I would just like to start a discussion on the seemingly infamous 71 thru 73 Mustang body style. I have owned 2 - 71 cars . My reasoning is not to justify my own feelings on them nor is it to imply that the earlier ones aren't Awesome. I just wonder why you see so much less of these cars on the forum, on posters, in magazines etc. Its like they are stuck somewhere in the middle of being a turn in the wrong direction at the time, yet really cool compared to what came in the future? Many that I see these days have been all bastardized and look bad ,but when they are say a Mach 1 in original condition people at the car shows tend to be drawn to them and and you hear many comments about how " these are my favorite" and " these are really cool". Anyway sometimes I feel a little out of place here because it seems like I have the odd car. I just thought it maybe fun to get some random input on the so called big, bulky, 71-73 cars. Are we just able to like them as long as we don't admit it ? lol. Rich
1beautifuldaughter
I like them, don’t own any yet...but I do really like the coupe. Most people would turn their nose at it. I had a 73 Gran Torino Sport in high school. It was a big ford and drove like one. I always thought the 71-73 would drive the same. I’ll have to find out one day...
I've owned primarily 71-73s for over 30 years, with several 67-70s thrown in the mix. I am fond of all Mustangs, but 71-73 is my favorite.
You can thank much of the bad press surrounding the car at release, along with the various 65-70 purist authors that trash talked them in books and magazines, for the "bad rep" they got. The design was such a radical departure from the original 65, it was just too much for some people.
FWIW, the "Torino" comment isn't entirely off base, they do share the same basic front clip.
If you're looking for 71-73 specific info, try the 7173mustangs.com forum.
You can thank much of the bad press surrounding the car at release, along with the various 65-70 purist authors that trash talked them in books and magazines, for the "bad rep" they got. The design was such a radical departure from the original 65, it was just too much for some people.
FWIW, the "Torino" comment isn't entirely off base, they do share the same basic front clip.
If you're looking for 71-73 specific info, try the 7173mustangs.com forum.
My first car was a '71 fastback, so I definitely have an appreciation for those cars. I think there are multiple factors for the lack of love:
- Not only are those Mustangs larger than any other, they LOOK very large. In reality, the size differences are small. In perspective, this generation of Mustangs appear to be MUCH larger than previous Mustangs. People associate the Mustang with being a pony car and the 71-73 Mustangs pushed just beyond the pony car image.
- 1971 was the last hurrah for a powerful Mustang. After that, Ford lowered engine compression, retarded timing, used broomstick cams and lousy carburetors. Thus, the performance appeal really wasn't there anymore.
- The styling is very polarizing. The fastbacks are pretty popular, but almost nobody likes the coupes. I think they're cool, but they don't really look like a Mustang. Convertibles are somewhere in the middle. The good news is you can pick up a 71-73 coupe or convertible pretty cheap. The bad news is you better make sure it's in good shape because parts availability is very limited.
- You don't see as many of them around and you don't find as many fans of these cars simply because Ford didn't sell nearly as many as they did of earlier models. One of reasons early Mustangs are so popular is the nostalgia factor. Whenever I take my '70 Mach 1 out, someone always wants to tell me about the Mustang their mom, dad, brother, sister, cousin or friend had and all the fun they had with it. Not nearly as many people has such experiences with the 71-73 Mustangs.
Go ahead and post about your car! You may not get the reaction you would from posting about a 68 GT, but nobody here will give you any grief.
- Not only are those Mustangs larger than any other, they LOOK very large. In reality, the size differences are small. In perspective, this generation of Mustangs appear to be MUCH larger than previous Mustangs. People associate the Mustang with being a pony car and the 71-73 Mustangs pushed just beyond the pony car image.
- 1971 was the last hurrah for a powerful Mustang. After that, Ford lowered engine compression, retarded timing, used broomstick cams and lousy carburetors. Thus, the performance appeal really wasn't there anymore.
- The styling is very polarizing. The fastbacks are pretty popular, but almost nobody likes the coupes. I think they're cool, but they don't really look like a Mustang. Convertibles are somewhere in the middle. The good news is you can pick up a 71-73 coupe or convertible pretty cheap. The bad news is you better make sure it's in good shape because parts availability is very limited.
- You don't see as many of them around and you don't find as many fans of these cars simply because Ford didn't sell nearly as many as they did of earlier models. One of reasons early Mustangs are so popular is the nostalgia factor. Whenever I take my '70 Mach 1 out, someone always wants to tell me about the Mustang their mom, dad, brother, sister, cousin or friend had and all the fun they had with it. Not nearly as many people has such experiences with the 71-73 Mustangs.
Go ahead and post about your car! You may not get the reaction you would from posting about a 68 GT, but nobody here will give you any grief.
That's true, the 71 was styled to look larger. There was a slight increase in wheelbase, but if you put a tape on the cars you'll find the 71 wasn't much larger.
Of course all of this worked against it when the first "oil crisis" hit. In 72 the 429 was gone, and the BOSS 351, aguably the best performing 65-73 Mustang, was dropped. The engine continued as an option, as the 351 HO, essentially the same engine with lower-compression open-chamber heads, but was almost unknown. Even that was dropped in 73.
Of course all of this worked against it when the first "oil crisis" hit. In 72 the 429 was gone, and the BOSS 351, aguably the best performing 65-73 Mustang, was dropped. The engine continued as an option, as the 351 HO, essentially the same engine with lower-compression open-chamber heads, but was almost unknown. Even that was dropped in 73.
If I didn't have my 65 or was independently wealthy I always wanted to build a 71 429 SCJ clone car. Stroke a 460 to over 500 cubic inches but dress it to look stock. If I win the lottery or start playing the lottery.
I see the same thing with my 74 Dodge Chargers. 1972 and up are shunned as power was down and manufacturers started to assume everyone wanted luxury.
The 71-73 fastback (or sportsroof or whatever) is one of my favorite body styles, but I have agree with those above that the minimized nostalgia factor definitely drags them down in others eyes. However, the only thing I can really be nostalgic for are like scooby doo episodes so idrc, just a cool look
I think the 71-73 mustangs draw attention at car shows because they're seldom seen anywhere, and you can only look at so many camaro, chevelles and early mustangs.I used to attend "Bloomington" every year, and after looking at corvettes all day, it was real break to see a nicely done muscle car or a vintage pickup of any make in the parking lot. I like my 71, but a 67 S code coupe is where it's at for me.
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As a '72 and '73 Mustang owner, I have to agree with Klutch. The '71 was really the last "hurrah" and performance (and sales) just went down hill after that. I think that caused them to never gain that level of popularity that the earlier Mustangs had, even back then. Thus, aftermarket parts and popularity now is nearly non-existent.
For me however, it's personal. The '72 I have now is the car that brought me home when I was born. The '73 was the first car I ever had. I don't see either of them leaving my family anytime soon...
For me however, it's personal. The '72 I have now is the car that brought me home when I was born. The '73 was the first car I ever had. I don't see either of them leaving my family anytime soon...
It just is what it is... Just over 400K 71-73 Mustangs were ever produced, compared to over 2.5 million 65-70 Mustangs. So right out of the gate, you're a statistical minority.
Then add into account the demise of the big block, and the reduction of compression for 72-73, and the field thins yet more.
And in the late-70's and early-80's when the cars were barely 10 years old and not yet enjoying the collectible status they have today, most of them that were 6-bangers and 302's were just "cheap used cars" that eventually found their way into salvage yards, and crushed.. Furthering the attrition rate.
Fast forward to 2020, and they're simply a rarer beast than their earlier brethren. So whether you prefer them, or don't care for them, or you're like me and appreciate ALL Mustangs for different/varying reasons, the math is such that you'll see proportionately fewer posts and features and appearances.
I daily-drove a '73 Mach 1 (with an extremely hot Cleveland, not stock) for a couple years, and absolutely loved the way the car drove. My only gripe was that Ford went backwards with the fit and comfort of the high-back bucket seats compared to the comfy and supportive 69-70 high-backs. And it had power windows, power driver's seat (cribbed from a Cougar), air conditioning, power decklid release, rear defrost, all the comforts. One of those cars I probably should've hung onto.
It's best to never take "popularity" too personal. It's all relative. Imagine how thick your skin would have to be if you were a card-carrying member of www.amcmatador.com LOL (that's not a real place, I just made it up).
Then add into account the demise of the big block, and the reduction of compression for 72-73, and the field thins yet more.
And in the late-70's and early-80's when the cars were barely 10 years old and not yet enjoying the collectible status they have today, most of them that were 6-bangers and 302's were just "cheap used cars" that eventually found their way into salvage yards, and crushed.. Furthering the attrition rate.
Fast forward to 2020, and they're simply a rarer beast than their earlier brethren. So whether you prefer them, or don't care for them, or you're like me and appreciate ALL Mustangs for different/varying reasons, the math is such that you'll see proportionately fewer posts and features and appearances.
I daily-drove a '73 Mach 1 (with an extremely hot Cleveland, not stock) for a couple years, and absolutely loved the way the car drove. My only gripe was that Ford went backwards with the fit and comfort of the high-back bucket seats compared to the comfy and supportive 69-70 high-backs. And it had power windows, power driver's seat (cribbed from a Cougar), air conditioning, power decklid release, rear defrost, all the comforts. One of those cars I probably should've hung onto.
It's best to never take "popularity" too personal. It's all relative. Imagine how thick your skin would have to be if you were a card-carrying member of www.amcmatador.com LOL (that's not a real place, I just made it up).
I still remember the first time I saw a 71 Mach 1, I thought it looked like it had just rolled off the race track and fell in love with them. Although the 65/66 Mustangs are still my favorite, I definitely love the 71-73. Drove a 71 Boss 351 for awhile. Handled great, accelerated like a rocket ship. Looked great. Rear view visibility left a lot to be desired...ha ha. A guy I went to school with had a 71 coupe that I really liked. 351 4V and 4 speed, it was pretty wicked.
I LOVE the 71-73 cars. my first mustang was a 73 351c powered grande' , and I've had a 72 hardtop and 71 & 73 Mach 1's.
i'd love another 71-73 fastback, mach or not. i'd even trade my '66 for the right one.
i'd love another 71-73 fastback, mach or not. i'd even trade my '66 for the right one.
My favorite car was my second one, a 71 Hardtop.
- At the time I liked it so much more than my first, a 67 Hardtop.
I am restoring a 1972 Fastback and it's amazing how many parts are the same from earlier Mustangs. Like Tie Rods, Spindles, Radios, Brake assemblies, engine, and third member. I guess that is why Mustang II's are still disliked. Everything was changed on the car to make it a glorified Pinto. This is why the 71-73's are included in that first generation category of 1965-1973. Iaccoca was still living in 1964 when he took over Ford in 1971 and thought Americans wanted a small car because of the oil embargo. Knudsen had increased the size of the 71-73 because Mustang sales were slipping and he believed the Mustang buyers from 1965 to 66 now had families and needed bigger cars. It's a lot like the 2015's and up. Watch the movie "A Faster Horse" and you will see the test car is a 2014 with modified sheet metal. The 71-73 are basically a 65 with different sheet metal and a few stretched dimensions. As 65 to 70's become more priced out of range by collectors, I think you will see the popularity of the 71-73 Fastbacks go up. So go buy it now, its only going up in value. Reminds me of a 30,000 mile 1970 Boss 429 I could have bought in Detroit in 1973 for $1000. I kick myself everyday when I see them selling for $300,000.
In about 82 we had a national advertising--"want to buy your 71-73 Mustang"
Needless to say at that time they were plentiful and cheap. Bought many, fixed many, sold many as the Mustang seeking crowd still existed.
If we were able, I'd be right in the mix buying any of these car, fixing them.. A well prepared 71-73 coupe is a beautiful automobile.
Of course a Boss 351 is the best of all, but not the car we can all have a great time cruising to the popsicle stand on a summers evening.
Needless to say at that time they were plentiful and cheap. Bought many, fixed many, sold many as the Mustang seeking crowd still existed.
If we were able, I'd be right in the mix buying any of these car, fixing them.. A well prepared 71-73 coupe is a beautiful automobile.
Of course a Boss 351 is the best of all, but not the car we can all have a great time cruising to the popsicle stand on a summers evening.
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