It’s hard to believe that the 1973 Ford Mustang is the same car as the original 1965. Well, all the sheet metal is different and it’s 800 lbs. heavier, but they rode on essentially the same platform. The automobile would be reinvented in 1974 as an all-new subcompact – just in time for higher gas prices. This 1973 edition is a Mach 1, the sporty performance model that accounted for one out of every four Mustangs sold that year. It’s a one-owner vehicle just out of long-term storage. Offered by a dealer in Raymore, Missouri, this beauty is available here on eBay where brisk bidding is already up to $27,899.
By 1973, Ford had a problem with the Mustang – nobody was buying them. Okay, they were, but not in the kind of numbers from a few years earlier. From a peak of 607,000 units in 1966, Mustang sales dropped every year after that to 135,000 in 1973. And the gap was closing between the Mustang and its nearest rival, the Chevy Camaro. So, the decision was made in 1974 to go with the Mustang II, a Pinto-based Ford that was much smaller and could run on a 4-cylinder engine (no!). The ploy worked, perhaps by accident, as the 1973 OPEC oil embargo sent buyers looking for a haven – and the all-new Mustang II was it!
We wish we knew the whole story about this Mach 1, which by 1973 was in its fifth year being part of the Mustang ensemble. It was only available as a fastback (or as Ford was calling it, the SportsRoof) and they looked fast and sometimes were (remember, engine detuning for lower emissions had begun in earnest a couple of years earlier). This Mustang has the Q-code 351 cubic inch “Cleveland” V8 with Ram Air, which would have been good for 266 hp (not bad for ’73 standards). All numbers-matching!
This is a single-owner vehicle that was held captive for 35 years for reasons not mentioned. The mileage is just 58,500 and it has survived well over time. The seller says that “most” of the yellow paint is original (but what isn’t and why not?). The interior looks brand new and should be quite comfortable, although I dare you to be able to see out of the nearly flat rear window! It’s a well-equipped pony with factory air conditioning, power windows, and tilt steering.
The car is not show quality as you’ll find a scratch here and there and the undercarriage has a bit of surface rust, but nothing worse than that (as best we can tell). The vehicle comes with all (or most) of its original paperwork, including the title, sales invoice, and warranty card. Everything works as it should and the Ford was recently served to be roadworthy again, including new wheels and tires, battery, gas tank, and other fuel-related components. There are no leaks, and it should be ready to go – Cars & Coffee here we come!
Sharp car. I like the eye-searing yellow paint offset by the black accents and the tire/wheel package. Even with their criticism as being too big and that one can’t see out the back, they are eye-catching, attractive rides. Underhood detailing and restoration would help the overall package. Wish we could read the window sticker (or, provide a Marti Report).
Thanks Russ, good job.
Ram Air was not an option or otherwise available on ’73 4 v
351 Cleveland engines from the factory.
This Ram Air set up has been added as aftermarket kits/dealer because they were/are available. Also, EGR plate gets removed.
Only the 2v motors could get the functional ram air option.
Emissions on the 4V motors required EGR plate that would have made the hood unable to shut.
“Cobra Jet” is what the Q code indicates on ’73, 351 Cleveland motors.
This Mustang has a beautiful interior and body looks good.
Are more records available from original owner ?
Spot on with your facts. I was about to comment the same thing.
I agree that this is a very attractive car. Great color and gobs of equipment. More proof that luxury was becoming more of a priority as performance was diminishing. Put it in Drive and cruise.
It’d turn heads here in Deutschland
These were somewhat clumbsly looking and overweight compared to what came before, plus they were slow and guzzled gas too, any money spent on this is to be used driving becsuse do not expect much appreciation in the market as time goes on, just ugly!
I guess it would be difficult for you to explain why they have appreciated so much in the past 10 years then, huh? Just because YOU don’t like them does not mean other people don’t.
Wow! It’s Eleanor 1 from the first film
Gone In 60 Seconds! Although I think
that car was the last of the big 429 CJ
according to the script. Saw both versions of the film and liked the 1st
one better as it had more action in it
but oh my God that poor Mustang!
Would buy this for my niece if I had the cash to drop the hammer.
RARE power windows….only power window models allowed all 4 windows to operate in the Mach I.
Russ I had a copper colored 73 with black interior equipped w/302. Trust me, you can see out that back window just fine when a state trooper does a u e & pulls you over. That rear window fills up with his grill & bubble top just fine. 😂 😂 😂
My father had an identical ’72. He bought it new and drove it daily for 28 yrs and 231k miles with only 1 repaint and no engine overhaul! Yellow was always his favorite color and in 2000 set out to buy a new car but only in yellow!! He bouht a 2000 VW Turbo Beetle! Great little car! My daughter inherited it from him in 2006 when he passed and drove it until 2018 and 150k miles!!
Wait!! What happened to the Mach 1?
Not much for yellow…
But this pony with a bit of under hood love could live at my house…
Good luck to the guy with the paper to acquire this toy…
I like the 71-73 Variety and had a couple with the best one being a 73 Blue Mach with factory 2/3 vinyl top and I had power windows as well. But the low performance 302, but even with that it was a nice car but definitely a challenge to see out the flat rear window! Be nice to have a 71 Boss 351 as they are I think one of most rare Boss cars built. If I only had the extra room this would be a nice addition to my other 2 cars.
Sold $28,100, 44 bids, sounds like a great deal.
I’m class of 76 and the 71 Thur 73 was the Mustang of my generation to get Mach1 that is.