Fuel For Thought
competition suspension added a .95 inch front stabilizer bar
first and last year for the 429 cubic-inch engine and Boss
351
ram-air available with 351 Cleveland V8 and 429 engines
axle ratios ranged from 2.75:1 to 4.11:1
Drag Pack cars received an 80-amp alternator
Specifications
Number built – 36,499 (Mach 1)
Construction – uni-body
Engine – 302 cubic-inch V8, 351 cubic-inch V8, 429 cubic-
inch V8.
Power/Torque – (302 2V) 210/296, (351 2V) 240/350, (351
4V) 285/370, (351 4V-HO) 330/370, (429 4V CJ) 370/450,
(429 4V SCJ) 375/450)
Transmission – three-speed manual, four-speed manual
(close and wide ratio), three-speed automatic
Suspension front – independent ball joints, single lower
control arm. “A” type upper control arm, independent coil
springs
Suspension rear – semi-elliptical leaf springs
Steering – recirculating ball and nut steering gear
Brakes – front disc, rear drum
Length/width/height – 189.5/74.1/50.7 inches
Wheelbase – 109.0 inches
Weight – 3,805 lbs. curb weight
0-60mph/quarter mile – 6.50 seconds/quarter mile 14.61
seconds at 96.80 mph (Motor Trend, January 1971 testing a
429 powered Mach 1)
Top speed – 113.5 mph (Motor Trend, January 1971)
MPG – 10.1-11.3 mpg (Motor Trend, January 1971)
Price – MSRP $$3,2668 (Mach 1) - Today – $ XXX
Insurance cost
*Based on a quote from Heacock Classic Car Insurance,
www.heacockclassic.com
Engine – Known as the “385 series” engine, the 429 cubic-
inch Cobra Jet V8 provided plenty of power with its canted
valve heads with huge ports, performance cam and 715-cfm
QuadrJet carburetor. Super Cobra Jet engines featured a
.509 lift solid lifter cam and a 780-cfm Holley carburetor on a
specially modified cast iron intake manifold. Compression
ratio was a high 11.3:1.
Handling – Although the Mustang was larger and heavier,
handling was more balanced due to its wider stance and
optional competition suspension. Ride quality was improved
through the longer wheelbase.
Alternative
1971 Chevelle SS 454
Number built – 19,992 units
0-60/quarter mile – 6.1 seconds/14.0 seconds at 100 mph
Top speed – 125 mph est.
Price – MSRP – $3,443 Today – $XXX - $XXX
Alternative
1971 ‘Cuda 440 six-pack hardtop
Number built – 250 units
0-60/quarter mile – 5.7 seconds/13.7 seconds at 106 mph
Top speed – 130 mph est.
Price – MSRP – $3,403 Today – $XXX - $XXX
Strong Points
still an affordable muscle car today
performance on par with the best muscle cars of 1971
Mustang clubs are a very tight knit organizations, who’s
members are typically very helpful to those new to the hobby
restoration parts very reasonable and available
Weak Points
big block cars are front heavy
styling is polarizing
nearly impossible to see rearward
parts not as readily available as earlier Mustangs
Vehicle Category
Many Mustangs are used as weekend drivers and participate
at local cruise nights and car shows. Rare big block
Mustangs typically are trailered to shows then put back into
storage.
One For Sale
AT PROVIDES
What to pay
YEAR MAKE MODEL
MSRP – $WE PROVIDE
Low – $WE PROVIDE
Average – $WE PROVIDE
High – $WE PROVIDE
*Based on prices from the Classic Cars and Parts Price
Guide, fueled by NADA and available wherever XXX
magazines are sold.
Parts Prices
CJ Pony Parts
www.cjponyparts.com
800-888-6473
Full length floor pan $169.95
Front fender $319.95
Brake master cylinder $109.95
Water pump $213.95
Seat cover kit $409.95
Magnum 500 wheels (set) $679.95
Websites
www.fordmuscleforums.com
www.mustangv8.com
www.mach1club.com
www.moddedmustangs.com
www.mustangblog.com
www.mustangforums.com
www.mustang.org
www.stangnet.com
Books
The Mustang Dynasty by John Clor
Ultimate Mustang by Patrick Covert
1965-1990 Mustang GT/Mach1 Guide by Jim Smart
The Complete Book of Mustang: Every Model Since 1964 ½
(The Complete Book Series) by Peter Sessler
Mustang, America's Favorite Pony Car by John A. Gunnell
Mustang Forty Years by Randy Leffingwell
Mustang 1964 1/2 - 73 Restoration Guide (Motorbooks
Workshop) by Tom Corcoran and Earl Davis
Review
Overall – It took some time but the 1971 Mustang has finally
found its place in enthusiasts heart’s. Its styling took some
getting used to but over the years, owners and wanna be
Mustang owners have realized that while bigger and heavier,
the 1971 version was perhaps the best of the first generation
Mustangs. It was quieter, rode better and handled at least on
par with its competitors while at the same time provided
blistering performance.