Vehicle Description
This absolutely stunning 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 represents both
the pinnacle of Ford pony car performance and the end of the line
for big block powered Mustangs. With only a handful of 429 Cobra
Jet Mustangs built that year, it's an A-list collectable that's an
absolute blast to drive, just as it was more than 40 years ago.
The writing was on the wall in 1971, but Ford engineers were still
working at winning races on Sunday to sell cars on Monday. As a
result, this stunning 1971 Mach 1 sportsroof was permitted to
exist. It received a very high-quality repaint to original
specifications and remains in outstanding condition today. Thanks
to rare documentation including the original build sheet, it was
easy enough to return it to as-built condition, including the
stunning code D Grabber Yellow paint, which looks fantastic on the
"flatback" Mustang. The blacked-out hood, tape stripes, and Mach 1
callouts on the flanks certainly leave no question about its
performance aspiration, and with functional ram air, the big block
delivered performance that could match its look. Of note, this was
ordered with factory rear spoiler, which gives it an extremely
aggressive look that works well with the front spoiler, creating
one of the most aggressive-looking Mustangs ever. And every square
inch of the car was professionally finished so it's ready to knock
'em dead anywhere you go.
The black Clarion Knit interior was standard equipment in the Mach
1 and received the full treatment during the restoration. New seat
covers, carpets, door panels, and a fresh dash pad were all
installed to help insure trophy wins at every level. The gauges
were rebuilt and feature crisp markings and clear lenses, with
auxiliary gauges mounted in the center stack, although
interestingly, a tachometer was not part of the package. You'll
note this one sports a C6 3-speed automatic, which really was the
fastest way to get down the drag strip and it remains a pleasure to
drive under any circumstances. The original AM/8-track radio
remains in the dash, right above the HVAC controls (yes, working
factory air in a 429 Mustang!) and Mach 1 badge on the console. The
trunk is quite spacious, even with the spare and jack assembly in
place.
Ford wasn't giving up without a fight in 1971, and the thundering
429 Cobra Jet in this Mustang was the king of the hill. We also
believe it is this car's original, numbers-matching drivetrain, so
its pedigree is very strong. Nicely detailed, it starts easily and
rumbles with authority through a stock style dual exhaust system,
and with the same owner since 1985, you know it's been babied. With
an engine bay that's been detailed properly, it's just as
impressive sitting still with the hood open as it is on the road.
There's Ford Blue on the ram air air cleaner and block, correct
finned valve covers, and reproduction decals throughout. The
chassis is neatly finished and shows very little use since the
restoration was completed. As I mentioned, the C6 was the
transmission of choice and it's linked to a set of 3.00 gears
inside the 9-inch rear, so it's an easy cruiser. Magnum 500 wheels
with hubcaps give it a definite high-performance vibe and wear
staggered 225/60/15 front and 245/60/15 rear BFGoodrich T/A
radials.
