1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1

1973 FORD MUSTANG MACH 1 BACKGROUND
1973 was the final year of the first generation of Ford Mustang, before the controversial downsizing into the 1974 Mustang II. By this time, and after 4 versions within the 1st-generation, the Mustang had grown in size and weight. Of course, the Muscle Car Era peaked in 1970, so by the time this 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 came out, the strongest engine on the menu was the 4-barrel 351 Cleveland with 243 horses. Clearly, the Mustang’s high-performance days were over, at least for about a decade. The Mach 1 was of course the top of the Mustang heap, and got all the best equipment. This was an era when all of Detroit was struggling and trying to find direction.

1971 FORD MUSTANG MACH 1 STYLING
Some people actually like the styling of these “fat-body Mustangs” (1971 through 1973), but most fans prefer the slimmer Mustangs that came before. The 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 lived up its nickname. It was fat. Every body panel was intentionally bloated to give the car a bigger, heavier look. Now why would anyone want a big, heavy Mustang? Who knows. As part of this puffy look, the rear end got pushed up to the point that the rear window (backlight) on the Fastback versions was very nearly horizontal. Very hard to see out of in the best of conditions, but with raindrops on top, it was nearly impossible. This body style is a clear example of “Form over Function”.

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1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 INTERIOR

1971 FORD MUSTANG MACH 1 INTERIORS
As you can see, the interiors were 1970’s-chic. Lots of earth-tone plastics, skinny steering wheel, flat door panels, nothing too fancy. This one has power windows, at least.

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1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 SPECIFICATIONS

NOTE: All 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1’s were Fastback body styles. Below are all 3 body styles offered on the Ford Mustang.