1973 Ford Mustang Convertible

1973 Ford Mustang Convertible
Chassis no. 33FO3F108162
302ci V8 Engine
Single 2-barrel Carburetor
210bhp at 4,600rpm
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Live Rear axle
Front disc, Rear Drum Brakes

*Almost the final series of early Mustang convertibles
*Partially restored to driver condition
*Well-equipped
*Attractive color combination

THE 1973 MUSTANG

What would the automotive world look like today if it hadn't been for the arrival of the Ford Mustang in 1964? There would be no "Pony cars", there would never have been the incredibly-popular SCCA Trans-Am championship series, no Shelby GT350s, no entirely new segment for young men and women to swoon over. Anyone who has ever driven an earlier Mustang of any variety - notchback or fastback coupe or convertible, mild six or ferocious big-block V8, wouldn't have all those fond memories of cruising to the beach, lining up at the drag strip, or cheering on their favorite Mustang team at the local road circuit. We would all be poorer for it. The Mustang sparked the birth of the Camaro, the Firebird, the Cougar, the Challenger, and the Barracuda, all of those eager to jump into that fast-growing Pony Car segment. Mustangs remain an icon of American autodom.

By 1973, Mustangs had grown heavier and more luxurious as Ford's marketing team kept creating new ways to spread the Mustang's appeal. The '73 has been called "the last of the 'Big Mustangs", and Ford cranked some 134,817 out of its Dearborn plant, but just 11,853 were convertibles. At the time, it looked as though federal safety concerns would regulate all convertibles out of existence, so buyers grabbed them when they could. Motor Trend magazine would wax poetic: "The 1971-'73 Mustang gets plenty of criticism for its size, however, Mustang had never been a better road car than it was in 1973. Its wide track and long wheelbase made it the best Mustang cruiser ever bucked on a Ford assembly line. Drop the top, hit the road, and experience the best Mustang weekend getaway machine Ford had ever done." Available engines ranged from a mild six-cylinder to the most common 302, to several big 351s. Most Mustangs came with Fordomatic transmissions, but lots of buyers still wanted to stir their gears. Ford's Option list was lengthy, and you could custom-tailor your '73 with all manner of power accessories and upgraded trim items.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This very attractive 1973 Convertible is powered by a 302-cubic inch V8 with a single two-barrel carburetor and three-speed automatic transmission. It is finished in Metallic Blue with contrasting full-length Silver appliqué side and rocker panel stripes, hood spear, and on the rear fascia above the tail-lights. The folding top is white, and the interior is blue vinyl with imitation "wood" inserts on the door cards and two-spoke steering wheel. Underfoot, there is blue carpeting. The two front bucket seats and rear bench will carry four passengers in reasonable comfort, although rear legroom is tight. The center console contains a storage locker, an analog clock, and other conveniences. This car has power-assisted brakes with front discs and rear drums, as well as air-conditioning. Here is a very nice open Mustang that would benefit from some loving attention, and will surely be a great summertime ride.