1971 Ford Mustang Convertible

1971 Ford Mustang ConvertibleFor the 1971-73 model years former GM executive Bunkie Knudson, now the leader of Ford's product design, wanted to take the Mustang into a bigger,...

1971 Ford Mustang Convertible

For the 1971-73 model years former GM executive Bunkie Knudson, now the leader of Ford's product design, wanted to take the Mustang into a bigger, heavier and more luxurious playing field. The idea was to cash in on the burgeoning large luxury coupe market; and not only did the Mustang grow, it also received styling cues which exaggerated both its length and weight. Throughout the years, the Mustang has truly been everything to everyone. It's spanned several pricing levels, performance levels – it even shared DNA with the Ford Pinto during the mid-to-late 70s. Through it all, the car remained successful and nearly every early variation has found its place in the collector market. Right now, it's all about the pre-1971 cars, but the tide is rising for examples like this awesome 1971 Mustang Convertible.

For consignment buy early with the tide rising and your ship may come in! A 1971 Mustang with its exaggerated long hood and small front grille opening, and even smaller rear deck with lots of passenger room, these are the biggest (most spacious) Mustangs to hit the market in its history. Here we have a nice 1971 example in menacing black, nice chrome, and black convertible top.

Exterior
With some scratches, a bit of bubbling and overall slight wear, the black paint has aged nicely but has some faults. Chrome around the grille and front bumper setup is shiny with a few overall scratches. Egg crate grille is black and has the galloping steed in the center with another chrome trimming surround. A black Mach 1 chin spoiler is below the front bumper. Alignment of some panels is a bit off, but panels are nice and straight steel. The top shows wear on the canvas, and a large separation of said canvas is seen on the drivers rear at the top of the plastic window insert. The glass window is still clear but has been duct taped to avoid water intrusion. The rear deck shows some rust and paint peeling just before the rear panel. Iconic 3 lights are now flush with the rear panel and conform to its new shape. 15-inch Magnum 500 wheels are on all 4 corners.

Interior
A rim blow steering wheel fronts the original dash which has clouded plastic coverings for the deeply inset circular gauges. Knobs and center dash are all original equipment. and an aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette is on board and neatly mounted in the center. Black high back buckets in vinyl are in front and show some wear but are overall good condition. Rear shows 2 plus 2 bench seating and a worn central console also in black races through the cockpit to the dash. Black carpeting floods the floors and is clean and fluffy. Black door panels present in worn but decent condition and are sporting power windows....tres chic!

Drivetrain
Nicely detailed with its royal blue block 351ci Cleveland V8, chromed valve coverings, and snazzy shiny Edelbrock intake manifold and 4 bbl carburetor, things are looking good under the hood. A C4 3-speed automatic transmission is on back with a Ford 9-inch rear.

Undercarriage
Underneath is very well maintained with virtually no rust and all structurally sound unibody construction, floorpans and rockers are all nice as well. We note independent coil springs for the front, and leaf springs for the rear rides. Power disc brakes are up front, and power drums for the rear. Dual exhausts and a turbo muffler give this car a throaty sound.

Drive-Ability
A turn of the key and all 8 candles lit right up. Off to the test track, and it performed nicely with good solid acceleration, nice handling, and good braking on the panic stop and prior to the tight corners. All was functioning as it should.

A few battle scars from age on the exterior but nothing beyond a bit of sweat equity could take care of easily. Interior is patina and a bit faded, but still overall acceptable and certainly usable, just not perfect, but who cares? Engine and mechanicals are solid, and all is looking 1971, Mustang. Cue the models!!

VIN DECODE
1F03H151667
1-1971
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
03-2 Door Convertible
H-351C 2bbl
151667-Sequential Unit Number