1973 Ford Mustang

1973 Ford Mustang Convertible — Medium Green Metallic, 302 V8, Power Top, Solid Driver

The 1973 Ford Mustang convertible holds a distinction that most Mustang enthusiasts know well: it was the last open-air Mustang Ford would build for ten years. When the Mustang II arrived for 1974, the convertible body style was gone, and it would not return until the 1983 model year. That single fact has driven steady collector interest in the 1973 Ford Mustang convertible for decades, and it shows no signs of softening.

The 1971–1973 generation is often called the "big Mustang" era, and for good reason. Ford stretched and widened the platform substantially over the 1969–1970 cars, giving the 1973 a longer hood, a wider stance, and a more muscular overall presence. The styling was polarizing when new — some felt it strayed too far from the original pony car formula — but time has been kind to these cars. The long hood, the sculpted body sides, the sequential turn signal taillights, and the aggressive fastback-influenced roofline on the convertible all read well in person, especially in a color like Medium Green Metallic.

For 1973, Ford also made the front bumper system heavier to comply with new federal 5-mph impact standards, which added some visual weight up front but also gives the 1973 its own distinct look compared to the 1971 and 1972 models. The 1973 is easy to identify by that beefier front end, and it is a detail that helps collectors date the car at a glance.

Convertible production numbers for the 1973 Mustang were relatively modest. Ford built 11,853 convertibles for the model year out of total Mustang production of approximately 134,000 units — making the ragtop roughly one in eleven cars built that year. With the knowledge that this would be the last Mustang convertible for a decade, the 1973 has always carried a premium in the collector market over its coupe and SportsRoof counterparts.

This particular car is finished in Medium Green Metallic over a black vinyl interior and wears a black power convertible top. The 302ci 2-barrel V8 is backed by a 3-speed automatic transmission with a floor-mounted shifter. The car presents as an honest, well-optioned driver-quality example with a solid undercarriage and a factory-style option list that tells you this car was ordered by someone who wanted comfort and style in equal measure.

Key details
Exterior: Medium Green Metallic
Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic
VIN / chassis: J3F03F198711F

Offered by Skyway Classics, 10420 Portal Crossing, Bradenton, FL 34212. Taxes, title and fees not included.

Photos courtesy of Skyway Classics.