What is the more desirable year for 1971-73 Mach 1?

[classicsguy]

Are they all valuable and equally desirable or is there a model year that stands out for any reason assuming its not a J-code or Boss 351. Not sure if I have read that the Q-code engine in 1973 had less HP than the 71-72 M and Q-codes due to federal regulations and wonder if that's the case, does it make the 1973 model Mach 1 less desirable or since it also was the last of the Classic Mustangs;more valuable. If anyone can shed some light into this will be appreciated.

 

[vamach1]

Are they all valuable and equally desirable or is there a model year that stands out for any reason assuming its not a J-code or Boss 351. Not sure if I have read that the Q-code engine in 1973 had less HP than the 71-72 M and Q-codes due to federal regulations and wonder if that's the case, does it make the 1973 model Mach 1 less desirable or since it also was the last of the Classic Mustangs;more valuable. If anyone can shed some light into this will be appreciated.

Here are my picks.

It's very hard to put them in order but this should give you an idea

of rarity and value. I do not have a breakout of Mach1 vs. Sportsroof so my Mach1 #'s include ALL sportsroofs.

What do you guys think? The feedback may give the real world pros and cons of owning one car versus another.

#1 71 429 convertible (42)

#2 71 429 Mach1 (1737)

#3 71 429 coupe (86)

#4 71 Q conv (6)

#5 71 Boss 351 (1806)

#6 72 HO conv (13)

#7 72 HO mach1 (366)

#8 71 Q mach1 (108)

#9 72 HO coupe (19)

#10 71 Q coupe (32)

#11 72 Q conv (591)

#12 73 Q conv (971)

#13 71 M conv (590)

#14 71 M mach1 (16954)

#15 72 Q mach1 (11273) includes sportsroof sprints *

#16 73 Q mach1 (10525)

#17 72 Q sprint fastback (296) * included in Mach1 #

#18 72 Q coupe (1041)

#19 73 Q coupe (2705)

#20 72 sprint conv (50)

 

[Tnfastbk]

I think its the one you OWN

 

[vamach1]

I think its the one you OWN

I did not even list my H code 72 Mach1

 

[classicsguy]

Vamach in that list confirms that at #16 the 1973 Q-code Mach 1 is at the bottom from the desirability standpoint...

 

[Mister 4x4]

I think its the one you OWN

W3rd, Brutha! In my case, a '71 H code Ram Air.

I believe the '71s would be more valuable only because of the larger engine selection, but they're all top-shelf if you ask me.

 

[sm3570]

Are they all valuable and equally desirable or is there a model year that stands out for any reason assuming its not a J-code or Boss 351. Not sure if I have read that the Q-code engine in 1973 had less HP than the 71-72 M and Q-codes due to federal regulations and wonder if that's the case, does it make the 1973 model Mach 1 less desirable or since it also was the last of the Classic Mustangs;more valuable. If anyone can shed some light into this will be appreciated.

FYI, the '71 cars had the most HP. In '72 they put emissions stuff on it and lowered compression/retarded timing which robbed HP, and '73 was even worse.

 

[vamach1]

Are they all valuable and equally desirable or is there a model year that stands out for any reason assuming its not a J-code or Boss 351. Not sure if I have read that the Q-code engine in 1973 had less HP than the 71-72 M and Q-codes due to federal regulations and wonder if that's the case, does it make the 1973 model Mach 1 less desirable or since it also was the last of the Classic Mustangs;more valuable. If anyone can shed some light into this will be appreciated.

FYI, the '71 cars had the most HP. In '72 they put emissions stuff on it and lowered compression/retarded timing which robbed HP, and '73 was even worse.

I would not mind owning one of each. At least I have one even if l listed it last. Like I said, it's really hard to list one car over another - I like them all

 

[Don65Stang]

I think it depends on what you want to do with the car. If it's a frequent or daily driver I would NOT want one of the rarer 429 or boss 351 cars. I would want a M, Q or H code. Even a 302 car would be fine. All of mine either are or will be daily transportation. Mine is the 71M, one son wants the 72Q, another wants the grabber blue 72H, my 3rd son wants the 73Q because he like the 73 stripes better.

You have to decide what your purpose of the car will be and then target accordingly.

 

[sm3570]

Even a 302 car would be fine.

Mine began life as a lowly 302 . Luckily, my pops found a 429 begging for a home . Come to think of it, the 302W has great aftermarket parts support and can be very cheap to upgrade, and you can get great performance out of it. Should have kept the 302 .

But I'm digging the big block, so it's all good!

I would not mind owning one of each. At least I have one even if l listed it last. Like I said, it's really hard to list one car over another - I like them all

My wife wants a '60's Mustang. Next project, I suppose, but at least the aftermarket parts support will be better!

Gonna finish mine first though.

ETA: I replied to vamach1 and it says forum bot. Weird.

 

[71mach351]

Are they all valuable and equally desirable or is there a model year that stands out for any reason assuming its not a J-code or Boss 351. Not sure if I have read that the Q-code engine in 1973 had less HP than the 71-72 M and Q-codes due to federal regulations and wonder if that's the case, does it make the 1973 model Mach 1 less desirable or since it also was the last of the Classic Mustangs;more valuable. If anyone can shed some light into this will be appreciated.

Here are my picks.

It's very hard to put them in order but this should give you an idea

of rarity and value. What do you guys think?

#1 71 429 convertible

#2 71 429 Mach1

#3 71 429 coupe

#4 71 Q conv

#5 71 Boss 351

#6 72 HO conv

#7 72 HO mach1

#8 71 Q mach1

#9 72 HO coupe

#10 71 Q coupe

#11 72 Q conv

#12 73 Q conv

#13 71 M conv

#14 71 M mach1

#15 72 Q mach1

#16 73 Q mach1

#17 72 Q sprint fastback

#18 72 Q coupe

#19 73 Q coupe

#20 72 sprint conv

I really don't see how any 71 Q -code would be worth more than the 71 m-code. The late 71 Q-codes were detuned emmission engines with lower HP. Sure, they're more rare but not more valuable.

 

[goodnigh]

I would have to say by desirable you mean "fun to drive" as we are talking Mustang.

That would have to be a stock 351C 4V quench head. Best bang for the buck.

They were designed to compete against 429's and can hold their own.

It helps if it is connected to a toploader. I am not prejudice or anything just because

this is my daily driver.......

mike

 

[rpmcarter]

I'll have to agree....its the one you own!! My lowly ole 71 (did it make a list) 351 2v will rock and roll and I'd put her up against "most" 429 cars. I love the body styles and may do another one and I HOPE its a poor ole 302 car... just waiting for an upgrade. 351 is a dang fine engine. Look around we have cars that not everyone else has so we're already unique. Now I do draw the line on 74!!! btw...why didnt they screw up Cougar at the same time....?

 

[Don65Stang]

I would have to say by desirable you mean "fun to drive" as we are talking Mustang.

That would have to be a stock 351C 4V quench head. Best bang for the buck.

They were designed to compete against 429's and can hold their own.

It helps if it is connected to a toploader. I am not prejudice or anything just because

this is my daily driver.......

mike

+ 1.