Oh boy - here we go again. :whistling:
We've learned a lot more about the various models since this thread was kicked around. For instance:
- 351C-2V definitely could come with factory Ram Air
- Factory Ram Air hoods were equipped with hood locks and TuTone paint
- There was nothing specifically mandatory about the Mach 1 package, except the "05" in the VIN - everything was on the table
Seems like a weird way to do business - but it makes sense in order to preserve the Mach 1 as potentially a 'more valued' model, than the sportsroof it's based from. If you go purely by the numbers game and fair market value of the same, the Mach 1s carry more value all things considered. But even then the water is muddy because of rarity, options, and condition of other models - a 429SCJ hard top, for instance, carries roughly the same value as a 429SCJ Mach 1 simply because it's such a rarity. An H-Code coupe vs. an H-Code Mach 1... not so much (conditions being the same, that is).
Unfortunately for us, the perspective buyers, the human factor has muddied the waters even further, since the common misconception is that ALL 1971-1973 Mustangs are "Mach 1s." As a result, you have shady sellers peddling non-Mach 1s off on low-information buyers... which happens regardless - it just seems more rampant to me and many others around here (probably because we're armed with more information and are seeing these things unfold from a distance with greater objectivity).
All I know is that I [re]built mine as closely to 'as-equipped when I bought it and verified by my Marti Report' before I added the period-correct cosmetic mods. The only things visibly different about mine are:
- chrome front bumper vs. body-color urethane bumper (which I still have)
- missing rocker panel bright trim (since it's originally a "no-stripe" car)
- full center console vs. short (no clock) console
- RCCI tach conversion in-place of factory clock instrument cluster
I read an article somewhere that Mach 1s (in general - beginning in 1969) were supposed to have a clock somewhere in the car's instruments. The '71-'73s had an option for the full console with the clock - but if the full console option wasn't ordered, they replaced the 'idiot light' gauge with a clock. If the full console was ordered, there were options of the idiot light gauge, tachometer, or keeping the clock gauge with a clock delete plate in the full console. The 351C-4Vs [and bigger engines] usually came with a tach and 4-sp., so the center console clock is more prevalent in those models. The 351C-2V and 302 cars with automatics usually came with the clock/speedo clusters.
The rest is all about the 'Day Two Restomod' treatment (the things I would've done as a kid if I'd been able to have one back then)
- Cragar S/S wheels in staggered sizes with performance tires
- rear window louvers
- Lakewood traction bars (period correct - actually came with the car)
- Retrosound stereo (but still looks factory)
- back-up camera (mostly not visible)
- extensive engine performance mods (not visible)
- AOD (not visible)
- Classic Auto Air HVAC (non A/C car - not visible)
- power windows (not really visible)
- power locks/keyless entry/alarm (not visible)
- Edelbrock fuel injection (mostly not visible... also not installed yet)
So realistically, all I need to do is swap the factory style wheels back on and remove the louvers and the car will 'look' like it came from the dealership. That was my intention - despite being a Day Two Restomod, mine is easily reverted back to it's stock 'cosmetic' appearance... even though it has a lot more going for it than a '71 H-Code Mach 1 would've been back in the day.
Sorry to blather on - but my boss is blind... and as long as he hears my keyboard making noise, I think he thinks I'm actually busy. rofl