It all started innocently enough. While buying parts from the
local NAPA Auto Parts store for the Lazarus Project, a friend
approached us about a car that his friend owned.
"It's a really nice '73 Mach 1," said Larry, "351 V-8, four-speed
with air. I think you could get into it for around $7,000."
Since we've been around the block on this same type of ride
before, we were curious but cautious. Some of the "really nice
cars" out there turn into really large pieces of poop when you
pop the garage door. Even so, we agreed to take a look-just
out of curiosity.
What we found surprised us and actually caught us off guard.
The car was passable, if not super nice. It ended up being a
nice driver or "an older restoration showing wear." Though
neither Mark nor I bought the Mach 1 (wisely), our Group
Director, Doug Evans, was suckered-er, given the
opportunity-to join the Mustang frenzy.
Here is our idea with this Mach. Since Lazarus is almost
complete, we decided to jump into another '71-'73 via this car.
However, our premise here is to start with a $7,500 (selling
price) Mach and turn it into a $12,000 Mach, as cheaply as we
can. Best of all, in this series we'll tell you how you can do the
same with your car.
| What It Was |
| Door Data Plate Information |
| Serial Number 3F05Q180675 |
| 3 | 1973 |
| F | Built at Dearborn |
| 05 | Mach 1 SportsRoof |
| Q | 351 4V |
| 80,675th | Ford vehicle scheduled for |
| | production at Dearborn |
| 02/73 | Built February 1973 |
| 63R | Mach 1 SportsRoof |
| 3K | Blue Glow Metallic paint, Ford no. 5210-A |
| AA | Black Ruffino/Corinthian vinyl |
| 9 | 3.25 standard axle ratio |
| 5 | Four-speed manual transmission |
| 24 | Jacksonville ordering district |
| Dealer No: | 24E476 |
The Vehicle Was Ordered With the Following Options:* NASA-scooped hood (nonfunctional)* Two-tone hood paint* Four-speed manual transmission* F70x14 belted raised-white-letter tires* Convenience Group* Rear deck spoiler* Power steering* Console* Power front disc brakes* Door edge guards* Air conditioner (Selectaire)* AM/eight-track stereo radio* Tinted glass complete* Forged aluminum wheels
The car was actually produced on February 14, 1973-15 days
behind schedule.Courtesy of Marti Autoworks
E-Mail Us At mustangm@emapUSA.com
Positives* Factory Convenience Group* Both front and rear spoilers came with the car* Ram air* Engine is solid, though we are planning a cam swap* Factory gauge package has been added already* All the hard-to-find parts are already there* Paint is in very good condition* All-new weatherstrips * Key parts have been replaced (gas cap, center caps)
Negatives* Trunk is missing key items* Air shocks on rear allude to worn rear springs* Detail on the last resto was poorly done* Tires on the verge of needing replacement* Nonlocking differential* Engine bay is nasty* Center gauge panel is incorrect for the car* Tranny needs attention; second gear synchros are worn