Big changes were in store for the Ford Mustang after 1973, or I guess it’s more accurate to say small changes, as the pony car got a significant decrease in size for the ’74 model. Based on looks alone, the larger 1971-1973 examples are among my favorites of the breed, and many from this era still remain affordable. This 1973 Mustang Mach 1 is fresh out of a storage that lasted for more than three decades, with the seller claiming that nothing has been done to it since it came out of hibernation. This one’s in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and can be found here on Craigslist, with the owner hoping to pocket $12,000 in cash only from the sale. Reader Rocco B. is responsible for finding this Mustang, and we’d like to thank him for sending us the tip!
Although this one’s been off the road for over 30 years, there are a lot of things to get excited about here, with an obvious positive being that it’s a Mach 1 with that great-looking SportsRoof fastback design. It’s said to have been stored inside a barn, and the conditions must have been favorable, as the body seems to remain solid for the most part. Just a small amount of rust can be seen around the rear wheel openings, but the panels all appear salvageable. The exterior is also mostly complete, except for the mirrors, hood pins, and one piece of trim above the grille. I’m not too fond of the wire wheels, but I’m guessing these will come off quickly once this Mustang gets into the hands of its next owner.
The mechanical components consist of a 351 Cleveland engine, a C6 automatic, and a limited-slip 9-inch rear end. One detail the seller omits is why this Mustang was parked in 1992, and there’s no mention of whether the engine will still run or turn. It doesn’t look like any of the outer components have been removed, as the wires and belt are still present. However, with this many decades having passed, the time has probably come to give the motor a thorough going through. The same may hold true for the transmission.
Unfortunately, one of the seller’s fingers got in the way and blocked part of what would have been the best interior photo. However, other than a baked dash pad, most of the inside items we can view appear to be in reasonably decent shape. One other noteworthy picture is from the door jamb, which shows some overspray on top of the factory Ford sticker, so there’s been at least some paintwork done in the distant past. Though the condition of the engine is unknown, this one seems to be at a very good starting point, and $12k may be in the ballpark for what we’re seeing here. Is this 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 tempting you to take it on as a project?
Needs a lot but ts a Q-code Cobra Jet at least. It wasn’t born with limited slip
I agree with Mike’s write-up. It needs lots of work but it doesn’t look abused or eaten up with rust. Those wire wheels are consistent with the statement that it has been sitting for over three decades.
I like the 71-73 models, especially the Machs and Bosses, when brought back to their eye-catching stock condition. Hopefully someone will buy it and give it some love.
A wrong turn at Albuquerque, nyaa, what’s up doc? You know, it’s interesting to see the roller coaster of Mustang sales. From a high of 607,000 in 1966,( 559,000 in ’65) to just about 130,000 in ’73, up a tick from ’72 at 126,000, not much more than when the Mustang came out. Then down to 177,000 in ’77, and shot back up to almost 370,000 in ’79 with the Fox body(?). Personally, I thought the ’73 was the nicest Mustang, but a change was clearly needed, and that change, as mentioned, came in ’74 with almost 400,000 Mustang lls sold. The Mustang name still holds a lot of clout today, and in my neck of the woods, if a Mustang wasn’t wrapped around an oak tree, you fell out the bottom due to extensive rust. Once the shock towers went, it was hello Pinto V8 project.
Typically, I wouldn’t give this person a grand for this, what I’d call, an ambitious restoration, I couldn’t imagine what that might cost, but the car itself certainly will be appealing for years to come.
I cant begin to tell even today the amount of folks that come up to look at my fully restored 66′ Mustang at shows and tell me they had one,of course old timers.
I know they are completely different cars but the style of this one and some of the body lines remind me of the Grand Torino, this is a nice find and I wish it was closer so I could check it out in person
Agree with JCA that its Q-code motor should generate better interest. Unusual that the seller didn’t know or promote that important selling point. That, along with what should have been a favorable storage environment (dry) are two of its better points.
Looks like themustang from the Charles Bronson movie The Mechanic!