History and Information about the 1973 Ford Mustang
The 1973 Ford Mustang was the last of the first-generation Mustangs. The oil crisis and stock market crash made Ford change the Mustang’s focus. They moved from power and luxury to efficiency. The 1974 Mustang II was a big change, similar to the Ford Pinto.
The 1973 model came in five styles: Hardtop, Sportsroof, Grande, Convertible, and the Mach 1. Each style had its own unique look.
For 1973, the Mustang got a new honeycomb grille and color-keyed hood and fender moldings. It also had urethane front bumpers. These updates marked the end of an era for the Mustang. It was getting ready for a new, more fuel-efficient design.
The 1973 Mustang: End of an Era
The 1973 Ford Mustang was the last of the first-generation Mustangs. It had started in 1964 and was changing a lot to fit new market needs.
Final Year of the First Generation
The 1973 Mustang was the last of its kind. It had won the hearts of car lovers for nearly ten years. Its sleek look, strong engines, and unique style made it a symbol of American cars.
Shifting Gears: From Power to Efficiency
But things were changing. The 1973 oil crisis and a stock market crash hit the car industry hard. Ford knew they had to change. They moved from focusing on power and luxury to making cars that were more efficient and smaller.
The 1974 Mustang II was a big change from the first Mustangs. It marked the end of an era for this famous American sports car.
Model Lineup and Design Changes
The 1973 Ford Mustang had many models for different tastes. You could pick from five body styles: Hardtop, Sportsroof, Grande, Convertible, and Mach 1. Each model had its own special look, letting buyers make their Mustang their own.
Five Model Options: Hardtop, Sportsroof, Grande, Convertible, and Mach 1
The Hardtop had a sleek look, while the Sportsroof was more aerodynamic. The Grande was luxurious with racing side mirrors and a new grille. The Convertible was perfect for those who loved the wind in their hair. The Mach 1 was the sportiest, with a full or 3/4 vinyl top.
Exterior Updates: Grille, Bumpers, and Styling Cues
The 1973 Mustang got a new honeycomb grille and color-keyed hood and fender moldings. The front bumpers were updated too. These changes made the Mustang look even better on the road.
From the sleek Hardtop to the powerful Mach 1, the 1973 Ford Mustang had something for every fan. These updates and options made the Mustang a lasting symbol in the car world.
Special Edition Models
The 1973 Ford Mustang lineup had many special edition models. Each one had its own unique look and features. The 1973 Mustang Mach 1 was a standout among them.
The Iconic 1973 Mustang Mach 1
The 1973 Mustang Mach 1 was very popular. It was known for its eye-catching look and focus on performance. It had a special honeycomb black grille and a unique tape treatment on the sides and back.
It could also have a TuTone NASA hood for more style. This made it stand out even more.
Under the hood, the Mach 1 had strong engine options. These made it perfect for those who wanted fast performance. It was a true tribute to the Mustang’s legacy, combining style with power.
The 1973 Mustang Mach 1 was one of many special editions offered that year. Ford aimed to give Mustang fans many exciting choices. These models are now highly wanted by collectors and fans, marking a key part of the Mustang’s history.
History and Information about the 1973 Ford Mustang
The 1973 Ford Mustang was the last of the first-generation Mustangs. It had won the hearts of car lovers since 1964. This car became a symbol of American car design. Its unique look inspired many other cars.
When the 1970s came, Ford knew they had to make the Mustang more efficient. They were getting ready for the Mustang II, which would be smaller and more practical. This change was for the next year.
The 1973 Mustang was the last of its kind but still showed why the original Mustang was loved. It had better styling, safety features, and was more fuel-efficient. This made it a great choice for those wanting a fun yet practical car.
Even though the 1973 Ford Mustang ended an era, its legacy lives on. It still excites car fans and collectors. They celebrate its iconic design and spirit.
Production and Sales Figures
The 1973 Ford Mustang was a key year for the iconic muscle car. It marked the end of the first generation and a move to more fuel-efficient cars. Ford made changes to the Mustang’s design and powertrain to meet new market needs.
Total Mustang Production in 1973
In 1973, Ford made 134,817 Mustangs. This was a big part of their total production of 2,349,815 vehicles that year. The 1973 Ford Mustang production numbers showed it was still a popular car, even in tough times.
The Hardtop Coupe was the top choice, with 51,430 units made. The Mach 1 came in second with 35,440 units. Other models included the Grande (25,274 units), Convertible (11,853 units), and Fastback (10,820 units).
The 1973 Mustang sales numbers showed how the market was changing. But the model’s lasting appeal and loyal fans kept it successful during a big change for cars.
Engine and Transmission Offerings
The 1973 Ford Mustang was a versatile pony car. It had many engine and transmission options. This made it great for different drivers.
Drivers could pick from a reliable and powerful engine lineup. This made driving exciting.
The Inline 6 (4.1L/250 cu in) engine was a good choice for beginners. It had 88 horsepower. For more power, the V8 (5.0L/302 cu in) engine was popular. It gave 135 horsepower.
There were two V8 (5.8L/351 cu in) engines too. One had 154 horsepower, and the other had 156 horsepower. These engines were perfect for those who wanted power and performance.
Drivers could choose between a 4-speed manual and a 3-speed automatic transmission. The manual was for those who loved shifting gears. The automatic was for a smoother ride.
Whether you wanted a V8’s power or an Inline 6’s efficiency, the 1973 Ford Mustang had you covered. It offered a wide range of 1973 Ford Mustang engines and 1973 Mustang transmissions.
Dimensions and Specifications
The 1973 Ford Mustang was both stylish and practical. It was 189.5 inches long, 75.0 inches wide, and 50.1 inches tall. These dimensions made it stand out on the road. Its wheelbase was 109.0 inches, giving it a smooth ride. The front and rear tracks were 61.5 and 61.0 inches, for great handling.
The Mustang’s curb weight varied by model. It was light at 2,980 lbs for the Grande but heavier at 3,200 lbs for the Convertible. This range meant there was a Mustang for every type of driver.
The 1973 Ford Mustang was a true classic. Its design and performance still thrill car lovers and collectors. It has become a symbol of automotive history.
Source Links
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Mustang_(first_generation)
- https://classicmustang.com/1973-mustang-information/
- https://www.conceptcarz.com/s2715/ford-mustang.aspx
The 1973 Ford Mustang was the last of the first-generation Mustangs. The oil crisis and stock market crash made Ford change the Mustang’s focus. They moved from power and luxury to efficiency. The 1974 Mustang II was a big change, similar to the Ford Pinto. The 1973 model came in five styles: Hardtop, Sportsroof, Grande,…