A 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 project car is drawing early attention as it heads toward an online auction closing later this month, offering buyers a chance to acquire one of the final examples of the original Mach 1 fastback era. Located in Toledo, Ohio, the non-running Mustang is currently listed with a high bid of $500, nearly two weeks remaining, and more than 800 views.
The 1973 model year marked the end of the Mach 1’s original design philosophy. Introduced in 1969, the Mach 1 was Ford’s performance-focused fastback Mustang, blending aggressive styling with available big-block and high-output V8 engines. For 1973, the car received subtle exterior revisions to comply with new federal safety regulations, including larger bumpers and updated grille elements. It would be the final year before the Mustang was downsized for 1974.
This example is finished in Raven Black paint and features a black interior with vinyl bucket seats and cloth inserts. Power originally came from a 351-cubic-inch Cleveland V8 equipped with a Ram Air intake, paired with a Ford SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. Additional factory equipment includes air conditioning, dual exhaust, a 120-mph speedometer, an 8,000-rpm tachometer, a front air dam, and a rear spoiler.
Several modifications have been made over the years, including an Edelbrock air cleaner, Progressive five-spoke sport wheels, a GT Grant leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a Pioneer AM/FM cassette/CD stereo. A center console with cup holders from Classic Consoles has also been added. The car rides on BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires, staggered with wider rubber in the rear.
The Mustang is being sold as a project and is not currently in running condition. The listing notes multiple cosmetic and mechanical imperfections, including paint chips, bubbling, peeling, cracking on the front air dam, worn wheels, interior wear, a broken driver’s seat hinge, stained headliner, and pitting on chrome trim.
According to the seller, the car was inherited in December 2024 and is offered with a clean Ohio title. Included items consist of carpeted Mustang floor mats, two sets of keys, and a 1973 shop manual. As one of the last Mach 1 fastbacks built, the project represents an opportunity for restoration-minded enthusiasts to revive a notable chapter in Mustang history. See it here.
