Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Parked For 20 Years: 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1

This 1973 Mustang Mach 1 ran when it was parked, but the owner does admit that this was more than 20-years-ago. However, it is a complete car, and getting it moving under its own power again might not be that difficult. The price reflects the time that it has been sitting, and it makes it one of the most affordable complete 1st Generation Mach 1 project cars that you are likely to find in the market today. It is located in Grasonville, Maryland, and has been listed for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. You can take the Mach 1 away today for $3.500.

Under the accumulated dust and mold is a Mustang that might be capable of springing a surprise or two. The owner admits that there is some rust in the rear quarter panels and the trunk, but the rest of the body looks quite promising. We can’t see the state of the floors and the torque box region, but apart from the area where the rear of the car might be exposed to the elements, the rest of this shed looks pretty dry. If that is the case, then there is a chance that these areas might be relatively sound. One of the most encouraging aspects of the Mustang is the lack of visible corrosion in the engine bay. This area can start to show problems before the rest of the vehicle, and is often an accurate indicator of deeper issues. However, there is little in the way of surface corrosion, while the shock towers look solid and clean. There is some rust in the rockers, but this doesn’t appear to be extensive. The lower corners of the doors look pretty good, and there’s no evidence of rust around the rear window. There is some surface corrosion visible, but this doesn’t appear to be severe. The trim and chrome seem like it could be restored, and I can’t spot any glass issues.

Powering the Mach 1 is the 351-2V Cleveland V8, which is backed by a 3-speed automatic transmission. This did run when the car was parked, but the owner does admit that this was more than two decades ago. These old Cleveland V8s are pretty robust, so if it still turns, it might only require a little bit of encouragement to coax it back to life. The 2V is not the most potent 351 on the planet, pumping out 157hp. That also means that the ¼-mile journey would take around 17.5 seconds with the car in good health. However, it isn’t all gloom and doom. If the buyer isn’t worried about complete originality, it isn’t hard to wring some additional ponies from these engines without breaking the bank. For example, the simple upgrade to 4V specifications would boost power to 243hp and slice that ¼-mile ET to 15.2 seconds. Those figures look far healthier, and there would be more available if the buyer chose to pursue it further.

The Mustang’s interior brings more good news because it does appear to be complete. The seats and door trims look to be in good condition, with no signs of rips or seam separations. For such light-colored trim, it is also free from significant stains and yellowing, and I believe that it would respond well to a deep clean. With the dash also looking very respectable, I think that a few days of intensive cleaning would make a striking difference to the whole thing. A radio/cassette player has been fitted in place of the original radio and an oh-so-1980s graphic equalizer hangs under the dash, but these could be swapped out if the buyer wanted a more stock appearance. The same is true of the wheel because replacements are available at a reasonable price if this one isn’t to the buyer’s taste. This is one aspect of the Mach 1 where the buyer could potentially be spending more time than money to whip it into shape. That’s never a bad thing when considering any car as a restoration prospect.

By 1973, the Mustang wasn’t as “hard-edged” as it had been when it was first unveiled to the public. It had developed more into a “gentleman’s cruiser,” which was in keeping with the era’s evolving tastes. That doesn’t mean that they need to be a slouch. Extracting startling performance from a 351ci Cleveland is not difficult, and with a bit of extra power on board, that could make this Mach 1 an excellent compromise for the person seeking the best of both worlds. It is one of the cheapest complete Mach 1 project cars that you are likely to see on the market today, and that should make it worth a closer look.

Comments

  1. Avatar Classic Steel

    I luv mustangs and even the land yacht years. If one lives near this then bring a jack , flashlight and magnet 🧲 and look at pans and frame sections.

    Good luck 🍀

    Like 5
  2. Avatar Miguel

    I was looking forward to seeing a 1970 Mach I like the title says, but that is not what is here.

    Like 14
    • Avatar stanley kwiecinski

      if they throw in the vintage tomato stakes i might forget it isn’t a 1970….but i never liked any Mustang after 70

      Like 5
  3. Avatar Bill

    It’s a 1971 Mach

    Like 0
    • Avatar Steve R

      The seller says it’s a 73.

      Steve R

      Like 6
    • Avatar Joey V

      It’s clearly a 1973 model.

      Like 6
  4. Avatar 6speed

    Title says a 1970 Mach 1, opened up and saw this pig. You disappointed me!

    Like 4
  5. Avatar Steve Clinton

    Let me understand, the owner will pay someone $3500 to haul it away?

    Like 2
  6. Avatar B. Benton

    My 69 Mach 1 is offended by you calling this thing a 1st generation Mach, NOT.

    Like 4
  7. Avatar Tom71mustangs Member

    It’s a ‘73, folks. Simple mistake on the title of the article.

    Like 9
  8. Avatar EPO3

    Big difference in the money you can get in a first gen and a second gen mach one like the one offered in the article

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Tomas

    Can someone suggest how to get sellers contacts?

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jeffery Neihart

      You have to click on the link in the ad for the actual listing and then there is a place where you can contact the owner,

      Like 0
  10. Avatar Purple sky

    Got a few good options. Love the black with white interior. Black is the new red. LOL

    Like 1
  11. Avatar Pete

    A lot of old cars were pretty slow compared to what we’re used to nowadays… even “sportscars”.

    Like 1
  12. Avatar TCOPPS Member

    This looks like a pretty fair deal. Interior looks surprisingly well. Slushbox wouldn’t be my preference, but I think it’s pretty fair.

    Like 5
  13. Avatar J Lalonde

    Maybe it’s 1 of 1 titled 1970 but actually a 1973

    Like 2
    • Avatar Chris M.

      Say pal, with wit like that you’re going places!

      Like 2
  14. Avatar Motorsport Whse

    If anyone knows Mustangs, the first pic clearly shows the rearend and extended chrome rear bumper and 71-73 style stang taillights, if you where expecting to see more pics of a 70….maybe you are more of a tire kicker then you are buyer lol

    Like 3
  15. Avatar Charles A Simons Jr

    Ahhh!!! Memories of burning tires and skidding around corners…There are cars that some of y’all hate on…I just scroll on by..and then there is this. If only I were closer.

    Like 5
  16. Avatar tom bakken

    am interested, how do i get in contact with owner?

    Like 0
  17. Avatar Chris M.

    Say pal, with wit like that you’re going places!

    Like 1
  18. Avatar glash62 Member

    sat so long probably a fred flintstone special people do dumb things.

    Like 0
  19. Avatar gary mitchiel price

    yep i had one i hated that car glorified pinto

    Like 0
  20. Avatar dennis hockenberry

    It’s a scam

    Like 0

Leave a Reply to gary mitchiel price Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.