1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1
1971 was the tail end of a radical period of performance Mustangs. In '69 and '70, you could opt for a GT, Boss 302, Boss 429, Shelby GT350, Shelby GT500, and the Mach I. In '71, choices dwindled to the Boss 351 and the Mach 1. If we all had a crystal ball back then, we would have picked up as many performance Mustangs as possible and tucked them away in secure storage only to pull them out and sell at the right time, whenever that may be. These cars were priced between $2,700 and about $5,300 which seems like chicken feed today, but $5,300 is equal to $44,800 in today's money, so amassing a collection in 1970 would not have been that easy.
For consignment, a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1, showing 72,679 miles which are non actual. As the brochure prompted, "Put yourself into a '71 Mustang. Then put your mark on it with this challenging selection of better idea options.". And indeed, three different rooflines, three different engines, and six different models gave shoppers different levels of performance and luxury to choose from. 36,496 people walked away with Mach 1's in 1971, but none came in this interesting color!
Exterior
Burnt Orange is a color we've grown accustomed to in 2024 and looks good on the big body of the Mach 1, finished in two stage base/clear for lasting gloss. And there's lots of sinister black here to contrast the orange, and it works well. The bumpers, chin spoiler, hexagon grille, body stripe, and spoiler are all black and are complemented by smoked, modernized headlights, window trim, and the classic rear fascia which picks up on the hexagons and lens trim. Chrome lovers need not fret however, as the 15-inch US Mag wheels offer some metallic shine to the profile. And what a profile! It's the distinctive Sportsroof offered in '71 on both the Mach and the Boss, but you could also get a base Mustang with that large, sloping rear. But what it didn't have were the aggressive intake scoops in the hood, now iconic triangular ducts that also graced the Boss 351. The paint and panel gaps are nice here with imperfections noted only as a deep scratch on the rear valance, some bubbling down low, and some rust on the very bottom corner of a door.
Interior
The guards in the 1971 film "Escape from Planet of the Apes" wore black vests with geometric patterns that were trending at the time and seen on the door panels of this car, in black vinyl, with squares and circles embossed in the material. Tight black vinyl with design lines covers the newly upholstered tall back bucket seats in front and look great and material and conditions are copied in the 2+2 seating in back where the rising roof provides good headroom. A GT steering wheel fronts a black painted cluster surround, and three round gauges are in plain view of the driver. A row of three gauges heads the center stack under a cubby and above an AM radio and that leads to the vent controls and an analog clock. The dash pad is a black affair covered in textured vinyl and roughly cut in some areas, while the center console is a tidy arrangement of the standard Ford shifter in front of a formed plastic storage bin. Black loop carpet is in good condition as is the stitched headliner above our heads. The large trunk wears a new liner.
Drivetrain
Under the massive hood we find a clean 351ci Cleveland V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor, headers, and a C4 3-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent to the Ford 8" in back and the momentum is halted by power disc brakes up front and power drums in the rear which are part of an upgrade made by a previous owner, along with suspension components.
Undercarriage
On the hunt for new components, we do find the leaf springs to be fresh, along with sway bars and other obviously new pieces. Along with the leaf springs in back, the car has coil springs in the front. Dual exhaust comes off the header and through glasspack style mufflers finally exiting through straight pipes escorted through the rear of the car via cutouts in the valance. There's some typical patina otherwise and a few drops of oil on the pan, but nothing waving red flags underneath.
Drive-Ability
There's a charm in the simplicity of it all. A few gauges, a basic shifter, and an orderly interior, not much to distract from the task at hand, driving. And with a turn of the key, you become alert and aware, there's no cruise control, lane assist, or ABS. You're all in. Our ride was gratifying in that the 351 puts out plenty of power and has a nice growl to go along with it. The car handles well on the newer suspension and brakes are on point. We note the dash lights don't illuminate and the tach is not working. All other items operate as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Here's a real deal Mach 1 in a unique color with some tasteful trim work, a distinctive shape, and some of the meanest hood scoops in the business! It's well sorted and ready for both show and go. The further we get from 1971, the more collectible these seem to be, and the Sportsroof that once seemed unusual and out of place, now makes them unique and special. This big bodied 'Stang is ready for a new stable. Grab the reins, cowpoke, and lead this wild one home.
1T05F154863
1-1971
T-Metuchen, NJ Assy Plant
05-Mustang Mach 1
F-302ci 2bbl V8
154863-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
