My post is two fold. Looking into getting my first classic Stang and this Mach popped up on CL.
I am looking into picking this '71 Mach 1 for a daily driver and I have a couple doubts as to its originality. I am waiting for the owner to send me the VIN # to check. I was worried because on my screen, an older laptop at work here, I see no Mach 1 graphics. I know the chin spoiler is there but it doesn't have the Magnum wheels that I see so often. Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't the front bumper be body color? I'm a bit worried that he stuck a spoiler and wing on and called it a day. Once I get more pictures/vin I will post some more info but for now, please educate me!
And secondly, what kind of maintenance should I expect to do in the first year? I'm planning to daily driver this car. I told my girl I would look at costs compared to buying a newer Mustang and am getting a good idea for the maintenance budget on this one.
As an original Mach 1, yes it should have the body colored bumper. A Mach 1 does not necessarily have to have the NASA hood nor the Magnum 500's. Chinn spoiler and chrome bumper are possible 351 Boss look alike changes.
There are several other details BUT the details are in the VIN. Check the VIN for an 05 (the third and fourth digit) to confirm that it is indeed a Mach 1.
With the mileage that the car has on it and it's age, maintenance really depends on how it has all ready been maintained.
(07-23-2013, 11:38 AM)Steven Harris Wrote: As an original Mach 1, yes it should have the body colored bumper. A Mach 1 does not necessarily have to have the NASA hood nor the Magnum 500's. Chinn spoiler and chrome bumper are possible 351 Boss look alike changes.
There are several other details BUT the details are in the VIN. Check the VIN for an 05 (the third and fourth digit) to confirm that it is indeed a Mach 1.
With the mileage that the car has on it and it's age, maintenance really depends on how it has all ready been maintained.
Thank you so much! I am currently waiting on a text of the vin from the owner. My vin chart is on the tab next to this ;)
My '71 Mach 1 is vin # 1F05F214550.
If 05 does not appear in the vin number between the two letters then she isn't a true factory Mach 1.
The '69 model is the exception. there was no special designation in the vin number to indicate if it is a true factory Mach 1.
The VIN will tell you for sure. Just make sure that it's the actual VIN number of THAT car. The VIN recognized by DMV is on the dashboard. The dashboard is easily replaced. The VIN is also shown on the doorplate on the drivers side door. Both numbers should match but if the door has been replaced... On the older mustangs, the VIN was also engraved into the inner fender apron. Unfortunately you have to remove the fender to look at it. I'm not sure if a '71-'73 has the VIN on the inner fender apron. My car is so badly rotted in those areas that I can't tell.
Don't be overly concerned about the chrome front bumper. A true Mach 1 should indeed have the "rubber" / body-color front bumper but since there are no aftermarket replacements available (yet) the price of a good used one is usually pretty steep. A lot of people just put a low-cost aftermarket chrome front bumper on unless they're going for a 100% accurate Mach 1 restoration.
Most Mach 1s came without Magnum 500s. don't be concerned too much about that either.
It DOES look like it has the correct (for a Mach 1) body-color front fender edges and hood strip. Also, the grill looks to be correct for a Mach1. Remember though ALL of these parts can be bolted onto a plain fastback.
It's amazing the lengths people will go, to pass a plain Mustang off as a Mach1. Realize it is over 40 years old and has probably been through many different stages, driver, hot rod, moms car, toy, lawn art, etc. And has probably been repaired, rebuilt, restyled, several times to it's current state. God only knows whats been done or how many face lifts it's had. So what we end up with is a car that only the "Vin#" knows for sure. The thing I like about it, other then the color, C'mon Maroon! Is the body panel fit. From the picture, sucks there's only one, it has the straight sharp look of a car that's never been apart or one somebody took a lot of care putting together as it has a crispness that a lot don't have. I could be wrong and it's hard to judge from just one picture, but it looks to have potential. Just my thoughts. JTS 71 Mach1
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