Well, the oversize tires and wheels are a detraction for me. I noted immediately it was not a 351C, but could have been a 302 or a transplanted 351W. I then read the description, Yup, 351W - which I have no problem with. Our 73 Mach 1 has a 351W the prior owner got from a 1994 F-150. He had the engine built to a moderate street/strip level of performance using 1969 351W 4v heads, lot of typical bolt-ons. high performance forged aluminum pistons with only 9.5:1 CR to handle the low octane non-ethanol fuel we have out here (90 octane). On a dyno it put out a respectable 360HP. To help enhance the low end performance he replaced the very step, fuel economy directed 2.97:1 rear axle ratio gears with a set of 3.5:1 TractionLok gears - a great move. A while after we acquired the Mach 1 we did a deep restoration, and soon after than swapped in an AOD tranny in order to retain the lower end speed performance while recapturing the high speed performance while keeping the engine RPMs to a more sane level at highway speeds. With the C4 we turned about 2,750 RPM in high gear at 60 MPH. With the AOD tranny in 4th OverDrive gear we only turn at 1,750 RPM at 60 MPH - a huge difference with highway cruising.
It is nice that has the plastic front bumper. My hunch is this was originally a base 302 2v engine powered Mach 1, as the rear valance is not cut our for dual exhaust. Then again, our 73 Mach 1 was definitely a 302 2v base engine and it has a rear valance with duel exhaust cutouts. I am assuming either the prior or original owner swapped out the rear valance for one with cutouts. In looking at our rear valance it does not look like someone simply cut the cut-outs, as the inner edges are rolled and the dimensions are very exacting in comparison to each other. If someone did it after the fact, they did a really nice job. It is a shame the rear quarters were cut for the large Monster Truck mimicking tires and wheels. Unless this is a rust free car everywhere I personally would take a pass on it. But, if somebody wants a really cool looking swamp buggy or demolition derby racer, they could have a heck of a good time with this Mustang.
I do like the orange color, but feel the Mach 1 side and rear stripes, and hood blackout, could add a nice visual dimension that feels so very absent when I look at this Mach 1. Someone put a lot of money into what I see is being called a "ruined" car. I do not see it as ruined, just built out in a way that does not appeal to me personally. Here is a link to our 73 Mach 1 on its last day of its deep re$toration, trimmed out like I wanted it. It is a very prized vehicle, and between the AOD and the Classic Air A/C, it is a very fun and comfortable car to drive for long trips.
https://youtu.be/_Fl0B-qmlLI
Were we to be interested in selling our 73 Mach 1 (we aren't) we would be looking at a lot more than the $17k being asked for the one listed in this thread. If the one listed is truly rust free, and the power train is in good condition, it might just be worth its asking price. If we did not already have our 73 Mach 1, and I was looking to acquire a Big Nose Mustang, I might have considered this one despite the rear quarters having to be returned to their original condition (along with the tires and wheels).
