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1971 Ford Mustang

The '71 Mustang: a bit chunkier than its predecessors, but still cool! It marked a shift in design, reflecting the changing times. Think curvy lines, longer hood, and a more luxurious feel. Though less iconic than some earlier models, it remains a solid piece of '70s muscle car history.

The 1971 Ford Mustang: The Iconic Muscle Car

The 1971 Ford Mustang is not just a car; it's a piece of American history. It's a machine that fired up the muscle car segment, a phenomenon that was all about raw power, style, and freedom on the road. Let's explore what makes this beast so captivating.

Photo of a 1971 Ford Mustang

1971 Ford Mustang Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Ford Mustang Worth?

Original MSRP :$2,973.00

Outstanding

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$124,000

Clean

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$89,400

Average

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$63,100*

Rough

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$44,000

1971 Ford Mustang Specs

Body Maker: Ford
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: 63D
Length: 189.5 inches
Width: 74.1 inches
Height: 50.1 inches
Wheelbase: 109 inches
Weight: 3,050lbs
Type: Inline 6, overhead valve, Single downdraft, Constant mesh
Displacement: 250 cu. in.
Cylinders: 6
Bore And Stroke: 3.68 & 3.91 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 9.0 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 145@4000
Horsepower Rated: 32.5
Torque: 232@1600
Main Bearings: 7
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Carter
Type:
3.5 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
10 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.99 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.75
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
3.17
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.0 to 1
Front: Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear: Longitudinal leaf spring
Service Type: Dual hydraulic
Service Front Size: 10 inches
Service Rear Size: 10 inches
Emergency Type: Cable and conduit on rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 10 inches
Type: Regular
Tire Size: E78 x 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 20 Gallons
Oil: 4.5 Quarts
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting 1a02V100001
Total Digits:11
Digits 1:Model year
Digits 2:Assembly plant
Digits 3-4:Body style
Digits 5:Engine
Digits 6-11:Production number
Black, Light Gold, Pastel Blue, White, Medium Brown Metallic, Maroon Metallic, Dark Green Metallic, Medium Green Metallic, Light Pewter Metallic, Bright Red, Grabber Green Metallic, Grabber Yellow, Medium Yellow Gold, Grabber Blue, Bright Blue Metallic, Grabber Lime
SportsRoof Hardtop: Opt
Select-Shift Automatic Transmission: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Radio: Opt
Front Disc Rear Drum Brakes: Opt

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History of the 1971 Ford Mustang

The Mustang, launched in 1971, represented a significant shift in automotive design; it was often referred to as the "Big Mustang" due to its size increase. It boasted a new, more aggressive design with quad headlamps and an imposing stance. However, the extreme styling was somewhat polarizing, leading Ford to dial it back in the following years.

Significant changes in mechanical aspects were introduced too. The shift from 1971 to 1972 saw the discontinuation of big block engines and the cancellation of the BOSS 351 option. In its place, the 351 HO engine was born, appealing to the spirited drivers among us.

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Popular Figures Who Own the Mustang

The Mustang's allure isn't limited to the roads. Its charm has conquered even the biggest stars. Here's the thing, the Mustang is more than just a car for these celebs—it's a statement.

Sammy Hagar

Known for his wild stage presence and captivating music, rock star Sammy Hagar is among the notable owners of a Mustang. For him, it's all about the speed and the rock 'n roll spirit encapsulated in one vehicle.

Jay Leno

When you think of car collections, Jay Leno might just top the list. A Mustang fan, Leno's love for cars transcends typical ownership. His collection is as eclectic as it gets, and a Mustang fits right in.

Bill Clinton

Former President Bill Clinton isn't just into politics; he appreciates the finesse of classic cars too. His choice of a Mustang underscores his taste for American automotive excellence.

Charlie Sheen

Actor Charlie Sheen can add "Mustang fan" to his colorful list of titles. Known for his flashy lifestyle, owning a piece of automotive history suits him perfectly.

Jim Morrison

The late musician Jim Morrison, legendary frontman of The Doors, would have likely appreciated the Mustang's rebellious nature. It's a vehicle that complements his rock star image.

Performance and Speed Records

The thing about the 1971 Mustang is not just its looks. Under the hood, it packed quite the punch. Speed and power were its strong suits. The top models could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 5.2 seconds—crazy fast for the time. A finely-tuned engine selected from its wide line-up meant you could experience different flavors of muscle, ranging from the robust BOSS 351 to the Cobra Jet 429.

1971 Ford Mustang Gallery

Photo of a 1971 Ford Mustang
Photo of a 1971 Ford Mustang
Photo of a 1971 Ford Mustang
Photo of a 1971 Ford Mustang
Photo of a 1971 Ford Mustang
Photo of a 1971 Ford Mustang
Photo of a 1971 Ford Mustang
Photo of a 1971 Ford Mustang
Photo of a 1971 Ford Mustang
Photo of a 1971 Ford Mustang
Photo of a 1971 Ford Mustang
Photo of a 1971 Ford Mustang
Photo of a 1971 Ford Mustang
Photo of a 1971 Ford Mustang

Pop Culture Impact

You know those iconic car chases in movies? The Mustang is often at the heart of them. From movies like "Bullitt" and "Need for Speed" to its notable role in Bond films like "Goldfinger," the Mustang has always been a popular choice on the silver screen. Its presence in music and advertising cements its status as an American cultural staple.

Price Records

The market for Mustangs shows us that these cars are not only legendary but also valuable. Prices have been all over the map, influenced by the condition and rarity of specific models. Did you know that some rare models have fetched as high as $253,000? Now that's an auction to remember!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty. The 1971 Mustang's mechanicals, well, they varied quite a bit depending on the model and options chosen. You could get anything from a thrifty six-cylinder to a powerful V8; it really depended on what the buyer wanted. Think of it like ordering pizza – you get to customize your powerplant! The six-cylinder was a workhorse, totally reliable if a bit, shall we say, less exciting. The V8s, on the other hand—wow, those are another story! They packed a punch, a real kick in the pants, especially the higher-performance versions. Finding original documentation, like the build sheet, is key to knowing exactly what's under the hood of a particular car; it's like having the recipe to the pizza, you know? But generally speaking, you're looking at robust engines, three-speed automatic or four-speed manual transmissions – some even came with a special close-ratio gearbox for quicker shifts — and a suspension setup that was, um, let's just say 'of its time.' Bottom line? Lots of variation, so do your homework!

The '71 Mustang came in two main body styles: the fastback and the notchback. Think of it like choosing between a coupe and a sedan – that’s basically the gist of it. The fastback, with its sleek sloping roofline, was way more popular, kind of like the rockstar of the two. They were cool. The notchback, uh, it was more practical but not as cool – not my cup of tea, but hey, to each their own. Both offered a similar amount of space inside, but the aesthetics are pretty distinct. Some might say the fastback's sharper lines were timeless; others might argue the notchback had a more classic feel, but ultimately, it comes down to personal preference; some guys like blondes, some like brunettes – right? The big thing is that both designs provided iconic Mustang styling.

Oh boy, this is a loaded question. A 1971 Mustang's value is super dependent on condition and those optional extras people added on. It's kind of like real estate; location, location, location, except here it’s condition, condition, condition! A pristine, fully restored example with all the bells and whistles will fetch a pretty penny – we’re talking serious collector money here. But, a rough driver that needs a ton of work? It’s not worth nearly as much. Think of it as the difference between a diamond in the rough and a polished gem; one shines, the other needs some work. Those high-performance options, like the Boss 302 or the Mach 1, add a huge chunk to the value because of their rarity; think of them as limited-edition sneakers. The bottom line is that condition and rarity make a massive difference. It’s like comparing apples and oranges; you have to look at each one individually.

Restoring a '71 Mustang can be a fun project, but it's not a walk in the park. Parts are becoming increasingly rare and expensive; it’s not like the parts are just laying around everywhere. Rust is a big enemy, especially in the body panels, you know – the usual suspects. Finding correct-specification parts – believe me – is a real headache sometimes. Then, of course, there’s the labor involved. So yeah, the car is super cool and all, but expect some wrinkles in the process and be prepared to spend some money. It’s not always straightforward; it’s more like a puzzle where you have to think outside the box, so be ready for some challenges.

You've got plenty of options for sourcing parts and info, don’t you worry. Online forums are your friend; they're goldmines of information. You'll find other Mustang enthusiasts happy to share their wisdom. Classic car parts suppliers, both online and brick-and-mortar, are also a great resource; some even specialize in Mustangs. You should check out swap meets and car shows too; you never know what treasures you might find. It's like treasure hunting, and the hunt is half the fun! Remember, patience is key – finding the right pieces can take some time. The key is to do your research and be patient.