Mustang lover's, what's it worth to pursue?

Hoofbeat Racer · Post by **Hoofbeat Racer** » July 13, 2008, 8:51 am

Some of you might remember me ranting on chat a few weeks ago about this car. It is like a new a girlfriend, I can't get it out of my mind. I need to get some solid info before a come up with an offer. I know this thread is worthless without pics but bear with me, its not BS.

Last month at the local body shops grand openning, I met a gentleman who has a little treasure at his place in dry storage for the last 20 some years. Keep in mind that he is somewhat of a builder, I seen some of his work and he is quite the craftsman. His ride is a 67 Chevelle 396 4 spd that is absolutely gorgeous. Currently he is building a 48 Chev pug nose car hauler with a 12 valve Cummins diesel. Also keep in mind that he does not really need the money but the car will be for sale soon to make room for a 64 1/2 Mustang convertible for his wife.

Car in question is a 73 Mach 1 with a Cleveland (Q-code) and C6. It has a black vinyl top and a dealer installed sunroof. The car has approx 6000 miles, yes SIX THOUSAND miles on it. Color is brown tan, not sure the exact code. I quickly seen the car. It is sitting in a lean to under about 1/2 inch of dust and tires and other crap sitting on it. Car was apparently driven quite hard in the 70s, go figure, has some funky ladder bars under neath it but it is complete. Has orig wheels, not on it and the engine and tranny are both out of the car, but they are complete. That is irrellevant to me. The car is straight and rust free. Paint would prolly look good with some TLC. Again, I realize pics would be nice but I have to respect the owners privacy for the time being. This car is a survivor and needs to fall in the right hands to bring it back. I know it is not a Boss or a Shelby but I love these big ol hillbilly hot rods. It also represents the end of an era.

What I am asking of you guys is the old what's it worth. All emotions aside, this car is going to need 15 - 20 G to rebuild mechanically nevermind the cost of stripping and paint. Personally I would be comfortable in the 8-12 range, however these don't come along everyday and I might be dreaming at that price. The car has only approx 6000 miles. I respect all of your opinions, I will try to get some more info in the next few weeks as I am working lots right now so I can go to KC next month

Slick Fan · Post by **Slick Fan** » July 13, 2008, 9:06 am

To me, the vinyl top & sunroof would detract from the value of a Mach 1...along with it being brown.

I haven't really been keeping up with the value of those cars, but if it was me standing there looking at it, as an off the cuff offer, I'd hit him with 5-6 grand & gauge the reaction.

Post by **Greg D** » July 13, 2008, 9:13 am

There are value guides out there for early Mustangs. Also so look a completed listings on Ebay for similar cars. These will give you a ball park for the car both needing restoration and finished. Find a local Mustang club chapter or look at some on the web and ask questions (be careful someone may try to snatch out from under you though). You having seen the car will have to make the final determination as to it's present value. Don't be too afraid of the "I want it factor" in your assessment, it will only go up in value although prices on the earlies have leveled abit so they go up much slower. Lastly, I am sure that you are like me with my 85 GT. It's not the value, it's about the car.
Good Luck, sounds like a nice find!

Johnny Canuck · Post by **Johnny Canuck** » July 13, 2008, 12:17 pm

Mark. I don't think i ever saw a BROWN mach 1 in 73... they had a copper gold color as I recall.
Some things in your story really smell fishy and i urge you to investigate them farther.
a 6000 mile car is all dismantled, drivetrain out. WTF?! that don't sound right
a 6000 mile car which should by rights have real nice paint buried in the shed outback under the lawnmower parts
again.. WTF? that don't sound right?!

Have you seen the interior of the car? is it full of Mice?

now I know you and me have different ideas when it comes to muscle cars, that one right in Backyard resto's sig is the epitome of Mustangs to me... the 73's were kind of a dutch oven fart, compared to a fresh baked pie smell to me.

If I couldn't get one of those cars for less than $3000 I think I would pass on it, period.

my

Post by **Greg D** » July 13, 2008, 12:57 pm

I have seen a couple of sportsroofs with vinyl tops, rare option.

BigTim · Post by **BigTim** » July 13, 2008, 1:03 pm

Kind of a not so popular year for the Mustang, and the sunroof sure narrows its appeal. I tend to agree with JCs numbers, about $3000. It would also help to be able to see it without 1/2 inch of dust and other crap stored on it.

Good luck, I don't think he will have a horde of folks knocking down the gates to buy this car.

jakdad · Post by **jakdad** » July 13, 2008, 1:53 pm

I have dealt with a lot of these old cars and some "great finds".
For my part, I would turn and run the other way. The vinyl roof could be hiding all kinds of rust. The cut in moon roof is a big loser, regardless of who installed it. Good luck with your decision.....................

shawns fords · Post by **shawns fords** » July 13, 2008, 11:17 pm

Mark, thats a great collector, for one, Gone in 60 seconds is one reason, 2 the 73s are my favorites of all mustangs. Even though I am stuck with a 67 and a 69

3 if it really is a 6000 mile car then it would be fairly complete and would not be such a chore to restore. that may also be 106,000 miles and the guy is pulling your leg. I bought a 73 Grande for 800 bucks drove it home spent 2 years on body and paint, got in a crash, sold it and still miss it today. they had the best interior and features especially the deluxe interior or MACH I

the sunroof in my 69 is the only window that does not leak btw

I was just looking at a mint 73 convert not too long ago for 15k

honestly that car is going to be worth what you are willing to pay for it. since most people have no taste and most are followers and not leaders so they buy what everyone else already has 67 fat backs 66 converts... etc etc I feel if its as clean and solid as you say as well as complete and the chemicals sitting havent rotted it away to nothing. I would say your price is a good buy

shawns fords · Post by **shawns fords** » July 13, 2008, 11:27 pm

Hoofbeat Racer · Post by **Hoofbeat Racer** » July 14, 2008, 3:04 pm

Thanks for your opinions fellas,

John it is a copper color, poor word choice on my part.

I did some more investigating and spoke with the owner today.

Not looking good for right now. Somebody has a bad case of Barret-Jackson overload.

Turns out the car has 6371 miles on it. It has not seen the light of day since the late 70s. That all checks out. Basically the car has never left this town, it was towed from Ontario in the early 70s. Been tarped and indoors since. It IS a survivor. Motor is out cause the P.O. had big hot rod plans in the late 70s. Owner 2 acquired it when owner 1 needed a cash boost. Been sitting ever since. I am still going to snap some pics of to show you on the weekend if I get a chance. Bottom line is he wants to get back what he paid for it 10+ years ago.

This is gonna hurt. He needs nothing less than 18G. I guess I don't have to worry bout buying a Mach 1 anytime soon...

36truck · Post by **36truck** » July 14, 2008, 4:46 pm

Mark here is one for you.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1973-FOR ... otohosting

Hoofbeat Racer · Post by **Hoofbeat Racer** » July 14, 2008, 5:49 pm

That is the exact color as the one that I found. I will watch that very closely to see if it sells. Thanks Tom. I would think that a no reserve car would have more of a description, hmmmm

Post by **Greg D** » July 14, 2008, 8:18 pm

He has done what I do on ebay. Instead of paying extra for a reserve, I just start the bidding at my bottom dollar.
I for one really like that color. I do think 18K for a basket case is alot of cash, unless it's maybe a complete Shelby? I can see the guys point on the low miles but you can't even drive it home!

blackagatha · Post by **blackagatha** » July 17, 2008, 4:57 pm

seems to me only a complete idiot would put a 6000 mile car into that point of ruin and still expect $18,000 for his busted car with tire dents on the roof.... sounds like it could be a cool car, but not for that sort of cash... I sure wouldnt think so anyway.... Freakin BJ done screwed all us normal people out of all the cool cars....

Red62Uni · Post by **Red62Uni** » July 21, 2008, 4:01 pm

i would say no to the 8k-12k range because at a certain point you are just buying the vin if it needs that much work. and 6k miles is going to be hard to believe for a car that needs that kind of work. also what parts are missing from the car because there are some high dollar parts with a mach 1. i dont believe that the following for 71-73 mustangs is as strong as 64-70. my opinion i would feel the guy out but dont rush to him with an offer. you might get away cheaper then you think. good luck on any decision. but take what the car will sell for done into mind and what it would take to get it there.