess…”My sister is soooo ugly, that if she was a puppy, I’d shave her butt and teach her to walk backwards.” Did I get it?
My sister used to be a virgin if it wasn’t for that football team
Take a 0 out of the BIN.
Oooohhh…burn on him! That was cold!
I agree with a previous comment about the qtrs and rockers needing more than patch panels. I replaced rear qtrs along with outer wheel wells and rockers on a 66 Mustang and it was major surgery. Fortunately I had an ex military engineer and welder who helped me with it. Wouldn’t go thru that again. But it’s a good find.
I have a 1971 Mach 1 sitting in my garage. This might be an interesting parts car.
The one thing that I do enjoy about this car is the redone interior (provided they took care of any floorpan issues, etc. before installing all of the new stuff) and the new wheels, tires and any mechanical rehab they did to make it a safe, reliable driver.
This would be a PERFECT car to drop a built 429/460 and a Top Loader 4-speed with a V-gate shifter in and make a typical, early ’80’s high school cruiser out of. It’d be cool with a 2X4 tunnel ram or GMC 6-71 sticking out of the hood.
If that much rust shows in photographs, think of what you can’t see. RUN!
I see it is a manual, i don’t think that is listed anywhere, 27 other vehicles listed.
Howie, they stated it was a 3 speed manual. Just saying.
You guys that weren’t in high school back then would know. But this would have been a cruiser in the mid to late 70’s.
If the unibody is good and solid the thing might be to drop a 427 / 428 in it and make a sleeper with all the pantina on it if the fenders are that holey. I’ve seen a lot of junk fixed up in my days to look show room quality. Lots of guys are there are just parts changes today and can’t actually Fix anything ! Cut the bottom quarters off and put new steel in. I have friend that are professionals in that kind of work ! Many lack those skills today, just like mechanics. If the computer don’t tell them what to replace they can’t fix it.
MTBorst, i have new glasses but still do not see anything in the Ebay listing about the trans, i see it listed here in BF.
You can attempt to polish a turd, but at $14 large, that turd better not have any rust. Oh, yeah…that….PASS! I do like that it is a manual. I remember test driving a 73 convertible with 3 speed manual which had some fun characteristics but nothing like a Firebird, Camaro or even a Cougar or Thunderbird (themselves bloated whisps of their former selves). And, I couldn’t see the end of the hood!
If you wanted to just restore on a budget, you may use a good body man and filler on qtrs. And front fenders. But rockers are a different story. The first Gen Mustangs also had torque box and rail issues, and not sure how different the 72s were. That’s also pretty involved but without inspecting in person you really don’t know. It’s certainly a desirable yr Mach1.
Yes even though a 1 owner I would think You would have to want it pretty bad to restore or repair just an average at best car when done. I had a 1973 with Factory 2/3 vinyl top, power windows and fold down rear seat which is rare on those models. It had the factory 302-2 AT and was the same color of Blue. It was fun to drive but the back glass was so flat that took away some of the fun! Working on #35 Mustang now!
Howie, they stated it was a 3 speed manual. Just saying.
You guys that weren’t in high school back then would know. But this would have been a cruiser in the mid to late 70’s.
If the unibody is good and solid the thing might be to drop a 427 / 428 in it and make a sleeper with all the pantina on it if the fenders are that holey. I’ve seen a lot of junk fixed up in my days to look show room quality. Lots of guys are there are just parts changes today and can’t actually Fix anything ! Cut the bottom quarters off and put new steel in. I have friend that are professionals in that kind of work ! Many lack those skills today, just like mechanics. If the computer don’t tell them what to replace they can’t fix it.
It’s like the old Pioneer commercial, the mazaradi vs the old clunker. This car interior is sharp
If the 351 could be coaxed into running with a thorough tune up, I wouldn’t mind driving it as is till I could get the bodywork and paint sorted out. Such a good yr Mustang Mach 1 that I might learn to live with some rust.