If you search the article history on Barn Finds, you will find that most examples of the 1971 Mustang featured are the Fastback version. This is understandable because it includes the highly desirable Mach 1. The Hardtop derivative is less prevalent even though it accounts for more than 50% of all sales that year in Base and Grande forms. This Hardtop is an original classic that would be a satisfying project car. It has minor panel rust, and it retains its original paint. The V8 under the hood adds to its appeal, and the relatively subdued bidding means someone could score this classic for a song. It is listed here on eBay in Houston, Texas. The price sits below the reserve at $2,900, but there is a BIN option of $9,700 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.
Mustang sales declined significantly by 1971, with 149,678 people handing over the cash to drive one off the lot. The Base Hardtop was comfortably the most popular choice, with 65,696 (or 43.9%) of buyers selecting that model. That doesn’t make our feature car rare, but it is worth a closer look for those seeking a first project. Its panels sport their original Wimbledon White paint, which has a collection of scratches and imperfections. It is presentable if the new owner wishes to plan their strategies and accumulate a project budget before placing a spanner on this Hardtop. The panels are pretty straight, but the best news is that it has little rust. The underside appears to have a light coat of surface corrosion, but penetrating rust seems primarily confined to small areas on the lower rear quarter panels. If an in-person inspection confirms this, then patches would be a valid option rather than wholesale panel replacement. The trim and glass are acceptable for a driver-grade build, while the steel wheels retain their correct caps and trim rings.
Powering this Mustang is the mighty 302ci V8, with the original owner specifying a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. Although it would never keep pace with a Mach 1, the ability to cover the ¼-mile in 16.7 seconds was pretty respectable. The seller states the Mustang recently emerged after fifteen years in storage. They replaced the fuel tank, fuel pump, and battery. The rear brakes were locked, but they are now free. The car runs and drives, with its V8 feeling particularly strong. The brakes are spongy, and they feel the system needs a master cylinder as a starting point. However, it sounds like returning it to its rightful place on our roads for summer is a viable option.
This Mustang’s interior demonstrates another example of a seller letting themselves down with the supplied photos. I have no issue with creativity, but pictures form a significant part of the sales process. They are what draw in potential buyers to delve deeper into any classic. By piecing together what is available, the Black vinyl trim looks okay. The wheel is missing its center, and there is an aftermarket stereo, but the overall impression is positive. It isn’t loaded with luxuries like air conditioning but appears comfortable and practical.
First Generation Mustangs are a staple of the classic scene, although the later Hardtop models don’t enjoy the same stratospheric prices as other examples within the range. A high-end restoration could see this car command a value of just over $20,000, which isn’t outrageous. Its strength rests in how straightforward the process should be, with only minimal rust repairs required. If the new owner is hands-on, it should still be financially viable, even if they pay the BIN price. Is that enough for you to seriously consider bidding on this promising project?
Adam- title needs revision to “Original Paint: 1971…”
Really nice find! I see no reason to doubt it’s original/survivor status from the pics supplied. The BIN seems very fair and reasonable, seems unusual these days to find “fair” pricing. Yes, it’s a Coupe (I appreciate them, many do not), but I’d imagine this car would be triple the price if a Fastback Mach1 in the same condition. Thanks for featuring this car, I’m digging it!
Looks like a good example of a regular 1971 Mustang. I enjoy seeing what the regular models of the day looked like, the ones you might have seen in your neighborhood. This might be a good one to improve as you get time and money.
71’s did not come with urethane front bumpers or painted frt fender extentions, they came in chrome. Urethane frt bumpers and painted front fender extentions came in late 72, early 73. The urethane front bumper was the 5 mile per hour safety bumper that was mandated by Washington safety nuts at the time.
Yes not a 70, and some mighty poor photos.
Floor mat looks good. Wonder if it has a dash and steering wheel and stuff.
Actually, I prefer this body style over the fastback in this generation of Mustang, the fastback was just “too fastback “, if that makes any sense lol. If I had this, I’d be on the hunt for a Cleveland, that would complete the package. The price is more than reasonable.
At least you could see out the back window of the coupe. But the Fastbacks were a lot cooler.
Looks like this one was ordered with the Spring Special, Mach 1 type stripes and grill and hood.
” MINOR PANEL RUST” Both quarters need work and the trunk lid is shot , so there goes your original paint job. I’ve always liked these big 71-73 Mustangs and Cougars , but these rusted out as fast as the Asian cars did in the 70s
That’s a Spring Special only available in Spring 1971. They were available with any drivetrain.
My brother had one with a 351 Cleveland and boy, she’d move!
I bought one of these when I was 17 for $200 it was a mess but I fixed the body and painted exactly the same as this one. Mine had the 302 automatic I didn’t care I was happy to have my own mustang. Drove the crap out of it with my buddies then sold it a couple years later. Good memories
That is not a 71, 71’s came with chrome front bumpers and chrome front fender extensions, The 5 mile per hour urethane covered front bumpers came in late 72-early 73.
The urethane bumpers were optional.
Not on 71’s, no sir. Please show me the documents that support that statement.
Follow the link
https://www.mustangspecs.com/1971-ford-mustang-spring-special/
The VIN # supplied in the EBay ad indicates it’s a ’71.
Bumper could have been replaced by an owner who preferred it, or most likely was a victim of an accident.
Nope.
Aside from this being well known and easily verified should you should choose to look it up, we had a Spring Special with the urethane bumper.
Personally I would use the front end for the Mach 1 restoration. All the sheet metal is there. That ram-air hood is worth a $2k alone. All the rest of the bits and interior are worth it also. Good donor car.
That isn’t a Ram Air hood worth $2K. Ram Air hoods had open NACA scoops with the Ram Air plenum mechanism attached to it. This is the the same hood with NACA style scoops but they are closed with caps and no plenum mechanism is attached.
You are disseminating a lot of wrong information here.
You have not shown how I am wrong, just saying I am wrong. That hood can be made either way. Caps can be removed and the ram air underhood plenum can be added, you failed to mention that. The important part is there the hood and the ports in it. I have converted capped ram air hoods to full functionality. The parts are now being reproduced to do it.
Second, there is no proof that is not a true functional ram air hood. No pictures of the underside of the hood is supplied. The hood with or without the plenum, is still worth $2k. Original ram air hoods are rare as hens teeth.
You can see the caps in one of the pics and the hood isn’t worth $2k without the plenum and controls.
I think we’re done here.
Just google 71 Mustang Spring Special advertisement, the car has a urethane bumper and very iconic dress on the lady in the ad
The Ebay ad now says 71.
I tried posting the link but I don’t see my post here. Search 71 mustang spring special mustang specs , the site shows the car and lists the options for 1971 with the urethane bumper and painted trim. The model options include the Mach 1 nose and stripes with no lettering. As I said the bumper was optional.
A really clean example,if it had the 351c 4bbl it would really be desirable.it was underrated on hp for insurance reasons.the 351c made around 335hp.the original eleanor in the 1974 gone in 60 seconds was a 73 of this same body style and had this engine
I had a 71 Boss 351 back in the day. Grille says 71, front bumper says otherwise. Unless that’s painted chrome, which then takes into question the original paint claim.
Please read the chain which answers this concern. Urethane bumper was a ‘71 option, one that was included in the Spring Special package. This is a Spring Special so it has a urethane bumper.