1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1
Despite having just given the 1969 Mach 1 a facelift with a brand new front fascia in the 1970 model year, Ford already had plans for a complete revamp in 1971. Much of what made a Mach 1 unique was cosmetic in nature while four engine options were available, and five transmission choices were on the list. This generation was produced only from 1971 to 1973 and as we remember, Ford downsized the line with the Mustang II's in 1974.
For consignment, a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 wearing black side stripes. 36,498 Mach 1's were built in 1971 and while they were available in a variety of colors. Ford chose a Light Pewter Metallic example as their cover car on the 1971 Mustang sale brochure.
Exterior
Single stage Light Pewter Metallic is a fine shade of satin gray on this big fastback. The honeycomb grille contains inset "sport driving lights" and a chrome ring between single headlights. Color keyed bumpers could have been had in '71 but this car retains chrome front and rear, both in good condition. Functional dual ram hood scoops were Mach 1 specific, and Ford described them as being "NASA type." On this car, they are within the wide black stripe the coats much of the hood center and part of a long hood. But it's not as long as the flat roof that gently slopes back blending seamlessly into the flat back window, past the Mach 1 wing, and then a 90 degree drop onto the vertical rear valance. There we find the honeycomb pattern repeated with a pop open gas cap between two trapezoidal and flush tail lights just above protruding rectangle exhaust tips. 15-inch Shelby 10 Spokes wheels are a nice touch on this car as Mach 1's were often equipped with dog dish hubcaps. Mach 1 Mustang is emblazoned on the front quarter panels. Flaws we note are some chipping paint on the black rocker panel, evidence of repair near a wheel opening, headlight surround, C-pillar, and door gap, a ding under the side stripe, various scratches, water spots, and imperfections in the paint and stripes.
Interior
Molded black plastic door panels feature integral pull handles and armrests with woodtone applique' panels. Some of the power window buttons are out of place and the speaker screen is missing. The tall front bucket seats include three colors of vinyl, knitted in the center and having accent stripes like suspenders up the middle. A tear is noted on the driver's seat bottom and some wear marks on the side bolster at the entry point. The rear 2+2 seats are deep and low while the rear shelf is an upright panel with a pair of speakers. A faux wood trimmed center horn section fronts the steering wheels which is wrapped in an aftermarket vinyl grip and textured and molded plastic creates the gauge housing and dashboard. This car has the Instrumentation Group option which replaces the clock with a tachometer and a trip odometer is added to the speedometer. A trio of gauges is in the center stack, also backed with faux woodtone applique, and containing the aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette radio. Vent and fan controls are below the radio and a clock heads up the center console where we find the floor mounted Hurst T-handle shifter and when not being shifted, an armrest is provided. Loop style black carpet covers the floor in good condition on the driver's side and shows some wear on the passenger's. The black cloth headliner and visors are also in good condition.
Drivetrain
Clean and driver quality under the long hood, we find the 351ci Cleveland V8 rated at 240 horsepower. It's tied to a Toploader 4-speed manual transmission and fueled with a 2-barrel carburetor. Power goes to the Ford 9" rear and power drum brakes are found front and rear.
Undercarriage
Surface rust coats most of the suspension components, the exhaust, and driveshaft. Oil is seen at the rear differential, the transmission and coated on the oil pan. One bit of flaky rust is seen on the belly pan and evidence of welding on a frame rail is observed. Overall, driver quality underneath with no major invasive rust other than the noted pan. The dual exhaust travels through glasspack style mufflers and out the back via chrome tips. Coil springs soften the independent suspension up front while leaf springs are found in the back.
Drive-Ability
This generation of Mach 1 always feels large, that tall fastback gives the car B-52 proportions but driving them and pointing that large hood towards our test loop is no problem at all. Aside from the obvious blind spot, visibility is good and dual sport mirrors were standard on the Mach 1. Decent power from the 351, and good handling due to stiffer coil springs that were provided on the Mach. On the downside, we find only that the horn does not work nor the turn signals.
The Mach 1 is a legendary Mustang derivative and the 1971-1973 generation might be the most unique of all. That long sloping back, the hood scoops, and that distinctive tail make them desirable. We're not blowing smoke when we say we've found new owners for quite a few Mach 1's over the years and this is a great driver that will very likely find a new home. What address should we give the shipper?
1F05H159082
1-1971
F-Dearborn
05-Mustang Mach 1
H-351ci V8 2bbl
159082-Sequential Unit Number
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