1973 FORD MUSTANG MACH 1 SPORTSROOF COUPE
Designer: Gail Halderman

Estimate: $28,000 -­ $40,000

Chassis Number: 3F05H181488
Decoded: 3=1973; F=Dearborn, MI assembly; 05=Mustang Mach 1 Sportsroof; H=351 cid Cleveland V8; 181488=81,488th 1973 Ford Mustang scheduled for production at Dearborn
Engine: 351 cid OHV V8
4-­barrel Carburetor / 300 bhp
3-­Speed “C6” Automatic Transmission
Power Assisted Front Disc and Drum Rear Brakes
Mileage: 98,917

The Model: ‘Semon “Bunkie” Knudsen was the President of Ford Motor Company for a short period, but he was there long enough to leave his mark on Ford’s most popular car, the Mustang. When he arrived at Ford, the 1969 models had already been tooled up, ready for production. Knudsen really liked the front­ends of the 1969 Shelby Mustangs, so he instructed Ford’s Chief Stylist, Eugene Bordinat, to have the Mustang team develop something similar for the 1971­73 models. When Knudsen saw the first proposal, he loved it so much he ordered it to go into production without consideration for other proposals that were presented. The original Mach 1, available only with a 351 cid V8 or larger, had been a smash hit when launched in 1969. By 1973, a lot of the HP bite had been taken out of the galloping steed’s bite, but it was still the fastest thing going from Ford.

The Car: Making a good design better, this Mach 1 has been treated to a number of upgrades that give it an edge over the stock version when it comes to performance and looks. Starting with a real Mach 1, the build on this car is impressive, from the smooth sheet metal panels to the artistically applied code “2B” Bright Red paint and black stripes. Inside, the well­-appointed interior simulated wood sport steering wheel, high­-back bucket seats in black vinyl with red accents, factory AM­/FM radio, a group of neatly installed after­market gauges plus a number of other touches that make this Mach 1 special. The Cleveland V8 has been beefed up with an Edelbrock intake manifold and AFB carburetor, MSD ignition components, and modern R134A air­-conditioning. Sitting on a set of American Racing special edition wheels this car will roll into you hear once you’ve seen it in person.