1971 Mustang Buyers Inspection Guide

Inspection Checklist

Body, Rust, And Structure

The same first-generation rust priorities still apply: inspect the cowl, floor pans, rockers, torque boxes, and rear leaf-spring mounts.
Alignment or tire-wear complaints on 1971 cars should trigger a crossmember/side-rail inspection because NHTSA documented missed spot welds in that area.
1973 front-end photos should match the federal-bumper year with the large urethane bumper, vertical lamps at grille ends, and revised grille treatment.

Options And Special Models

1971-1973 Mach 1s should be SportsRoof cars; coupe or convertible Mach 1 claims are clone or custom stories unless clearly described as tribute builds.
Boss 351 and 429/351 performance claims should be verified with Marti/build data, drivetrain date codes, rear axle, cooling, suspension, and interior evidence.
Use door/data plate, Marti report, and photos to verify paint, trim, axle, and transmission; replacement tags and repaints are common on restored cars.

Mechanical And Safety

1972-1973 302 V8 with factory A/C needs cooling-fan recall awareness; verify by VIN/equipment and do not run suspect flexible fans near an open hood.
Check power steering, front suspension, brakes, cooling, fuel hoses, and engine bay wiring carefully; these heavier cars expose shortcuts in older restorations.

Photo Clues

Mach 1 photos should show SportsRoof body, correct striping/hood treatment, grille/bumper year details, and interior cues that match the trim code.

A 1973 wearing earlier front trim or bumper pieces should have collision/restoration explanation before travel money is spent.

Do not let ten-foot photographs substitute for a direct cowl and floor inspection with a flashlight and magnet.

VIN, Tag & Option Mismatch Checks

Mach 1 body-style mismatch is a major warning: the factory package was SportsRoof, not hardtop or convertible.

Rare drivetrain claims should match Marti data where available. Marti special-paint entries can appear as Unknown because Ford did not retain the color in this data, so physical color layers and other documentation still matter.

Known Buyer Risks

Cowl, floor, rocker, torque-box, and rear leaf-spring-mount rust remain the shop-identified first-generation bodywork risks.
Cooling fan and recall-related hardware should be checked by VIN/equipment, especially on V8/A/C cars.

Color & Interior Database

Use paint/interior codes as a screening tool, then verify individual cars from door labels, window stickers, Marti reports where available, SVT/Shelby/registry records, or Ford build data.

Code	Color / Trim	Model	Body	Units	Notes
A	Raven Black	Mustang	-	Not published	Paint code reference; exact production count not publicly verified.
B	Maroon Metallic	Mustang	-	Not published	Paint code reference; exact production count not publicly verified.
C	Dark Ivy Green Metallic	Mustang	-	Not published	Paint code reference; exact production count not publicly verified.
D	Grabber Yellow	Mustang	-	Not published	Paint code reference; exact production count not publicly verified.
E	Medium Yellow Gold	Mustang	-	Not published	Paint code reference; exact production count not publicly verified.
I	Grabber Lime	Mustang	-	Not published	Paint code reference; exact production count not publicly verified.
J	Grabber Blue	Mustang	-	Not published	Paint code reference; exact production count not publicly verified.
M	Wimbledon White	Mustang	-	Not published	Paint code reference; exact production count not publicly verified.
N	Pastel Blue	Mustang	-	Not published	Paint code reference; exact production count not publicly verified.
P	Medium Green Metallic	Mustang	-	Not published	Paint code reference; exact production count not publicly verified.
V	Light Pewter Metallic	Mustang	-	Not published	Paint code reference; exact production count not publicly verified.
Z	Grabber Green	Mustang	-	Not published	Paint code reference; exact production count not publicly verified.
3	Bright Red	Mustang	-	Not published	Paint code reference; exact production count not publicly verified.
5	Medium Brown Metallic	Mustang	-	Not published	Paint code reference; exact production count not publicly verified.
6	Silver Blue Metallic	Mustang	-	Not published	Paint code reference; exact production count not publicly verified.
8	Light Gold	Mustang	-	Not published	Paint code reference; exact production count not publicly verified.
1A	Black	Mustang	Interior	Not published	All vinyl
1B	Med. Blue	Mustang	Interior	Not published	All vinyl
1E	Vermillion	Mustang	Interior	Not published	All vinyl
1F	Med. Ginger	Mustang	Interior	Not published	All vinyl
1R	Med. Green	Mustang	Interior	Not published	All vinyl
1W	White	Mustang	Interior	Not published	All vinyl

Confidence: Availability-focused; exact counts not publicly verified. Breakout: No verified production-by-color breakout available.

1971 Mustang Buyers Guide