1973 Ford Mustang Facts

Overview

• 1973 was the final model year of the first-generation Mustang.
• The 1973 grille received detail changes while the 1971-1973 body shell remained in production.
• The 351 Cleveland remained available in 2-barrel and Cobra Jet 4-barrel forms, while the 429 big-block era was already over.

Production Breakout

Engines & Power

Specifications

• MustangSpecs reports 1973 used the same dimensions as 1971-1972: 189.5-inch overall body length, 74.1-inch width, 50.8-inch height (Hardtop) / 50.1-inch height (Fastback), and a 109.0-inch wheelbase.
• Reported curb weights: Fastback 3,560 lb; Hardtop 3,590 lb — unchanged from 1971-1972.

Options & Packages

Counts distinguish verified production records, attributed reports, disputed figures, announced limits, and figures that do not survive in available records.

Buyer Identification

• Decode the VIN and door data plate together. The VIN identifies the model year, plant, body, engine, and serial sequence; the data plate adds paint, trim, scheduled build date, DSO, axle, and transmission codes.
• For Mach 1, Boss, Shelby, Grande, GT/CS, Sprint, or regional-special claims, compare the door tag to a Marti report, registry entry, buck/build documentation, and package hardware such as suspension, stripes, spoilers, scoops, wheels, and interior trim.

Special & Tuner Models

Related Stories

Additional Notes

• MustangSpecs reports 16 exterior colors for 1973 in one place and 18 in another on the same page; the discrepancy is unresolved.
• 1973 paint, interior, DSO, axle, and transmission codes live on the door data plate; rare colors, two-tone treatments, Mach 1/Boss/Shelby striping, and special-order paint are best verified with a Marti report or registry documentation.
• The 1973 convertible was the last Mustang convertible until Ford brought the body style back for 1983.
• The first-generation Mustang ended after 1973 with production far below the 1965-1966 boom years.
• First-generation Mustang changes make more sense against the original brief: affordable style, huge personalization, and a platform Ford could build in volume.
• The 1973 front bumper and grille changes reflected tightening federal bumper standards, giving the final first-generation Mustang a heavier-looking nose.
• The 1973 Mach 1 kept the SportsRoof image alive, but the market was already moving away from the high-compression muscle-car formula.
• Collectors often treat 1973 convertibles as bookends because Ford did not sell another Mustang convertible until the Fox-body version returned for 1983.
• The Q went into 12,557 Mustangs for 1973, per Hagerty's reporting on the 351 Cleveland's regular-production run — a specific engine-production count not otherwise recorded for this year.