The Mustang got totally restyled for 1971, using the same Falcon platform that launched the popular car seven years earlier. By this time, the car had grown considerably from the original package, and every other manufacturer had jumped on board the pony car train, so competition brought down sales. This ’71 Mustang convertible is one of only 4% built as a drop-top that year. The body panels may be in good condition, but the floors are quite rusty, and the car doesn’t run. From Medford, Oregon, this Ford is available here on eBay where the starting bid is $3,700 but the Buy It Now is slightly higher at $4,000. Barn Finder Larry D gets credit for bringing this tip our way!
How different was the ’71 Mustang compared to the ’65 Mustang? It was 7.1 inches longer, 6.8 inches wider and about 500 pounds heavier. All that added up to a car that seemed bulkier, almost bloated when parked side-by-side. Sales were down to 150,000 units from a peak of 600,000 in 1966. So, change would come in 1974 when Ford went back to the drawing board and reinvented the car as the Mustang II, to be based on the smaller subcompact Pinto. The 1971-73 Mustangs would be the last ones having really big and powerful engines, as large as 429 cubic inches.
We gather the seller found this Mustang and brought it home to restore or resell (I’m going with the latter). That assumption is made because photos are provided in a shed, on a trailer and out in the open. While the body is mostly coated in primer grey, the original color appears to be Grabber Yellow, a popular Ford hue in the early ‘70s. Exterior sheet metal looks okay, but the floors are rusted to the point you can see daylight in the few places. Fortunately, the seller has replacements to go with the car. The seller says. “with a little cleaning, this will be a big money car.” It’s going to take more than that.
While the photos don’t show the interior off well, the seller says the seats, dashboard and door panels are in nice condition. There’s a 302 under the hood which we’re told doesn’t run, but it’s not frozen up either. It’s paired with an automatic transmission and we see a disconnected air conditioning compressor. The trunk is full of extra parts, although we don’t know the variety. The listing says the title is “salvage”, but the seller tells us it’s really just missing and the price reflects that omission. If he can locate the title, the price will be adjusted to $5,000. This Mustang is one of only 6,000 drop-tops made in 1971. Top dollar might be around $20,000 as these have been in lower demand than the 1965-68 models.
The car started out in New Jersey, which helps explain the rust.
Steve R
It’s an early ford, so that explains the rust, from most of the country. They didn’t build these things in order for them to be classic collectibles….built to sell….and sell they did.
Medford isn’t located in the part of the country where rust is a problem. Where I come from, you don’t see this sort of rust except for cars brought in from other areas.
Steve R
Strange-looking uniform rows of rust spots on the hood.
Probably a saveable car,but without title,no way,no how,and 5k is too much,these cars as eluded to earlier were not meant to last 50+ years,in the 70s the most rust prone cars were built,and some were lucky to make it 5 years,like the vega,and other rarely seen cars.
SOLD for $3,450.
Not having a clear title isn’t good. If there is a previous title floating around that can surface in the future after the new owner has spent tons of money on a restoration, the title holder has a valid claim to the car. Many states won’t issue a new title if there is a previous title in existance in someone else’s name. The new owner has to track down the old title and get it signed over to him. Maybe the title holder will want his or hers car back. Not worth taking a chance of losing the car to the title holder. Stay clear unless parting out the car.