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.
Positives & Negatives To The Deal
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