Russ
Well-known member
Last week I was able to purchase a 1973 Mustang 351 CJ convertible from the original owner, Jim Babbitt of Flagstaff. Jim Babbitt also owns the Ford dealership in town, and he stored this Mustang in his dealer warehouse since 1982. The car was special ordered for his daughter as a graduation present in 1973 and came equipped with the 351 CJ motor, 4 speed transmission, AC, PS, PB, outside racing mirrors and a clock. The color is typically 1970's: the paint is Ivy Bronze Metallic, the interior is Avocado comfort weave vinyl and the top is white!! Fortunately, the car never saw any salt, is rust free, has only 73,500 original miles, and hasn't seen the light of day for 23 years!!
Upon inspecting the car through the dust, I noted the car had all its original factory parts, including the exhaust system and mufflers, factory shocks, original carburetor and alternator. Even the original Motorcraft fanbelts remained on the car. The interior and top are like new and the paint is in exceptional condition, although, I believe the car has been repainted one time. About the only flaw I can find is the plastic dash has cracked from the sun. This car is a true SURVIVOR!
Once I got the car home, I began cleaning it up and changed all the fluids so I could get the car running. One week after purchasing the car, I took it back to the Jim Babbitt Ford, and the salesmen were impressed with its condition. I also recharged the A/C, and it works perfectly. The car drives like a dream, and has a much softer ride than any of my 1968 Mustangs.
The best part of all was when I checked the Marti Report. I found that only 293 convertibles (of 11,300 convertibles produced in 1973) came with the 351 CJ motor and 4 speed trans, and just under 1000 came with the avocado interior (While I wouldn't pick this color interior, it does stand out with the paint color). This is a neat car that I'm going to just maintain and never restore....it's just too nice! I thought many of you would enjoy the car.
Russ
Upon inspecting the car through the dust, I noted the car had all its original factory parts, including the exhaust system and mufflers, factory shocks, original carburetor and alternator. Even the original Motorcraft fanbelts remained on the car. The interior and top are like new and the paint is in exceptional condition, although, I believe the car has been repainted one time. About the only flaw I can find is the plastic dash has cracked from the sun. This car is a true SURVIVOR!
Once I got the car home, I began cleaning it up and changed all the fluids so I could get the car running. One week after purchasing the car, I took it back to the Jim Babbitt Ford, and the salesmen were impressed with its condition. I also recharged the A/C, and it works perfectly. The car drives like a dream, and has a much softer ride than any of my 1968 Mustangs.
The best part of all was when I checked the Marti Report. I found that only 293 convertibles (of 11,300 convertibles produced in 1973) came with the 351 CJ motor and 4 speed trans, and just under 1000 came with the avocado interior (While I wouldn't pick this color interior, it does stand out with the paint color). This is a neat car that I'm going to just maintain and never restore....it's just too nice! I thought many of you would enjoy the car.
Russ
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