Collector Car Corner – Mustang Mach 1 and LTD convertible owner seeks advice

Q: Greg my sister cut out an article you recently wrote about a person who owned a 1972 Ford LTD convertible. I also have a 1972 Ford LTD convertible, and also have a hard time finding parts for it.

I usually get my parts locally in the Washington-Idaho state line area but do have problems with some parts. It’s nice to see the gentleman who wrote to you (Frank Clark) has a love of cars like I do. I also had no knowledge of the government issued safety warnings back then about convertibles you had mentioned.

My Ford LTD has the big 429 cubic inch V8 under the hood and everyone around here keeps trying to buy it from me. The top has been replaced since I purchased the car back in 2002. I also have a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1, and I have enclosed a photo.

Any advice you can give on tracking down parts is appreciated. Thank you very much and keep those articles coming. Robert L. Sutton, Spokane, Washington.

A: Robert thanks much for your kind words and the two photos you sent of your Fords. I see you have Cragar SS wheels on the convertible and also a nice set of wheels on your Mach 1. One thing that really sticks out to me in these modern days is that we baby boomers still love chrome wheels, while the younger set likes the black wheels nowadays.

As for finding parts, my best advice is to pick up copies of Hemmings Motor News and Auto Round-Up as these publications have numerous ads from individuals and companies that sell Ford parts. On the internet, there are many companies that deal with supplying older parts, including RockAuto.com, which many times offer wholesaler closeouts on parts you just might need for your ’72 LTD and Mustang Mach 1. Another excellent online company is Kanter.com, which specializes in old car and truck parts. 

I also have to apologize as I’m just getting to letters that were written in October of 2017, as my backlog is finally getting a bit smaller and I’ve been able to answer some questions that are duplicates in one column. But I like to let the readers know I do open and read every letter I receive and try to answer them either personally or though my column.

In checking with the old car price guides and online sellers, looks like your 1971 Mustang Mach 1 is worth some nice dollars, especially if you spend some money on what’s look like some needed bodywork from the photos. It’s currently listed at a high retail of $27,000 on Kelly Blue Book, although I don’t know the exact options, etc. your Mach 1 came with. The LTD convertible is listed at a high of $15,500, but remember these are prices are just estimates. With this said, your vehicles look to me to be in fair to decent shape with cosmetic clean up necessary. Investing in bodywork, rust removal and things like that will pay great dividends for you.

If your Mustang Mach 1 has the 351 Cleveland engine, I’ve seen them go on eBay for $35K to 40K depending on mileage and condition, even more in some instances. If it’s the 429 Cobra Jet engine in the Mach 1 (not to be confused with your “regular” low performance 429 in the LTD, I’d add several thousand more all the way up to $70,000 asking price depending on originality and/or top restored condition. Regardless, your Mustang Mach 1 is one in demand collector car.

Thanks much for your hand written letter and photos and have a great year.

(Greg Zyla is a syndicate auto writer who welcomes reader questions on collector cars, auto nostalgia and motorsports at 303 Roosevelt St., Sayre, Pa. 18840 or email at greg@gregzyla.com)