This ClassicCars.com Marketplace featured listing is a 1971 Ford Mustang Convertible for sale in Danville, Indiana. This ‘Stang might be nearing 50-years old, but it sure doesn’t look like it.
Ford had retired the GT name tag by 1970 and all of various fastback bodies were then known as Mach 1. The convertibles did not share the distinguished reference. Yet, those did share engines, components, and body panels, sans roof. The drop-top still came across loud and clear as performance car. Indeed, both cars are insanely cool. The GT did grace the big screen in two prior James Bond pics (Goldfinger in 1964, Thunderball in 1965), and it was time for a change.
The 1971 Ford Mustang Convertible should have been the logical choice in filming the James Bond classic Diamonds Are Forever. However, that honor was given to the Mach 1 instead.
Hollywood loves a convertible. The reason is simple. It is far easier to get a shot of the actors without the interference caused by a hardtop, as was seen in the prior Bond movies. Nevertheless, the brass at Ford wanted the Mach 1 to be featured in Diamonds Are Forever. Plus, what could be a better sales ad for the car company than Sean Connery as 007 driving the company’s latest and greatest sports car? And, as Ford was footing the bill for numerous mangled cars used in production, Ford got to call the shots.
Of course, in Diamonds Are Forever the 1971 Ford Mustang comes off as a super hero by evading the Las Vegas police down a narrow alleyway. This feat was accomplished on just two wheels! It was even more amazing because the Mustang enters the alley on one side of the car and exits on the other (a continuity issue in filming).
Okay, most of us are not Sean Connery, and the closest we will ever come to tearing up the Las Vegas strip will be on a video game. But, a cherry 1971 Ford Mustang Convertible could help tilt the scales back in our favor.
The 1971 Ford Mustang Convertible does look slightly more docile than the Mach 1. But, the long hood with dual intakes is still intimidating. The engine choices at that time ranged from a base 302, three variations of the 351, and two 429 motors – one of which had true Ram Air intake. The specs ranged from 210-horsepower to an impressive 375. As a footnote, the ’72 model offers similar choices, but the power ratings are less, as SAE changed how it rated output.
This shining red example is stellar inside and out. This comes with a 351 Cleveland V8, and a C6 automatic transmission. This does feature the vaunted Ram Air kit, allowing colder air from outside of the engine compartment to enter via actuated vent door, allowing for an increase in power. In addition, this has a new MSD distributor, plugs and wires, battery, along with new front brake calipers and pads. This does have power brakes and steering for daily driving pleasure.
The immaculate interior in red and white vinyl matches the color combo on the exterior. The gleaming chrome on the bumper and trim reminds us that this 1971 Ford Mustang Convertible came from a time when cars were made of metal. Sure, for the same dollars it is possible to buy a newer Mustang, but it just wouldn’t be the same now would it? While a new Ford might share the historic name, this is something more… and it’s nearly cinematic.
To view the listing on ClassicCars.com, click here.
