Vehicle Description
Ford redesigned the Mustang for 1971, but performance was still a
big part of the equation. This nicely finished fastback combines
aggressive good looks with a built small block V8 and 4-speed
manual transmission to create one of the best-driving '70s Mustangs
we've seen.
When they restored this Mustang, they aimed for a bit of an updated
look but didn't go too far away from the factory spec. That
beautiful blue paint is in the right neighborhood of the original
code 6 Bright Silver Blue, and it certainly looks period correct on
the car. Having all that sheetmetal to work with, you know it's
solid underneath and the straight bodywork shows off what a few
hundred hours' worth of blood, sweat, and tears (plus a large stack
of $100 bills) get you. Those big quarter panels are smooth and
straight, seams are good, and a whole slew of factory Mach 1
dress-up items were added including the Ram Air hood, chin spoiler,
hood pins, and the wing out back. Reproduction Mach 1 decals were
applied to the flanks, which really accentuates the long, low, wide
look of the all-new "flatback" body style, and the blacked-out hood
treatment is pure intimidation on the street. This car also
includes a chrome front bumper and grille surround, correct
"honeycomb" tail panel, and bright trim along the rockers that
helps visually lengthen the car so it looks very low.
The interior was completely gutted and rebuilt from there. Original
white high-back buckets with factory-style "Comfort-Weave"
upholstery were reinstalled along with a new headliner, carpets,
and seat covers. Original gauges, including a somewhat rare factory
tach, were stuffed back into their holes in the dash after checking
the wiring, which ensures that even the auxiliary gauges on the
center stack are operational. The bright blue door panels and
carpets offer an awesome contrast and no performance-oriented
Mustang is complete with a center console and Hurst T-handle
shifter. The trunk now sports a fresh mat and space-saver spare
tire.
The M-code 351 cubic inch Cleveland V8 is a great choice in a 1971
Mustang; torquey but light, so handling is balanced but it's still
plenty quick. It's fortified with an Edelbrock intake manifold and
Demon four-barrel carburetor under the stock ram air setup, so you
won't see the upgrades but you'll definitely feel them. Ford Blue
paint gives it a correct look and they even kept the original-style
valve covers. It's not quite detailed for show, but it's tidy and
in good working order and it runs superbly. The 4-speed manual
snaps through the gears with authority and you'll savor the cackle
of the long-tube headers and glasspack-style mufflers with each
shift. Out back, the stock rear was retained, and carries
highway-friendly 3.25 gears. 17-inch Torque Thrust style wheels
were taken from a late-model Mustang and look surprisingly right on
this vintage pony and are wrapped in 235/55/17 Pirelli radials all
around.
The perfect car for local cruise nights or the next long-distance
haul to the coast, this fastback is proof that the '70s Mustangs
are coming on strong. Call today!