57k-Mile Survivor: 1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1
The Ford Mustang got a fresh look for the 1971 model, so not much changed for ’72 outside, but under the hood was a different story as both 429 engines were gone and any reference to Boss was now in the history books. Sales dropped a bit as well, from nearly 150,000 units the previous year to just over 125,000 for 1972, but considering where muscle cars in general were headed it remained a pretty cool offering and you could still get the Mach 1 package, such as this survivor here on Craigslist. The car is located in Prescott, Arizona, with an asking price of what seems like a reasonable $21,500.
Our thanks go out to reader numskal for finding this one and providing the tip! The seller is the car’s third owner, but before he acquired it caretaker #2 had the Mustang stored inside for more than four decades. It’s said to have resided in Arizona since new and claimed to be completely free of rust everywhere, and that’s even the factory paint we’re seeing outside, although at 50 years old the finish understandably has a few thin areas. But the BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires are brand new and look right at home for this body style.
This one still has its factory drivetrain, with some more good news being the original buyer opted for one of the 351 engines instead of the Mach 1’s standard 302, which in this case is the Cobra Jet which got you a 4-barrel. There’s also an automatic transmission, although no word on whether or not either has ever gotten a rebuild, but with a claimed 57k miles and 40 years of storage the need may not have arisen yet. Recent maintenance includes a new power steering box and brake booster plus a professionally rebuilt carburetor, but underneath the original exhaust system is still in place.
No specific details are given about the Mustang’s interior, but the condition seems to vouch that the car was protected under favorable storage circumstances during the car’s very long hibernation. I also like the fact that this year’s back seat actually looks fairly comfortable for the rear passengers, with ample leg room for most joyriders. With a price of just over $20k, I’m guessing this 1972 Mach 1 will find a new home sooner rather than later. What do you think?
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Comments
Agree Mike. I had a 73 in college. This may be the deal of the day.
Yes, grab it.
I 2nd that a totally rust free fastback 351 cobra jet ! For KIA money! If I could swing it I’d be on my way to drive it back!
What are we missing here – this is a steal.
It’s a automatic 😞
Yeah, maybe not. 57k miles? Then why is the rubber covering on the brake pedal gone?
Like people, age.
Those seat covers look new-ish, and perhaps the door trim panels.
It’s just a de-contended standard interior, without a factory tach, console or gauges often found in the Mach 1. Not a big deal though, we’d live with that.
It looks like a steal for the price.
Some came with the gauges and center console, my Dad’s did not. However in the 1st year he ordered and installed the center console. The door panels look like std Mustang, not Mach 1 door panels.
Very nice, hope i’m not alone when i see one of these i have “Diamonds are forever” come to mind
Seems like a really good deal for the money, I’m sure if it had the 351 HO Cleveland for 1972 they’d be asking a bit more for it, they are pretty rare tho, only couple hundred made for this year Mustang. Very nice looking Mustang, I’ve always liked the 71-73 Mach 1,s.
Identical to my Dad’s ’72 Mach 1 that he drove everyday until 2003 with 257k miles and no rebuilds and just one repaint and restripe. He loved his “Stang”!!🚘❤️💕
Doesn’t the Marty report show it was ordered with a console?
Freshen up the Cruise-O-Matic and find a highway 🛣 .
3.25 gear ⚙️ std.
3.50 optional equipment.
Eleanor!
I had a 72 Mach I bought in 74 and later stolen in 1980 VA Bch. Most fun and reliable car I ever owned, just careful backing up. At this price, I’m sure it’s sold by now.
Looks like a diamond in the rough. It needs a repaint for sure. Too bad it does not have the deluxe black interior. A/C is a plus especially in Arizona. Q code engine is desirable and someone will probably add the ram-air to it even though it was not available from Ford due to emissions regulations. If there are no rust issues this looks like a great candidate for restoration and period correct upgrades.
Like what’s already been said, this is a great deal!
This body style is one of my favorites, especially since I owned a 71 Raven Black Boss 351 in 79. It was stolen a month after I paid it off. SUCKS!!!
Hopefully someone will grab this one and enjoy it as was intended! Best luck with the sale.
Gone
I’m just guessing, but I think Barn Finds can take credit for this sale. It was on Craigslist for over a week. Shows up here and gone the next day.
Rust free rare cars are getting hard to find. I have a 72 H code Mach1 the same color that I bought 42 years ago for 1/3 of what it cost new.