Vehicle Description
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 wheelcovers 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, theheater/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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