A highly unconventional 1973 Ford Mustang SportsRoof, transformed into a safari-style off-road build, is now being offered for sale out of Bozeman, Montana. Riding on 31×10.50 Mickey Thompson Baja Legend MTZ tires and a fully rebuilt suspension, the car reimagines the final year of the first-generation Mustang in a way few enthusiasts have attempted.
While 1973 marked the end of the classic Mustang era—closing out a run that began in 1964 and helped define the pony-car segment—this example takes that legacy in an entirely different direction. Originally delivered in a period when rising insurance costs, tightening emissions rules and looming fuel crises pushed the Mustang toward heavier, softer-riding configurations, this car has instead been remade into a lifted off-road cruiser.
A previous owner swapped in a 351-cubic-inch V8 in place of the original 302 and added Mach 1 decals, though the car did not start life as a Mach 1. The current seller pursued a more radical vision, completely overhauling the suspension to create significant lift without altering the bodywork. The upgrades include new shocks, shock mounts, stabilizer bar links, control arms, ball joints, rear leaf springs, perches and U-bolts. The result is enough clearance to fit the aggressive 31-inch Mickey Thompson tires beneath the unmodified arches, mounted on 15-inch Magnum 500-style wheels.
The steering and braking systems also received substantial attention, with replacement power-assisted components including a new master cylinder, booster, wheel cylinders, shoes and drums. Updated tie rods and control hardware support the car’s revised geometry, and power steering remains in place for easier maneuvering.
Additional safari-themed equipment includes a roof rack and Hella driving lights, giving the Mustang the look of a long-distance rally machine rather than a boulevard cruiser. The drivetrain sends power through a three-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels, maintaining a straightforward and dependable setup.
Inside, the cabin remains largely period-correct, with white-vinyl bucket seats up front and a matching rear bench. A floor-mounted center console, AM/FM/cassette stereo, clock and front shoulder belts preserve the original 1970s feel. Despite the car’s unusual modifications, the interior appears mostly stock, offering a visual contrast with the heavily revised underpinnings.
The build reflects a growing niche interest in “safari” conversions—projects that lift and ruggedize sports cars using off-road tires and suspension geometry typically seen on rally cars. While Porsches, Datsuns and even Corvettes have received similar treatment, examples based on the Mustang remain rare.
For buyers seeking a novelty Mustang with genuine off-road presence, this 1973 safari conversion stands out, blending the unmistakable SportsRoof profile with the functional stance of an all-terrain machine.
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