1971 Ford Mustang

Description

This 1971 Mustang convertible has exactly the right look for the period, offering Mach 1 type attitude on a drop-top, creating a car that Ford never built but could have. Add in a sweet-running 302 and plenty of options like factory A/C, and you get a great Mustang that's worthy of the name.

Bright red paint has always been a Mustang hallmark and it looks especially good on the all-new 1971 models with their longer, lower look. As a southern car all its life, this Mustang shows no rust or signs of previous problems in any of the usual areas, and the finish looks great. Is it show quality? Not really, but you'll definitely get a lot of admiring glances as you motor down the road and queries whether it's for sale when you stop for gas, and it's worth noting that the car has indeed won its share of trophies. It's the kind of car that makes folks fall in love and get all nostalgic, and that's entirely the point of owning a vintage Mustang. The black lower cladding and Mach 1 style stripes make it look long and sleek in profile, and it still shows the classic long nose/short deck design that p[practically defined the pony car segment. There's still a bit of chrome, plus a blacked-out front grille and the three-element taillights, all of which make it instantly identifiable as America's favorite convertible. And with the ram air hood and rear wing, its performance look is exactly right.

The contrasting white interior, complete with bucket seats and a console, gives it a sunny disposition and adds value. With beautifully upholstered seats that use correct materials and patterns, correct carpets, and door panels that are quite possibly original-issue, it shows extremely well. You'll notice a lot of options on this particular Mustang convertible, including factory A/C, power steering and brakes, and an AM/FM stereo radio. The original gauges cover only the basics of speed and fuel level, and there's a clock in the center console just ahead of the T-handle shifter for the C4 3-speed automatic transmission. A black convertible top matches the stripes and hood and looks a bit more sinister than the usual white and with a glass rear window it seals up better than most of its peers. There's also a white boot for when the top is down, which I'm sure will be most of the time. The trunk is clean and fitted with a full-sized spare with cover.

A Mustang needs horsepower and this car carries a great-running 302 cubic inch V8, which is how it came from the factory. The ram air hood is functional thanks to a correct air cleaner assembly and finned Cobra valve covers dress things up a bit under the hood. The A/C compressor dominates most of the view, but there's correct Ford Blue paint on the block itself and the satin black engine bay is in excellent shape with no indications that this car lived in a harsh climate. The C4 3-speed automatic has quick reflexes and an easy-going nature, and the 9-inch is full of easy-cruising gears so it's ready for a Sunday afternoon trip just about anywhere convertibles are welcome. The original 14-inch aluminum wheels now sport 225/70/14 BFGoodrich T/A radials, which complete the look.

Mustangs of all kinds remain highly collectable and this one is sure to bring a smile to your face. This handsome convertible is one of those rare cars that under-promises and over-delivers. Call today!