A 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1, a classic American muscle car, recently failed to find a new owner at auction. Despite its interesting history and decent condition, the highest bid only reached $16,000.
This one owner car, which spent over five decades with its original owner, boasts a powerful 351 Cleveland V8 engine. While not an original Boss 351, it still delivers impressive performance, thanks to the Cleveland engine’s renowned torque and horsepower.
The Mach 1’s exterior features a black paint job, Boss 351 decals, a ram-air hood, and other sporty elements, such as dual racing side mirrors, front and rear spoilers, dual exhaust outlets, fog lights, and a set of Cragar 15″ alloy wheels with 225/60 BFGoodrich tires.
The interior includes front bucket seats, a retro style stereo with rocker switches, and an AutoMeter speedometer. Although the odometer reads 32,000 miles, the total chassis mileage is unknown.
The 351 V8 engine was installed under previous ownership and is mated to a three-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels. This classic Mustang, with its combination of power, style, and history, would have been a desirable purchase for many enthusiasts.
However, the auction’s outcome suggests that either the market for classic Mustangs is saturated, or the car’s specific condition or history did not appeal to potential buyers. The 1971 Mustang, while technically a first generation car, marked a departure from the performance focused Mustangs of the late 1960s.
Models like the Boss 351, though still impressive, lacked the raw power and agility of their predecessors. Nevertheless, for those who appreciate classic muscle cars, the 1971 Boss 351 remains a desirable collectible.
The Boss 351 was equipped with a powerful 351 cubic inch V8 engine, which produced 330 horsepower. This engine was paired with a close ratio 4 speed manual transmission. The Boss 351 also featured a number of other performance enhancements, such as a stiffer suspension, a larger front anti roll bar, and upgraded brakes.
Despite its impressive performance, the 1971 Mustang Boss 351 was not as successful as its predecessors. This was due in part to the rising cost of fuel and the increasing popularity of smaller, more fuel efficient cars. However, the Boss 351 remains a beloved classic car, and it is still highly sought after by collectors today.
