1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback

- Built 351ci/475hp V8
- Tremec TKO600 5 speed manual trans
- AFR Aluminum heads
- Roller Rockers
- Moser 9'' Rear
- Exhaust cutouts with switch
- Red halo headlights on switch
- Security System with fob for locks
- 10.5:1 Compression
- Wilwood Disc Brakes on all four
- 65pcfm Pro-form Carb
- MSD Ignition

(Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 on a website other than our Garage Kept Motors site, it's possible that you've only seen some of our many photographs of the car due to third-party website limitations. To be sure you access all the more than 145 photographs, as well as a short start-up and walk-around video, please go to our main website: Garage Kept Motors.)

“… the '71-'73 Mustang might just be the best of the breed”- DrivingLine.com, March 2021

The 1973 Mustang ended the “original Mustang” run. Mustang IIs that followed would be a completely different—and somewhat controversial—take on sporty cars. As DrivingLine writer, Mike Garrett, saw it, the 1973 pony car might well be the best of the breed. He listed the '73 Mustang's distinct advantages: “The Look… a sleeker, more muscular look (that) worked well; The Performance… the same basic chassis layout and powertrain choices that made the earlier cars so successful; Bang for the Buck; Movie Star… cemented its status as an automotive icon after starring in the cult classic 1974 car chase film Gone in 60 Seconds; A Character All Its Own… 1973 cars though, are far less common while still delivering all the benefits of classic Mustang ownership—and great looks to boot.” Add serious performance and beautifully refreshed paint, and a '73 Mustang has lots going for it.

Offered here is a 1973 Mustang Mach 1 fastback dramatically upgraded in performance, look, and appeal. The car left the Dearborn assembly plant on January 23, 1973 for delivery to Chino Motors of Chino, California. Just 3,366 miles ago, it was restored and re-born with performance additions not available back in the day (see the accompanying detailed listing) and a striking new dark-red pearlescent paint scheme to create a “one-of-one Mach 1.”

The car's exterior paint was professionally applied (including door jambs, trunk, underside of the hood, etc.). The finish is uniformly glossy, consistent, and free of damage. The color was an especially good choice as it highlights the flowing "long-roof" body lines. Body-side Mach 1 stripes in black are subdued yet effective in identifying the performance heritage. (To best assess the quality of the paint and trim finishes, be sure to view the close-up photographs of the car in the accompanying gallery.) The front spoiler, grille, hood-scoop trim, rear-deck spoiler, rear-valance insert, and rear bumper are all finished in matte black. Badging—including the running-pony grille emblem, “351 Ram Air” hood identification, script-Mustang fender badges, and Mustang-logo gas cap—is all properly located. Cabin glass and all lighting lenses are clear and free of cracks or other imperfections. American Racing® 5-spoke polished alloy wheels are mounted with BFGoodrich® Radial T/A raised-white-letter tires.

The car's interior features black vinyl upholstery in a classic, horizontal pattern on the high-back front buckets and the folding rear bench seat. The condition of interior surfaces overall is excellent; upholstery is fresh and free of even minor wear or damage. Black cabin carpeting has been well maintained and protected by running-pony-branded carpet mats in front. A 3-spoke, polished-metal Grant® sport steering wheel frames the large, red-lit digital speedometer and tachometer, with smaller engine-monitoring gauges incorporated, all added in the car's refreshment. Speakers (part of the upgraded audio system with more located in the trunk) have cleverly replaced gauges on the upper center console (painted body color). A vintage-look Mustang-branded push-button radio is mounted in the proper factory location above slide-lever-operated ventilation and heating controls. The shift lever (also wearing body-color paint) for the Tremec® 5-speed TKO600 manual transmission is floor-mounted and topped with a “cue ball” knob bearing the shift pattern. Door trim includes wood-grain panels, black vinyl, and black carpeting, all in excellent condition.

Under the hood, the built, estimated 475-horsepower, 351ci. 4-barrel draws air through the hood scoops directly into the open-sided air cleaner. A chrome air-cleaner cover and Ford Racing-identified polished-metal valve covers add visual interest and, in the case of the latter, serious performance cred. The engine bay is very clean and all components—including the the MSD® ignition system—are properly located. Viewed from below, the chassis is straight, complete, and free of any signs of damage. The massive “snake-look” racing-style headers, electronically activated exhaust cutouts, and full dual-exhaust system are obvious focal points.

The Mustang's original build and identification tags remain mounted. The Deluxe Marti® report showing additional build details is included in the sale.

While the more than 145 high-definition photographs and the short walk-around-and-startup video available on the GarageKeptMotors website showcase this Mach 1 in detail from every angle, including from below, we expect and encourage in-person inspections at our Grand Rapids, Michigan showroom. Please call to arrange an appointment in advance as our showroom is not open to the public. And feel free to get in touch anytime by phone or email if you have questions.

The large number of Mustang enthusiasts, clubs, and aftermarket parts suppliers helps make owning any of these performance cars a real joy, especially so when the upgrades have been well thought-out and executed. Every Mustang model draws interest at cars-and-coffee gatherings, so the next owner of this properly upgraded, dark-red Mach 1 can expect more than their fair share of admirers and plenty of “thumbs up” endorsements from fellow pony-car loyalists.