True Mach 1/351ci Cleveland V8/Drivable Project/FMX Automatic/Correct Seats

For consignment, a 1972 Mustang Mach 1 which is currently at the fringe of the market that will be destined to become a collector car classic just like all the other earlier versions that came before it.  The consignor has not owned the car for very long, although states many newer parts have been put in such as an alternator, front end suspension, carburetor, and the radiator.  The front quarters have been repaired but most likely should be replaced.  The hood is blurting out Ram Air however this car's mill cannot accept that.  I'll describe this car as an on the edge destined to be a collector car classic that could use a little TLC and then it will hit the big time.  It's on its way of making it…BIG TIME!

Exterior
Bright Blue Metallic, just like the skies that test pilot Yeager blasted across in his Glamorous Glennis Bell X-1, and looking fast.  With the addition of some satin black surrounding the dual front hood scoops, chin spoiler and triple threat stripe which begins in the lower front quarter, rises to just above the front wheel well, then races rearward at the midline to the back of the car.  The 1972 front grille is the most menacing of all the Mustangs, and has been emulated even in newer versions of this moniker.  A black rocker painted area is on the bottoms and is bordered on top of it by a chromed thin trimming.  Mach 1 large badging is also in the black on the front quarters.  The true definition of a “pony” car, with its miles long hood area, and small gracefully descending rakish rear deck.  The hood has  Ram Air badging on it however this car is not equipped with this option.  On the back we see a black rear spoiler, and underneath the spoiler we see the triple brake lights bordered by another thinner triple black stripe above and a clean bumper below.  15-inch Magnum 500 racy wheels in polished chrome are wrapped by Stinger Radial GT raised white lettered tires on all 4 corners.  The body has a few scratches and previous repairs where bondo was slathered on, some discoloration near the rockers, and the front bumper is in need of replacement as it is scratched heavily and deeply.  

Interior
Turning our attention to the interior, correct high back black knitted vinyl buckets sporting some horizontal wide tuck and roll inserts are upfront, and a 2+2 fold down seat in the rear.  On the hump is the T styled automatic shift lever in a sea of black carpeting on which this interior floats.  As we move our eye to the angled dash we stumble upon temp sliders and a Kenwood AM/FM/Cassette aftermarket radio.  Moving upward is a horizontal badge and air vents just under the bump up on the dash pad.  In front of the driver the instrumentation in the drivers center eye view, also uses the rake and are deeply inset into the dash with their black faces and white letters.  The dash needs a new pad on top, and in front of the passenger the front dash panel shows some damage to the paint.  The door panels have rectangular panels molded into the vinyl which sport central faux buttons connecting the panels.  All vinyl on these doors is a bit wavy.  Above is a tight black headliner.

Drivetrain
In an unrestored engine bay we see a 351ci Cleveland mill which we are unsure as to whether its numbers matching, but it is a correct engine.  It has a single 4-barrel carburetor under the hood with a chromed air cleaner covering, although it is not RAM AIR.  On the back is an FMX 3 speed automatic transmission, and way in the back is a Ford 9-inch rear axle.

Undercarriage
Some surface rust and evidence of previous repairs to the floor pans due to more slathering of bondo, dual cherry bomb exhaust, independent front, and coil springs on back for the suspension which is non rusted.  Power disc brakes are on front, and power drums on the rear.  A few dents and scratches are on the underside of the fuel tank.

Drive-Ability
This X-1 emulator fired right up and off to the test track I went.   Plenty of power, and nice handling, and a comfortable interior to boot.  It shifted smoothly, and all interior functions were a go.  An overall good driver.

Our consignor was a bit rough on the description of this car to me.  It is in good condition and does need some TLC, but it is well within reach of attainability/overall value ratio, so you will not end up dumping tons of cash into the hole that you will never climb out.  Quite the contrary, based on increasing value and interest I see here at CAM, it is definitely worth a look if you need something to do that will not suck up all your spare time…And meanwhile you can drive it to your heart's content!

2F05H113841

2-1972
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
05-Mach 1 Sportsroof
H-351ci V8 2bbl
113841-Sequential Unit Number