Description
Ford Mustang convertible 1971
Base model fitted with Windsor 302 c. i. 2v V8 C4 Cruise-O-Matic 3 speed. 2. 79 standard axle ratio. 210 hp SAE.
Built on the 11th of September 1970 as a stock order for Woody Sander Ford in Cincinnati, Ohio. Sold on the 8th of February, 1971.
I've owned this since 2013. Imported by a trader based in Sheffield from Boston, Mass. Since then, kept in a dry garage and only used on dry days.
In a presentable condition, the car has had some restoration carried out in the States some years before export - I'm guessing late 90's, early 2000's. In detail, front and rear wings were replaced, along with the sills, door skins and front and rear valences, leaving boot and bonnet as the only original exterior panels. Under bonnet, the radiator support panel has been replaced. There has also been some patch welding to the floorpan.
This is my first American car and was purchased as a rolling restoration project though haven’t done as much as originally planned and now that I'm retired, I'd rather be driving than restoring!
As it looked really basic inside when purchased, I have upgraded the dash trim panels to De-Lux trim specification including the addition of three centre stack dials. These are new Autometer ones as replacement gauges are one of the few items that aren’t available new and I didn’t want to risk used gauges. They are the correct functions and as close as I could get to the correct appearance. Oil pressure is 40 psi at 900 rpm when cold and 25 psi at 650 rpm when hot. Thermostat is 180 F and the car coped with idling in a traffic jam for 40 minutes last autumn with no coolant loss or other problems.
I've also fitted a column mounted tacho without screwing into the column, and Grant wood rim steering wheel – the original had cracked and the rim was very thin anyway.
Interior is original in Medium Blue Ruffino / Corinthian vinyl, although the driver’s seat has developed a couple of small splits in the seams during my ownership.
The car has had 3 point seat belts fitted in a colour that closely matches the originals (original two point ones will be included in the sale).
New parts this year;
Battery ( the tray was replaced a few years ago)
Tyres (including spare on a new steel rim).
Ignition coil - as close to the original as possible.
Fuel pump.
Carburettor overhaul kit.
Radiator which I think was original, has been re-cored by West Mercia Radiators in Wednesbury and uprated from two to three cores. Thermostat and hoses replaced during my ownership.
The front spring top bushes have been replaced. Inner wing reinforcement panels around the springs as well. New discs and wheel bearings. Overhauled calipers with new seals and flexible brake lines all round. Power steering pump hoses. Top end de-coke and valve grind.
Exterior paint is the original colour of Pastel blue which is a very light shade. Close up, there are fine lines in places though looks presentable from a normal viewing distance.
The convertible soft top is powered though according to a Marti report, the car originally came with a black one.
I think the bumpers were replaced as part of the restoration. The chrome is good. The front has new brackets.
I’ve restored the front grille moulding, matching the two original shades of silver/ grey.
The car will be sold with a number of spares;
Complete set of rubber seals for the soft top.
New rear valence with cut-outs for twin exhaust. Also new valence mounted rear lights from a previous model-year Mustang - my original plan was to use these as reversing lights.
Brackets for twin exhaust system.
I’m an American Auto Club UK member and a valuation for insurance a few years ago, was £15, 000. As mentioned, this has been my first American car replacing a Triumph Stag. I just love the sound of V8's!
This Mustang has enough turn of speed to keep up with modern traffic but it's not the sort of car you'd take to a quarter mile drag strip. Instead it's better to enjoy a more relaxing drive. The tacho reads 2400mph at 60 mph which I find is fast enough. This is my first ownership experience of a left hand drive car and is surprisingly easy to drive especially with the hood down.
I try to drive it every week for at least half an hour but the roads have to be dry and salt-free in the winter. As for the mileage, in my ownership, I saw it go round the clock so I assume the mileage to be 100362, though have no means of verifying this.
This Mustang is for someone who is looking for something to tinker with, to improve but also to keep in a usable running condition.
Willing to negotiate on price.
