By 1973, the leader of the once-hot “pony car” market had become anemic, at least in terms of sales. From a peak of 607,000 units in 1966, the Ford Mustang saw deliveries drop to barely 135,000 copies seven years later. So, Ford would re-invent the Mustang as a sporty subcompact in 1974, bringing sales back up again. The seller’s car is from the ‘Stang’s first-generation’s last year and may have only 9,800 miles on the odometer. This gently used survivor can be found in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for the tidy sum of $25,000 (and is another tip from Mitchell G.).
From 1967 to 1973, Mustang sales would decline from year-to-year except for a slight uptick in ’73. The advent of competition gets most of the blame, but an increase in girth over time was also a factor. The 1973 Mustang was hundreds of pounds heavier than the nimble trendsetter that debuted in the Spring of 1964. The upscale Grande model was added in 1969, and the seller’s car could be one, though no such mention is made.
From what we’re told, the seller is just the second owner of this triple green car. The original owner kept it in a heated garage for much of its life, which has no doubt contributed to its longevity. Is less than 10,000 miles possible after 52 years? Of course, but I’d want some proof before forking over a premium price for this vehicle. Seller-provided details are few and he/she uses portrait photos where landscape would show the whole car.
The body, paint, and interior all seem good and a 302 cubic-inch V8 sits under the hood, “fully functional with no issues”. The seller is skittish about how the car is seen by potential buyers, only meeting at the local police station. Given how many people on Facebook flake out on showing up, the seller could find him or herself making a lot of false runs to find a serious buyer.
Grandes had a “Grande” emblem on the sail panels and woodgrain accents sprinkled around the interior, so this is a base Mustang hardtop.
A very nice Mustang. With such low mileage and an old car, you have to watch for rubber rot, hoses, belt, fluids, etc. Look close before dropping 25K. Thanks, BF and Mitchell G.
Wow, hard to believe some of these classics are still hiding in good shape. That sweet green Nova that was listed here is at 12,700.
Better to be safe than sorry, dealing with “FlakeBook” buyers and sellers. I was looking to buy an old Pinto, about a month ago. Seller was deep in the ‘hood, but sounded reasonable. Wanted to meet at a sketchy used car dealership, but couldn’t give me the name of the dealer. Said he’d drive the car there to meet me. So I suggested a safe place, same distance for both of us. He wouldn’t do it. Had to come to him. He offered another place, deeper in the city. I balked. Then insisted I come to his house! My life, and or freedom(I carry)wasn’t worth the trouble.
True and good catch, CCFisher! It is/was very unusual to see a hardtop with the optional vinyl roof that was NOT a Grande. Super nice, clean car and a good write-up, Russ.
If its on “Flakebook”, I’m out…
It must be nice to have a collection of cars that you never drive.Wish I had that problem. If that’s not the case here I must ask. Why wasn’t this car driven to the seller at least.
I had a 73 copper on black from the original owner, a 43 year old woman who was unfortunately going blind. It only had 46,000 on it. Two issues tho: the tops of the front fenders started to rust thru on these. And the engine was also a 302 but was always goin thru points. Never could figure it out after changing numerous parts.
The points issue might have been the vacuum advance backing plate was worn. I had a 73 Mercury Montego that I had the same issue with the points. As soon as I replaced the distributor the issue with constantly changing the points and went away.