The 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is the first year of the redesigned third-generation “Big Horse” Mustang, representing the largest and most powerful Mustang ever produced to that point. Of the approximately 149,678 Mustangs built for the 1971 model year, 36,498 were Mach 1s. The Mach 1 was available exclusively in the SportsRoof fastback body style and was not offered as a hardtop or convertible.

Standard Mach 1 equipment included a unique honeycomb grille with inset Sport lamps, color-keyed front spoiler, hood and fender moldings, dual racing mirrors, competition suspension, styled steel wheels with trim rings, high-back bucket seats, honeycomb rear panel appliqué, pop-open gas cap, deck lid paint stripe, and black or Argent Silver lower body accent treatment with bright upper molding. The three-pod instrument cluster and mini console were standard interior features. A NASA-style dual hood scoop treatment was a no-cost option on 302-equipped cars and standard on all higher-displacement engines.

Engine Options: The base Mach 1 engine was the F-code 302 cu. in. Windsor V8 rated at 210 horsepower. Three 351 cu. in. Cleveland V8s were available: the H-code 2-barrel at 240 horsepower; the M-code 4-barrel at 285 horsepower in early production, revised mid-year to 280 horsepower with reduced compression and redesignated as the Q-code 351 Cobra Jet. The top engine options were the C-code 429 Cobra Jet at 370 horsepower and the J-code 429 Cobra Jet Ram Air at 375 horsepower — making 1971 the final model year the 429 CJ and 429 CJ-R were available in a Mustang. Ordering the Drag Pack option (3.91:1 or 4.11:1 rear axle ratio) with either 429 engine converted it to Super Cobra Jet specification, adding a solid-lifter camshaft, Holley 780 cfm carburetor, and forged-piston rotating assembly. To accommodate the 429 block, Ford reshaped the front spring towers and fitted a cross-flow radiator. All 351 Cleveland engines were manufactured at Ford’s Cleveland plant.

Transmission Options: Three-speed manual (standard); four-speed manual (optional, $216); three-speed SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic automatic. Note: air conditioning was not available in combination with the 429 CJ and four-speed manual.

Dual Ram Induction Hood: Available as a functional option on 351 and 429-equipped cars, adding two operative NASA-style hood scoops, twist-type hood locks, and a Tu-Tone black or Argent Silver paint treatment with Ram Air call-out decals. The 429 Ram Air package included functional scoops as standard equipment; all other engine options required the hood package to be separately ordered for functional operation.

Chassis & Suspension: Front coil spring independent suspension with wider track than previous-generation Mustangs; rear live axle with leaf springs. Competition suspension was standard on the Mach 1. Performance handling suspension was an additional option, unavailable with the 429 V8 or six-cylinder engines. Wheelbase: 109 inches. Overall length: 189.5 inches.

This 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 will be offered at auction exclusively on GuyswithRides.bid, the dealer-free classic and collector car auction platform.

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