429 Cobra Jet/4-Speed! 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1
This 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is more than just a pretty face. Its sparkling paint and flawless panels are merely the entree because its engine bay houses the potent 429 Cobra Jet V8. Teaming this with a four-speed manual transmission produced a car with serious performance credentials. The seller feels the time is right for this classic to find a new home, listing it here on eBay in Georgetown, Texas. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve to sit at $24,100.
The 1971 model year brought the final major update to the First Generation Mustang, with its dimensions increasing to accommodate some of the company’s larger engines. The Mach 1 variant remained popular, with 36,449 buyers taking one home. The original owner ordered this classic in Raven Black with contrasting Silver stripes and graphics.
The seller doesn’t provide any history for this Mach 1, making it unclear whether it is a genuine survivor or a restored classic. Its presentation is tidy, with the Black paint shining intensely. This paint shade is excellent for revealing panel damage or inconsistencies, but this Ford has no such problems. The gaps are tight, and I can’t spot any rust issues. The graphics are crisp, while the trim and glass are spotless. The Magnum 500 wheels might be a later addition, but the hood suggests there is more to this car than meets the eye.
The dual hood scoops were optional with the 1971 Mach 1’s entry-level V8, but they are functional on this classic. They feed cold air to the 429 Cobra Jet V8 occupying the engine bay, allowing it to churn out 370hp and 450 ft/lbs of torque. There’s no point having mountains of power if it can’t be effectively delivered to Plant Earth, but this car does so via a four-speed manual transmission and 15″ BF Goodrich tires.
Modern rubber is significantly better than that used in 1971, meaning this Mustang should have more traction off the line. Therefore, expecting this beauty to deliver a ¼-mile ET better than the 14.3 seconds it produced off the showroom floor is realistic. Frustratingly, the seller only provides one engine photo and no information on how this Mach 1 runs or drives. I see nothing to suggest it is in anything but excellent mechanical health. The seller appears approachable, so posing questions on the subject would be worthwhile.
The Mach 1 is a car of contrasts, with its White interior trim looking striking against the Black paint. Its presentation is as impressive as the rest of the vehicle, with no rips, stains, or yellowing. The carpet appears spotless, and the plastic is excellent. I am undecided whether there is a problem with the lower edge of the dashpad on the passenger side or if it is an illusion. Otherwise, the overall condition is acceptable for a survivor-grade classic.
Some cars blend into the background like automotive chameleons, while others make a bold impact. This 1971 Mustang Mach 1 achieves the latter feat on two fronts. Its exterior paint combination and condition are guaranteed to command attention, while its mechanical specifications ensure it commands respect. The bidding has been surprisingly subdued, with only fifteen submitted at the time of writing. This may be a case where the situation changes dramatically as the end draws near. The reserve has been met, meaning a new home is guaranteed. Would you consider making it yours, or doesn’t this Mach 1 tick the boxes for you?
