1973 Ford Mustang

1973 Ford Mustang Convertible — 302 V8, Red Interior, NASA Hood, Power Top

The 1973 Ford Mustang convertible occupies a genuinely significant place in pony car history: it was the last open-top Mustang Ford would build for a full decade. After 1973, the convertible body style disappeared from the Mustang lineup until 1983, when Ford revived it on the much smaller Fox-body platform. That ten-year gap makes the 1973 Ford Mustang convertible the final expression of the original "large" Mustang era — a car built before emissions regulations and fuel shortages forced a complete redesign. Anyone who understands that history knows exactly why these cars are worth preserving.

The 1973 model year was also the last for the SportsRoof and the classic Mustang body that had been evolving since 1969. Ford made some meaningful updates that year, including standard front bumper guards designed to meet the new federal 5-mph impact standard, which gave the front end a slightly more substantial appearance. Convertible production for 1973 totaled just 11,853 units, making open-top examples a small fraction of total Mustang output that year. Of those, examples optioned with a V8 engine, power top, auxiliary gauges, tachometer, and a full sport interior represent a more select group still.

This particular 1973 Ford Mustang convertible is finished in Gray Metallic with a red side stripe package and wears a black power convertible top. Inside, everything is red vinyl — bucket seats, door panels, floor mats, all of it. The car is equipped with the 302 cubic inch V8 backed by a 3-speed automatic transmission, ,power steering, power brakes with front discs, dual exhaust, and a NASA-style functional hood scoop. The underside has been coated and shows well on the lift. This is a fully optioned, driver-quality 1973 Ford Mustang convertible with the kind of specification list that takes real effort to recreate from scratch.

Key details
Exterior: Gray Metallic
Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic
VIN / chassis: 3F03F245639

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

Photos courtesy of Skyway Classics.