1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Description

The 1971 Mustang was totally redesigned, but retained its wide variety of potent V8 engines, including the M-code 351 Cleveland found in this gorgeous Mach 1. With 100% matching numbers, an awesome color combination, and factory air, this is a very desirable high-performance Mustang for not a lot of cash.

The Medium Yellow Gold paint is a traditional Mustang color, and it looks fantastic on the new-for-71 fastback shape. Finished in modern two-stage urethane, it's not quite orange and not quite yellow and has been laid down over nicely prepped bodywork. It appears that it's just had one repaint, since the door jambs appear to be original factory enamel, and that speaks volumes about how well-maintained this car really is. Even those massive rear quarters are laser straight with a crisp fender line that stretches to the rear of the car. These cars are notorious for having heavy doors that are difficult to close, but these fit well and latch with a gentle push instead of a violent slam, a tribute to the workmanship found throughout. Other details like the Ram Air hood with its blacked-out center, Mach 1 decals on the fenders, and front and rear spoilers give it an aggressive look that is backed by the hot 351 under the hood.

The ginger bucket seat interior is loaded with options, beautifully preserved, and from what we can tell is the original interior. The buckets were a fresh design in '71, and offer somewhat more aggressive looks than earlier models. Clean door panels, carpets, and a correctly-finished fold-down rear seat make this interior a great place to do business, and the excellent condition of all the components suggests a car that has always been prized by its owners. All the gauges are fully functional, there's an optional tilt steering column, and the A/C blows ice cold thanks to an R134a conversion. A T-handle shifter manages the C4 3-speed automatic transmission, and there's a modern AM/FM/cassette stereo just above it that looks like it was custom-designed just for this car. The trunk is quite clean, although the opening is pretty slim given the design of the new fastback. Fortunately, there's a spare tire under that plaid cover and you can see how clean this car really is at a glance.

Known for its high-RPM capabilities, the 351 Cleveland is the small block you want in your Mach 1. Topped by a 4-barrel carburetor underneath the original air cleaner, it makes 285 horsepower and all the right sounds. Ford Blue paint on the block gives it a factory-correct look, along with matching valve covers and clean satin black on the fenders and firewall that acts like a background. Underneath, it's extremely clean and highly original, with dry, clean floors, the aforementioned automatic transmission, and a 9-inch rear hanging on the original leaf springs. The exhaust system features Flowmaster mufflers, giving the 351 a deep voice that sounds edgy, and power disc brakes keep it under control. Handsome aluminum wheels give it a slightly custom look, but they certainly work with the Mach 1's overall demeanor, especially with those fat 235/60/15 white letter radials.

Big block cars get all the glory, but the small block cars are almost as fast and handle better in every way. This gorgeous Mach 1 is a solid, clean, well-sorted car loaded that doesn't need more cubic inches to be a threat on the street. Get in, fire up the engine, turn on the A/C, and run it up and down through the gears, I guarantee you'll fall in love. Call today!