1971 Ford Mustang Convertible
Outside of the 1971 Boss 351, the convertible was produced in the fewest numbers. Just 6,121 were created and who knows how many are still roadworthy. Let's just say, this is an uncommon car. As 1970 models were one year designs, 1971 ushered in a new look which lasted three years. Then came the 1974's which were met with some vocal consternation. In contrast, the '71-'73 retained at least a hint of Mustang's glory days.
For consignment, a one family owned garage kept 1971 Ford Mustang convertible born in Dearborn, Michigan with a 351ci Cleveland V8 under the hood. It presents in good original condition and it's ultimately restorable if that's the direction the new owner wants to go.
Exterior
Our example is covered in Copper colored paint that shows in used but presentable condition, meaning it has its share of chips, scratches, peeling, and surface rust. There's also some bubbling near the rocker panel. Overall however, the panels appear fairly straight with the color change the car is wearing from the original Medium Yellow Gold. The chrome bumpers are in decent condition as are the metal trimmings, including the window frame. The long hood leads into a shoulder line that rises on the rear quarter panel and terminates in a vertically flat tail. Distinctive taillights are flush with the rear panel and have the reverse light in the center of three segments. The 14-inch wheels with Sport wheel covers along with the white lined tires that surround them keep this skate on the road. The black canvas top seems to be in outstanding condition and retains a glass rear window.
Interior
Ginger is the original interior color code, but it's not ginger in 2024 terms, meaning orange. It's ginger that's more of a saddle brown with tinges of yellow. The driver's door panel starts the palette and surrounds a faux wood panel. This particular door shows some age and will benefit from cleaning and restoration, while the passenger door is in better shape. Meanwhile, the panel of electric window switches on the driver's door is impressive. Moving onto the seats, the vinyl bolster and side supports surround a knit center and the front buckets along with the rear bench are in good condition while the molded plastic interior trim could use a good cleaning or repainting. A very basic but matching steering wheel indicates the Mustang's less sporty nature which is also relayed by the simple dash with minimal features. The center stack redeems the car with a trio of round gauges, an AM/FM radio, the heater/AC controls. A clock fits into the center console ahead of the familiar Ford shifter. The ginger loop style carpet is consistent with the condition of the car which is intact but showing some age. The trunk is bare metal and houses a steel wheeled spare tire. The paint on the underside of the trunk lid is noticeably decent.
Drivetrain
Combustion chamber design and intake differentiate the 351ci Cleveland rated at 240 horsepower. A 2-barrel carburetor feeds it fuel while a FMX 3-speed automatic transmission sends power to the 9" rear with 3.00 TracLok gearing. Power brakes, disc in front, drums in the back, equip this car. Visually, the engine bay is driver quality but clean, the Ford blue valve covers shining through and the decals on the blue air filter housing is clean and readable.
Undercarriage
Generally clean and dry underneath with minimal areas of surface rust. We do see a bit of oil near the rear differential which looks to be the pinion seal. There's some on the frame rails on the front but none on the oil pan. A single exhaust intersects a Flowmaster muffler and then continues to exit out back. It's covered in surface rust, but the gas tank is clean and shiny. Independent, coil spring suspension is found in the front and leaf springs in the rear.
Drive-Ability
A tickle of the gas pedal and a turn of the key and we were off to the test loop. 240 horsepower is buffered by the 2-barrel, but eventually the car gets up to speed and runs smoothly. Power brakes work just fine and on our list of misses, only the A/C is noted as non functional.
1971-1973 Mustangs in base trim levels have not had their day in the sun yet, but it's bound to happen based on this period's Mach 1's rise in valuation. And speaking of sun, here's a rare convertible from 1971 with all the bones of a restorable classic car. Or enjoy as is and you'll still get the attention of those who understand these unique links in the Mustang historic chain.
1F03H121919
1-1971
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
03-Mustang Convertible
H-351ci Cleveland 2bbl V8 240hp
121919-Sequential Unit Number
Door Sticker
BODY 76D-Mustang Convertible, Standard Buckets
COL E-Medium Yellow Gold
TRIM CF-Ginger Knitted Vinyl Buckets
AXLE 0-Ford 9" 3.00 TracLoc
TRANS X-C4 Automatic
DSO 16-Philadelphia
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