No Reserve Cobra Jet: 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1
We frequently have classics on our desks at Barn Finds where determining the most outstanding attribute is seemingly impossible. Such is the case with this 1971 Mustang Mach 1. The fact it is a Mach 1 is the first box ticked. The original owner’s decision to select a desirable paint shade is the second, while the potent V8 under the hood makes a strong case for being its defining feature. However, combine those factors with the seller’s decision to list it with No Reserve, and this Mustang looks like a winner. It is listed here on eBay in New Baltimore, Michigan. Bidding has raced to $24,100 with plenty of time remaining on the auction.
The First Generation Mustang underwent a significant update for the 1971 model year, and history shows it may have been one of the cars that helped seal the fate of “Bunkie” Knudsen within the Ford empire. Final sign-off on new models has been the exclusive preserve of Henry Ford II since the day he took the company’s helm. This had always been the case, regardless of who occupied the Company President’s office. Knudsen was already under siege from Lee Iacocca and his lieutenants, but his decision to green-light the new models in Ford’s absence cooled relations between the pair, and they never recovered. The original owner ordered this Mach 1 in stunning Grabber Green, with the seller confirming it received a repaint in its original shade over a decade ago. However, it still presents nicely, with a pleasing shine and no significant defects. They describe it as a high-end driver or show car but not a trailer queen. The panels are straight, but the best news for those unwilling or unable to undertake a project build is that this Mach 1 is rust-free. The exterior is clean, and the underside shots confirm it is rock-solid. The trim is in good order, and the glass is spotless. The Mustang rolls on an older set of Magnum 500 wheels, and while I approve of the wheel choice, the spinner centers may be unnecessary bling.
The paint color, sound structural state, and overall presentation are the entree with this Mach 1, and we must lift the hood to reveal the main course. Some engines are legendary, and Ford’s 429 Cobra Jet falls into that category. That’s what powers this Mach 1. With 370hp and 450 ft/lbs of torque on offer, this is a potent package. The included Marti Report and original Window Sticker confirm the first owner ordered this classic with a four-speed close-ratio manual transmission, but someone substituted a three-speed automatic. That will impact the car’s potential value, but by how much is speculation. One fascinating consequence of the change is that Ford’s performance figures confirm that the Mach 1 would be marginally faster over the ¼-mile in its current form, but it is a close call. It appears that apart from the transmission and the missing Ram Air setup, this Mustang is mechanically original. It runs and drives perfectly, making it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
The Mustang’s interior is acceptable for a vehicle of this vintage, but there are changes and imperfections that some purists won’t appreciate. The wheel is a later addition, and while it probably seems like a good idea and is acceptable in a driver-grade classic, a car of this caliber deserves the factory item. The back seat has minor damage, and there is wear on both front seatcovers. The seller believes the carpet is new, but the remaining interior fixtures and features are original. The dash, pad, console, and headliner are excellent. The interior would really pop if the winning bidder replaced the seatcovers and wheel. Functional issues include air conditioning that may require inspection and a recharge and an intermittent fault with the fuel gauge. Otherwise, everything works as it should.
This 1971 Mustang Mach 1 isn’t a trailer queen, but it is a solid and tidy driver needing little to lift its presentation to a higher level. Losing the original transmission and Ram Air hardware is disappointing, but addressing those shortcomings shouldn’t prove impossible. It has attracted nineteen bids, which is a lower figure than I would typically expect. The missing or changed components may be one reason, although, with the auction in its early stages, there is scope for the action to intensify. I believe it will, but would you consider joining the bidding war?
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Comments
Wow!! Another good looking Mach I… great write up!!
Well what do we have here? The Real Big Boss! Yes it’s a Mach 1 but it gets no better than this ever! 429 cj , A/C with Ram air & 4 speed on deck for the lucky guy who gets this pony! Yes we see the 1972 Mach 1 for 34 grand but this Mach 1 is the Boss!
Actually it has an automatic but still has good performance and would be a great car to own.
It started Life as a four-speed. Somebody decided to change it to the slush box it’s got in it now. Can’t imagine why you’d want to do that.
BA sorry to disappoint ya buddy but what does IMPOSTER spell?
It’s no longer a four-speed, has been converted to an automatic. Not presented as numbers matching. So we don’t know if it’s the original engine. Would be better to inspect it in person.
Would be very skeptical on the motor, wrong valve covers and would have a Q-Jet for a carb. like others have said, deserves a closer look, but still a solid car for sure. Take it at face value.
Not a ford person , but this car is very nice car. Will never understand why anyone would take a original 4spd car and make it a automatic. I suppose medical reasons maybe? And yes I know there isn’t a person alive that can shift faster than a auto. Even so nothing like the feeling when ya power shift and catch them all just right.
Isn’t this the same car that was on here about a month ago or so that caused a lot of controversy about the wrong engine, rear end sheetmetal, etc.?
That’s what I thought right away when I first seen it… the peanut gallery must be sleeping this morning.
It is Steve. No question. New Baltimore, Michigan…same town. Terry was seller couple months ago. It’s Nicky this time. Ebay description looks like a photocopy also. You called it: CONTROVERSY. And there was a lot of it! I’ve never seen Barn Finds light up like this one did. Great eye man.
The way to go here with the trans issue is work with what you have.You you take the C6 and make it a tire chirpin’ reverse manual valve body with a B&M pro rachet shifter…
The car was not ordered in “stunning Grabber Green”. Look closer at the Marti Report …it says “Grabber Green Metallic”, which is a completely different color. Being that the car as pictured is painted regular Grabber Green, it is clearly not it’s original color.
We have several Mach 1s in our collection and have been seeking a 429 version, but this one is very questionable.
This car has been listed before and always at a ridiculously low price, the missing ram air, trans change, wrong color and the buried comment in the eBay listing “I’m not selling this as a numbers matching car” unfortunately leaves too much in question.
You should have gone after this one… https://www.hemmings.com/auction/1971-ford-mustang-columbia-mo-439744/sold
Man, would have had I seen it!
Thanks for sharing!
Yet another great looking Mach 1. Either this one or the dark green in the earlier post would be a blast to drive, automatic or not. Why do transmissions get changed? Physical abilities are what I hear a lot. Some folks age differently but still want to enjoy the game.
Nice Stang but looks like the Mach 1 clone we seen before.There is so many other colors that would go better with the black accents on this fastback than old timey turquoise for sure imho.My brother’s charcoal silver/black looked like a badass rocket standing still compared to this blue/green clone.
Wasn’t this posted earlier this year, or are there 2
with the same paint/year/model?
Yes it look like the same one to me sold at Mecum Auctions about 3 months ago you both are very correct
Again? Didn’t we already do this?
BUYER BEWARE
Yes, this car was purchased by the seller at mecum some months ago. Hes been trying to flip it.
He claims the car is the real deal, a J code 429 SCJ. Its not.
This car has become well known in the mustang community, not in a good way either.
This 71 J code has been REBODIED
from a 72 fastback. TONS of evidence proves this. Just a few GLARING issues are,
– 8 inch rear end
– no staggered rear shocks (all 4 speed J codes had staggered shocks)
-No rear sway bar
-72 dash assembly
– 72 seat belts
– standard 429/460 (NOT a 429 CJ)
Seller refuses to pull a fender back and verify the VIN stampings. He knows its a rebody but is sticking to his claim that its legit.
This car has been documented as a fraud with the VIN in the 429 database.
BUYER BEWARE
Many thanks, sir!
Well done Rob S!!!
The bidders that have it up over 35K either don’t know or don’t care. They probably just want to drive around in something cool looking.
It would not be me because I would not trust a seller like this.
So, this the 3rd time through on ebay. All 3 times have been a “no reserve” auction. How does this not sell at a no reserve?? SHILL BIDDING!!! His buddies are doing the dirty deed.
Yep. This was for sale a few months back no reserve. Up for sale again. Hmm. The engine is a dead giveaway that it most likely is a N code engine not a C or J code. Glad people are out there spotting the questionable cars.
The front fenders are incorrect for a ’71 Mach 1. The Mustang lettering was decals on Mach 1s, this one has raised letters. This car is a fake. Who “loses” the Ram Air pieces, takes out the 4 spd on such a unique car? Not anyone with a brain…
Fun car in a stunning color! Okay, so it probably isn’t a legit CJ—and maybe even a re-bodied reconstruction—so bid accordingly! Still, what a looker, with a 429 to boot. The gripe is the lack of transparency—not the reimagined car. Just tell it like it is so people know what they’re getting.
Oh no not thjs one again lol funniest thing is I remember one of the guys who knew what all the missing peices were making this an imposter car other than a real one would have a 100thousand dollar price tag more or less was that he said the sad thing is you will see this car up for sale again in about 2 months when the buyer realizes he’s been swindled paying 40grand for basically a run of the mill mustang being portrayed as a real deal 429 CJ with original motor tranny and rear end not included.! LOL! trying to get his money back and pawning it off on the next unsuspecting buyer quick as possible.. And here we are . As predicted. So funny to watch these things play out . Plus learning from people who really know so many details about certain cars is my favourite part of this site. Thanks
I wanted to look back at the old write up the last time this car was on barn finds to see who the writer was as was curious how Adam did not recall this most memorable car and now it is nowhere to be found . Strange .. very strange.. LOL I don’t even like the color so I’m tired of seeing this car now .Hopefully this is the.last time
Looks great!! 5 other vehicles listed, all at no reserve!!
I have a 71 stang mach1. It’s 351 cleveland runs great. Its in the paint shop being painted victory red. I can’t wait to get it back.
Hi James. I have a factory Red 71 Mustang I’m thinking about painting Victory Red as that is my favorite shade of red. Could you please post or get me some pictures of your car after it’s finished? I’m curious to see how it looks on a 71 Mustang. Thanks, Kevin.
Surprised to see this here as it was previously listed in September with 116 comments and called out as a fake despite a marti report and fender tag. It supposedly sold for $41,766.00. No comments here from the seller this time.
All your stated facts are correct Jay. However, add one. This seller’s name is Nicky; it was Terry last time. Oh & the e-Bay description is exactly the same also, as are the photos
Just sayin’…..
I am selling my 1971 mach 1 boss Shelby next month a mecums. The mecums curb mart #4 off Franklin Court, down Jabroni Drive near the smackdown hotel.
Shame it’s only a tribute car, but why not throw a 4, 5, or 6 speed in it and drive it.
Get a license plate saying “TRBUTE” or “KWLCLONE” and then drive it with a smile.
This very fishy. The “original” window sticker doesn’t show factory a/c but this car has it. The automatic/4 spd issue and the wrong color. The grabber green for 71 wasn’t this at all.
Had a 71 BOSS w/functional ram air. How does that disappear? Fake.
Supposedly sold again for 35 thousand wonder how long it will be before we see it for sale again . LOL
And it’s back again, LOL!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/276182231524
Man you’ve gotta be kiddin’ me. I ain’t believing this! Good eye Kev. BF please don’t torture us with a 3rd time!
This are the Subaru 360
I just submitted it to BarnFinds.
Grab it Adam!