RESERVE LOWERED - 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Highlights

• Matching numbers car imported in 2002
• Road legal and UK registered
• Lots of money recently spent
• Excellent overall condition in need of minor detailing

The Background

Ever since it first appeared in 1964, the Ford Mustang stood for affordable style and accessible performance.
But those performance models got ever-more extreme, culminating in 1969 with the launch of seven different high performance Mustangs. There were three ‘Boss’ models, the Shelby GT350, The Shelby GT500, the Mustang GT and this - the Mach 1. 
The Mach 1 package was only available in the "SportsRoof" fastback body style previously known as the 'fastback’. It was aimed as a younger buyer who liked the performance of the more extreme models but at a slightly more affordable price. 
The Mach 1 specification began with a V8-powered SportsRoof body and added numerous visual and performance enhancing items such as matt black bonnet stripes, chrome hood pins, an air scoop, competition suspension, a chrome pop-open filler cap, revised sports wheels, chrome exhaust tips, a deluxe interior, Mach 1 livery and dealer option chin spoiler, rear deck spoiler, and rear window louvre, all three of which this car has.
Power came from a 302 cu in (4.9-litre) Ford V8. With a choice of three-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission, the former of which is fitted to this car. 
You could buy a Mustang Mach 1 as late as 1973, but this example comes from the third year of production – 1971 - which improved on earlier models thanks to the addition of reinforced front suspension towers, thicker sway bars and heavier duty suspension. The 1970 models also got an improved deluxe interior with wood effect dash inserts.

The History

The car was imported to the UK from the USA by the vendor’s uncle in 2002, who had a lot of work carried out on the car to make it road legal and ready to use. 
But in 2003, he stopped using it and parked it up in the garage, where it remained until the vendor retrieved it last year and put it back on the road. 

The Paperwork

Included with the Mustang are all of the import paperwork and export papers from the USA proving its official status in the UK. 
There are also three bills from a respected classic car specialist in Essex, which show over £5,000 of expenditure this year on renewing the fuel system, running gear, brakes and getting the car to run right.

The Interior

The cabin is gloriously of its era,  with black vinyl seats, black carpets and dark wood-effect panelling in the dashboard. 
It's the details that make it, though. The integrated Kenwood radio-cassette player, three-spoke sports steering wheel and Mustang dealer floor mats. The dash also sports a period accessory fabric mat – a common feature to protect the dash vinyl from cracking, though the dashboard underneath it does have some wear. 
Everything is in good, serviceable condition. The driving position is surprisingly snug given the car’s bulk, as you sit low down behind a deep dish steering wheel. This, though, just adds to the feeling of unbeatable cool that this car transmits. It’s a very, very special place in which to spend time as you gaze out over that black-trimmed bonnet scoop and vast front end.

The Exterior

Finished in Dark Ivy Green, this is a car that truly epitomises an iconic era of affordable American muscle and in the process manages to be as cool as the idea of a night out with Steve McQueen and Paul Newman, accompanied by a bottle of bourbon and the perfect period soundtrack.
It's a fabulous piece of classic Americana that couldn't be more faultless in its image if it tried. 
But it's not just its inimitable coolness that gives this Mustang such appeal. It’s also a remarkably sound example and needs nothing immediate to make it a head-turner. The rear window trim is a bit worn

The Mechanics

There's something about the sound a V8 engine waking from its slumber as each of the cylinders kicks in and it settles from a clamorous idle to a contented burble. It intoxicating, and this car does it seductively.
Admittedly, it's hardly an eco-car and you'll be lucky to see 15mpg if you drive it enthusiastically. But then you know that because you wouldn't be looking at a 4.9-litre Ford Mustang otherwise. 
After 18 years sitting idle, this one has been fettled back into life by a renowned specialist and is now in fine running order, with a renewed fuel system and a recent service. 

The Appeal

This car is an icon. One of the most famous American cars of its era in an extremely cool and desirable specification, with impressive originality. 
It’s a wonderful car with a huge presence, that will become an instant talking point wherever you take it and which has a timeless appeal. If you’ve got more than a drop of petrol running through your veins, it's a car that's very, very hard not to want to own.

Notice to bidders

Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.

As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.

Please see our FAQ's here and our Terms & Conditions here

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1971
  • Make Ford
  • Model Mustang
  • Colour Green
  • Odometer 104,572 Miles
  • Engine size 4949
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Hullbridge
  • Location Essex
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
19 bids
  • Am•••• £19,000 21/12/21
  • Jb•••• £18,750 21/12/21
  • Am•••• £18,500 21/12/21
  • Jb•••• £18,250 21/12/21
  • Ma•••• £18,000 21/12/21
  • Am•••• £16,750 21/12/21
  • sw•••• £16,500 21/12/21
  • Am•••• £16,250 21/12/21
  • sw•••• £16,000 21/12/21
  • Am•••• £15,750 21/12/21
Message C&C Auction Team

The gallery

The safest way to buy a classic car online

Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller. More about buying with us
Safe, secure payment process

About Max Bids

The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.

Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.

Anti-sniping

Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.

Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.

Auto-bidding increments

  • If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
  • If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
    • Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
    • We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.

Bid Amount Increment
£0 to £9,999 £100.00
£10,000 to £49,999 £250.00
£50,000 to £99,999 £500.00
£100,000 + £1,000.00

Automatically outbid immediately

When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.

You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.

Matching max bids

When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.

Pre-authorisation

We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.

What are pre-bids?

A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Problem with your bid

Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.