1973 Ford Mustang Convertible (RHD)

Description

The final facelift for Ford's hugely successful first generation Mustang lasted for the three years between 1971 and 1973. Although it shared many of the styling cues of the original, every dimension was bigger - the car was longer, wider and heavier in keeping with industry trends. Built on a 109-inch wheelbase platform, the 1971-1973 Mustangs remained true to the original formula in many ways, continuing to offer a myriad of powertrain and trim options. Three different body styles were available, ranging from the Hardtop and SportsRoof to the Convertible although demand for ragtops was in serious decline and 1973 would be the final year for an open-topped Mustang for several seasons. With the Fuel Crisis in full swing, Ford's focus shifted from performance to fuel economy and as a result engine choices were rationalised for 1972 and remained thus the following year. The base unit was a 250-cid six rated at a measly 99 horsepower, while just two V8s were optional - the 302-cid and 351-cid, the latter available CobraJet, but the big-block 429s were no longer offered. Exterior changes to the 1973 models were kept to a minimum, a restyled grille and colour-matched high-impact bumpers the only notable changes. Two popular trim packages were the Grande, a luxurious version of the Hardtop featuring a vinyl roof and the high performance Mach I SportsRoof, replete with go-faster decals. In what would prove to be the convertible models final year, just 11,853 rolled off the line - representating well under 10 per cent of total Mustang production that year. The Mustangs built from 1971-1973 were big, bold and beautiful and represented the end of an era - the muscle car was gradually being phased out by new safety legislation and the impending fuel crisis. Far better value than earlier Mustangs, the early 1970s models have great appeal, both visually and behind the wheel.