Lot 325: 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1

The most important Ford of the 1960s, and arguably one of the most significant postwar American automobiles of all, was the Mustang. The creation of US industry legend Lee A Iacocca, a former salesman who had fast-tracked to Vice President level in the Ford Motor Company in just five years, the Mustang was crisply-styled 4-seater with either coupe of convertible bodywork, initially with five engine options, from 101bhp 2786cc six to 271bhp 4727cc V8. So that the punters could personalise their package, six transmissions, three suspension packages, three brake specs and three sizes of road wheel were offered along with a raft of go-faster and comfort upgrades.Within just five months from the April 1964 launch, the Mustang had become the third top selling car in the US, Iacocca and the dealer salesmen shifting half a million of them in just eighteen months. For the 1967 model year, bodies became longer and wider, styling more aggressive. By June, the one and half millionth Mustang had been delivered and the model's cult status had been established for all time. 1969 engine options ranged from a 115bhp six to 360bhp V8. Offered here is a 1971-built Ford Mustang Mach I, a matching numbers American classic, with 351cu in (5756cc) Cleveland 4-barrel V8, automatic transmission and power steering. A one owner car for the past twenty years, this two-door fastback is claimed to be still in mostly original condition, reportedly having been regularly serviced, though never fully restored. The paperwork with the car includes bills from US automobile specialists Autopontiac detailing work carried out, an old style UK V5 confirming the JHV 949V registration, old MOT's as well as a current certificate valid until 2006 and current road tax disc. Powerful, fast and entirely usable, this Mach 1 is also a No Reserve lot in today's auction.