Greetings all - Yes, finally found my Mustang! I’ve searched, watched and waited until the right combo of features, condition and $ hit the sweet spot. There only so long one can tolerate “D’oh! Missed another one”, right?
And I’m quite sure I’ll be back with many questions, but for now, the specs: 1973 Mustang Convertible, 351 4V CJ, C6, Mach 1 decor package, nicely optioned (a/c, p/s, p/b, p/w, Rally Pac gauges), medium yellow with black cloth interior. Literally a “barn find”, but once cleaned up, gassed up and charged up, started the first time. That’s promising.
Many discoveries to be made, I’m sure, once I get it home. THEN the fun begins! I’m planning to stay true to authentic as possible, certainly no irreversible or obvious changes but perhaps a few upgrades (eventually) such as tilt wheel & cruise.
ALL tips/tricks/hints/suggestions welcome.
Looks like a nicely optioned car. As David said, no "Mach 1" package, as the Mach 1 was it's own specific model and body code in the sportsroof. You can't have a Mach 1 convertible or coupe, though many have tried to pawn that off on others.
The interior is standard 73 convertible, as they all came with the Deluxe knitted vinyl that year. It's also referred to as Comfortweave, bu the 72-73 fabric is unique. Gages in a 71-73 Mustang are called the Instrumentation Group, Rally Pac is 65-67 Mustang and other year Mopar fare. The leather two spoke is a very rare option. The center pad is available reproduction as underneath it's a regular Deluxe wheel and I'm sure there's somewhere that could re-cover it in leather to match the original stitching.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1973-Ford-Mustang-Mach-1-options-Original-CA-car-/223540909007?hash=item340c1393cf%3Ag%3AWfUAAOSwEDhc9pQg&nma=true&si=ca0hsfbmzkq4rxhfqcSBBJRIGn8%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Keep in mind that it's been 47 years since the '73s came off the assembly line and lots have happened since then. Definitely get at least the Deluxe report from Marti, as that'll tell you exactly what the car was equipped with when it rolled out of the assembly plant. Many cars have been optioned with what David so aptly refers to as the "Owner Preference Package", which usually includes stripes, spoilers, a hood blackout, hood locks and chrome tips hanging out the rear. This car seems to have been spared some of that as everything I see under the hood looks very original.
The seller did mis-decode the door tag, "9" rear axle is 3.25 open, not a 3.50 as he said.
Please do get rid of those tires ASAP before going anywhere, as they are 80's vintage and are completely unsafe to drive on.
I've attached the '73 facts book for your reference.
1973 Mustang Facts Book _ Rev 1 73.pdf