A 1973 Ford Mustang Mach I for $2,500 will get some attention! You’re probably thinking that at that price, it has to be an unrecognizable wreck. Well, it’s a project, definitely, but maybe a reasonable start to a cool build-it-yourself undertaking. It looks okay mostly but it’s going to need some parts – that’s the bad news; the good news is that it’s $2,500! Located in Lakewood, Colorado, this BIG Mustang is available, here on craigslist. Thanks to Mark_K for this tip!
Being a 1973 Mustang means that this car is among the last of the traditional ponies assembled before Ford went off the rails with the Mustang II (’74-’78). Some will argue that the ’73 is a less desirable specimen than the ’71 or ’72 version thanks the mandated five MPH front bumper and reduced power output. To my eyes, the bumper doesn’t look much different than its predecessors and this one has no engine, so none of that really matters.
The seller suggests, “great for parts” but I see more than that here. The body of this car actually shows surprisingly well, there may be some rust in the lower passenger-side quarter but nothing more is readily evident. It has a small dent or two as well, some minor front bumper friction, but that’s about it. Even the blacked-out hood is still black and not faded. The paint code indicates 2B which is bright red but what I’m seeing is more like bright orange. That said, the insides of the doors, and the places that usually don’t get repainted, match the exterior so perhaps what I’m seeing is the result of some fade. Note the lace alloy wheels, those are items that one doesn’t encounter often anymore.
The VIN’s “H” code tells us that this pony originally had a 157 net HP, 351 CI V8 residing under its midwest plain-sized hood. The seller tells us that, “It’s been gone forever” so that puts us in blank canvas territory (No! No LS swap allowed). Ford has plenty of newer, alternate-sized small-block engines that could drop in and work far more effectively than what was originally powering this car. And, this is a manual transmission equipped model (no word on the gearbox’s whereabouts) so that could seriously up the fun factor.
The interior, unfortunately as is often the case, has become a repository for stuff so it’s hard to get a complete look at the total environment, but what’s there shows decently. The driver’s seat is going to need some work and the instrument panel looks like it’s not in order but all-in-all, not a bad start.
So, if you’re overloaded with outrageous collectible/muscle car prices, here’s one on the cheap, upon which a new owner can bestow their imprimatur. In spite of no title, this Mustang still seems like a reasonable proposition to me, how about you?
Doesn’t look like a bad deal for $2500, at
least from the pics.
And it’s…..GONE!
Also,that was an auto shifter and base.
This listing specifically stated it as having a manual transmission.
JO
looks like an auto shifter to me, too.
These years (71-73) were just too big to be called a Mustang. If they hadn’t been downsized in ’74, they’d have in a couple more years turned out to be little more than overstuffed Torinos.
The NEW Mustangs Are BIGGER Than This
& probably heavier too.
But unlike the ’65-’78 stangs, room for only 2 in the newer ones, instead of 4. & a tiny trunk. Go figure.
A heck of a good starting point for anyone looking for an early 70’s project car. $2500 is pocket change these days, especially for a car of this gen even if it is a 73. Compared to what we see on Barn finds I would say this may have been one of the best deals featured!
GONE!
Not surprisingly either.
I didn’t need it. But.
That was a STEAL.
I have two 4V Cleveland engines here…
And a 2017 Expedition V6 Twin Turbo EcoBeast and all associated bits.
And that would’ve been a cool part of an affordable restomod.
🙁
Unbelievable
Considering the price listed and the crazy prices we see cars sell for these days, his missed a zero in the listing price and promptly removed it.
Has anybody seen the design study for 74 mustang based on the maverick ? Pretty cool. Anywho I kinda liked the Mustang II perfect car for its time.
Off the rails with the Mustang II? I thought Ford Motor Companys job is to sell cars. They sold more Mustang IIs every year it was in production. Then they did the in 71. Which sold more than 72 or 73. In 74 Ford sold almost 3 times as many as they did 73. Years 77 and 78 where the only two years of the Mustang II that GM sold more Camaros. With the Mustang selling more than double the Camaro in 74.
I understand your position but I don’t know too many Mustang fans, real Mustang enthusiasts – and I was one at one time, that have much good to say about the Pinto-derived Mustang II.
JO
I have been a Mustang fan since 1968 when I was 6 years old. Have owned at least one Mustang ever since I was 18. Been driving Mustangs since I was 11. I still own the 67 Mustang my parents bought when I was 11. I drove it all through High School. Building a hot rodded 289 for it. The summer in-between my 11th and12th grades in school. Built and installed the engine, before the car was actually mine. Also still have the 69 Mach 1. I bought when I was 21. I just do not see how Ford went off the rails, by selling so many cars.
I’ve had a and one 69 sportfoof 70 fastback sportfoof and a c striped modle and lastly a 70 mach 1. Having said all that I am parcel towards the 69,70 style but I still remember the James Bond movie Diamonds are for ever and fell in love with that red mach 1,so I’d really like to own this one even though it’s a 73 still a great looking car.
So real mustangs were falcon based, had steering with more turns lock to lock than the Titanic, drum brakes and wallowy handling standard. The Mustang II had tight rack and pinion steering, handled better than every previous Stang and got way better mileage. The Pinto, in its original form was a better car than the Falcon in it’s.