Your first decision as you approach the purchase of the 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 seen here on ebay will be whether you want one of these last-of-a-generation models. The 1971-73 cars are just such a long way from the compact beauty of the 1965-66 models that started the pony car era on April 17, 1964. If you decide that the long, wide, and flat body style is for you, hop in above the current price of $9,000, knowing that this won’t buy the car, as the reserve is not met. You’ll need a ride to Livermore, CA, to pick up your prize, should things go your way.

What do you think of the proportion of these cars? The rear glass is nearly flat, and there’s very poor visibility out back and to the sides. The size is daunting compared to the earlier cars, not just in width and length but also in terms of heft. In fact, the best word for this styling is perhaps “hefty.” At the time of release, these cars were competing with a redesigned Camaro and Firebird which had much more contemporary styling, having left 1960s proportions behind for a sleek, European look. However, fans of the Mustang in particular supported the breed, with about 135,000 ‘Stangs sold in 1973, compared to under 100,000 Camaros that model year. Perhaps the fear of the future drove Mustang buyers, as on the horizon loomed the Mustang II, a downsized version of their favorite marque. As it turned out,  the 1974 models were very popular. 385,000 of those newly designed cars went out the Ford dealers’ doors in 1974.

Sporting the 351-CID engine and automatic transmission, this 1973 is a cruiser all day long, and the seller indicates that the mileage is just below 150,000, though it is also noted that the original engine and transmission have been rebuilt. There is literally no other word of information about this car, leaving you to do your own sleuthing.

You’ll first find out, as indicated, that the power plant is in great shape. However, things might go awry from there, as the rear is another, potentially expensive, story. “Trunk pan is rusty, needs replaced.” How rusty? How did this happen, given that the rest of the car looks pretty good? Maybe the images are hiding the whole truth? What’s up with the paint, and any old bodywork? The images offered are of little help. They do, note, show the car as a Mach 1, a performance and appearance package offered on the Sports Roof (fastback) body style only. Whether this car is an authentic Mach 1 or a clone is not claimed. So on the surface, all seems OK. What will you discover is you do some further digging?