As the Ford Mustang kept getting bigger and bigger in the 1960s and 1970s, its sales numbers got smaller and smaller. From a peak of 607,000 copies in 1966, the Mustang could only muster 135,000 units in 1973. So that model year would be the last for the “first generation” which was replaced by the Mustang II subcompact in 1974 (which did deliver more customers). This ’73 Mach 1 is said to be quite rusty and might make a better parts car than a restoration project. Located on the back of a trailer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the Ford is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $3.000. Our thanks to barn finder NW Iowa for the tip!

With its most recent restyle in 1971, the Mustang was 800 lbs. heavier than when it was first conceived. So, it took more horsepower (and gasoline) for the car to do its thing. The Mach 1 was still a decent seller, at least in terms of its share of the Mustang pie (in 1973, one out of four Mustangs was the Mach 1 with the “flatback” roof that you had trouble seeing out of from the back). Ford was not the only pony car builder to struggle during this period, and both AMC and Chrysler would exit the market space in 1974.

While it’s no beauty or show car in its present stage, this Mach 1 may be in worse shape than it looks atop the trailer as the seller admits he/she doesn’t know whether it can be saved. So, the seller is going after those potential buyers who might need parts for another 1971-73 Mustang project. The mileage is said to be 40,000, but if that’s true, the car led a hard life to earn them.

Under the hood resides a 351 cubic inch “Cleveland” V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor. So, it doesn’t have muscle car era potential if you got it, and the C6 automatic transmission back in running condition. The interior is being used to store things that may or may not include any seats. The lime green (?) paint has run its course and the rear quarter panel on the passenger side is a bit suspect. The purchase does include right and left floor pans, so the originals must be in trouble. What future do you see for this Mustang that’s 50 years old?