by This car is a true find for classic car enthusiasts. Here are its key features:
A Unique Find
With just 5,219 miles on the clock and nearly half a century with its original buyer, this 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is a rare survivor. For those still searching for an untouched first-generation Mustang, this car might be the one to stop and look at.
A rare 1971 Mustang Boss 351 was found hidden in a barn for 46 years.
Ownership and Sale History
This exceptionally well-preserved muscle car is currently listed for auction on Bring a Trailer in West Chester, Pennsylvania. According to the seller, the car was purchased new as a 21st birthday gift—the first owner gifted it to himself—and remained in his possession until his death in 2020. The dealer now selling it acquired the car from the heirs earlier this year, although the final price of that transaction is not disclosed.
Exterior Appearance
As new, the Mustang Mach 1 was finished in white with black stripes along the sides, a black rear spoiler, a Ram Air hood, and tinted glass. It still sits on the original 15-inch Magnum 500 wheels. Given how little the car has been used, it’s no surprise that its exterior appearance is absolutely flawless. One might think it was recently restored, but in fact, it is entirely original.
Interior
Inside the Mustang, the atmosphere of that era has been preserved untouched. It features black bucket seats with knitted vinyl inserts, silver stripes, and woodgrain accents. The car also has a rear window defroster, an AM/FM stereo, and a small personalized plaque near the gear shift lever indicating the car’s original production date: August 16, 1971.
Technical Specifications and Condition
The heart of the car is a 351 cubic inch Cleveland V8 engine, which produced 285 horsepower at the time of release. It is paired with a 4-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels, making it even more desirable amidst a sea of automatic cars. Prior to the sale, the battery, fuel pump, and fuel lines were replaced, and the carburetor was recently rebuilt. If the next owner wants to drive it rather than just admire it in the garage, the car will be fully ready for that.
Price Dynamics and Auction
A look at the original sales documents shows that a new Mach 1 cost $4,002.99. Adjusted for inflation, that’s just over $32,000 today. However, bids at the auction have already exceeded that amount twofold, and at the time of publication, several days remained until its conclusion. For those wanting to join in, time is truly limited.
For everyone who values low-mileage rarities and true V8 driving experience, this Mach 1 is an outstanding example.
This Mustang is a vivid example of how personal history and extremely careful treatment can turn a mass-produced car into a museum piece. The fact that over 49 years it has traveled less than many modern cars do in a year speaks not only to meticulous preservation but also, perhaps, to the special emotional attachment of the first owner. This level of preservation makes it not just a vehicle, but a time capsule, allowing one to literally touch the car culture of the early 1970s. Its future auction price, which will undoubtedly be significantly higher than the inflation-adjusted original, confirms that true rarity and authenticity hold exceptionally high value in the modern world.
