Now, here's a flat-out, great-looking open-air classic. This 1971 Ford Mustang Convertible represents its model in its more expansive, late-first generation form. The bright red paint it wears closely mirrors one of the most popular color offerings when it first debuted and, as you circle the car, you'll find no eyesores to diminish your enthusiasm. Rolling on a set of 15" wheels with Mustang-branded centers that are wrapped with Milestar tires still showing plenty of tread, it has an overall level of vitality that can only come from a combination of good care and careful sheltering, with clear lighting in both front and back, and chrome brightwork that really show nicely.
The interior retains its original appearance after all these years, with black vinyl upholstery that still has a lot of life in it, along with well-fitted carpeting and door panels that show no undue wear. Because this '71 features a lengthier wheelbase than its Mustang predecessors, your backseat passengers will have lots of room at their disposal and, with this classic's "cool" factor, you'll no doubt have plenty of company as you hit the road. If, as you do, the skies begin to darken, the black canvas convertible top is in good working order and powers into position with no issues. The factory AM/FM radio functions as intended and the factory air conditioning system, not often seen in convertibles from this era, is blowing strong, so a simple recharge is likely all it will need to return to top form.
The level of mechanical period-correctness this Mustang carries should be enough to satisfy even the more demanding purists among us, while also offering a reassuringly solid experience behind the wheel. Its 302-cubic-inch V8 engine starts easily, idles as smoothly as you could want, and accelerates without hesitation, teaming with a three-speed automatic C4 that shifts through its gears with no issue to make for a drivetrain that won't leave you crossing your fingers as you turn the ignition key. More than a few '70s automotive reviewers felt that Ford was well ahead of its rivals as far as the refinement of its power steering systems and, true to form, this one handles with a minimum of effort and noticeable precision. Power brakes that include discs up front bring it to a stop as promptly as needed.
HIGHLIGHTS
PERIOD-CORRECT 302-CUBIC-INCH V8
2-BARREL CARBURETOR ON FACTORY-STYLE INTAKE MANIFOLD
3-SPEED AUTOMATIC C4 TRANSMISSION
POWER STEERING
DUAL EXHAUST
POWER BRAKES, WITH DISCS IN FRONT
STRIKING RED PAINT
BLACK CANVAS CONVERTIBLE TOP
BLACK VINYL UPHOLSTERY
BUCKET SEATS, WITH CENTER CONSOLE
AM/FM RADIO
AIR CONDITIONING (CURRENTLY INOPERABLE)
Looking sharp and running strong, this 1971 Ford Mustang Convertible holds the promise of plenty of fun-filled, open-air miles for its next lucky owner. Call today!
