Bigger Bodies
Although many were produced, SportsRoof cars from '71-'73 are seen less frequently than the earlier models. Many of the big bodied SportsRoofs we see are Mach 1 versions, such as this '71 that we found going through its paces on the rollers.
The truth is that it's possible to make nice modifications to almost any sort of Mustang. After all, love is a subjective thing.
Here's the same car after...
Here's the same car after the paintjob. The owner of this car was after a Trans Am racing look and feel, but didn't attempt to replicate a specific car. The Vintage 48 wheels, Grabber Blue paint, and blacked-out hood surfaces certainly give the car a racetrack-ready flavor. Front disc brakes and an overdrive transmission are important additions.
For 1972, the Mustang body...
For 1972, the Mustang body was basically unchanged, but for 1973 we find the impact-resistant front bumper seen on this car. Nineteen seventy-three was a hybrid year in the sense that many Detroit offerings still had the hard bumper in the back, but the complete changeover was mandated for completion in 1974. The 1974 Mustang II had impact-resistant bumpers both front and rear. Parts availability for these cars is slowly improving but still nowhere near the extent enjoyed by those restoring '65-'70 models.
While we're on the subject...
While we're on the subject of big bodied Mustangs it's sometimes easy to forget that the coupes were also popular, and we see them around from time to time. This '73 Mustang coupe has the original paintjob and would be great raw material for a modified Mustang that's truly different from the crowd.
We see modified big bodied...
We see modified big bodied cars from time to time. Here's a '72 Mustang coupe all dressed up for open road warfare at the Nevada Silver State Classic. With a 351 Cleveland underhood, he's ready to run in the 100mph class.
This '73 convertible also...
This '73 convertible also shows the prevailing trend with good-looking big bodied survivors. Preservation as opposed to modification seems to appeal to these owners.
It's easy to forget how popular...
It's easy to forget how popular the Mustang II was when it was introduced, with more than 385,000 units produced. By 1975 the 302 V-8 engine was available. The car could be had with either a formal roofline or as a fastback. A convertible version was not offered. This '76 version has both the slick roofline and the V-8 engine. The late-model Mustang wheels make for a good-looking modification.
Even Mustang II's are good...
Even Mustang II's are good modification subjects as this Nevada Silver State racer shows. The short-deck engine original to this car was tossed in favor of a tall-deck stroker displacing more than 400 ci. There's plenty of power for a run in the 120mph class with this package.