From the collection of “The Big Guy”, this 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Tribute SportsRoof is now on offer. While not an authentic Mach 1, this car’s value is sourced in its 351 Cleveland Cobra Jet V8 engine, the more powerful of the two engines offered in the 1973 Mach 1. This Mach 1 Tribute is finished in Medium Copper Metallic over black vinyl and powered by the Q-code 351 cubic-inch Cobra Jet V8 paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. The vehicle was built in Dearborn, Michigan and became part of the The Big Guy’s collection in 2019. In 2025, a full repaint by a Ford dealership was completed following surface rust repair to a rocker panel. This Ford Mustang Mach 1 Tribute is offered by the seller in Ottawa with an Ontario Safety Standards Certificate, one set of keys, a car cover, an original showroom brochure with period postcard, an unused OEM centre console panel, and a third-party appraisal (from late 2020).
The exterior was professionally repainted in its factory original Medium Copper Metallic (Ford Paint Code 5M), in June of 2025 in preparation for the sale after some minor rocker panel surface corrosion prompted the decision for a full exterior re-spray. The work was performed by a Ford dealership, and a new Mach 1 Tribute vinyl stripe kit was installed at that time. Exterior features include a matte black NASA-style hood with functional twin scoops and “351 RAM AIR” callouts, colour-matched front bumper, colour-matched sport side mirrors, and a rear spoiler in contrasting black. Chrome accessories include the rear bumper and grille accents. The appraisal, which is shown in the gallery, was completed prior to the repaint and does not reflect the car’s current cosmetic condition.
The car is equipped with factory optional 15-inch Magnum 500-style five-spoke wheels with center caps bearing the ‘Mustang Pony’ logo and chrome lug nuts. These wheels are mounted with staggered BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires with raised white lettering, size 255/60R15 on the rear, date coded 2011, and 235/60R15 on the front, date coded 2012. A dual exhaust system exits under the rear bumper on each side to provide a period V8 rumble. The car is equipped with power steering and power brakes, with the braking system reported to have been rebuilt prior to the 2020 inspection under previous ownership. The underbody was noted to be clean at the time of the appraisal, with no visible signs of corrosion or winter use. The vehicle has been stored indoors in a dedicated climate-controlled facility since and, considering the Ford dealership repaint, is likely in better condition than when the appraisal was conducted.
Inside, the black vinyl interior (Trim Code AA) includes black front bucket seats and a rear bench. The seller advises that the interior shows minor flaws, including a cracked lens on the fuel gauge and imperfections in the vinyl covering of the dash as shown in the gallery. This car came is equipped with a full factory gauge package from the factory and instrumentation above the steering column includes a 120 MPH speedometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights for oil pressure, brakes, alternator, and coolant temperature. Additional replacement accessory gauges by AutoGage in the centre console display voltage, oil pressure, and water temperature. The car retains a factory AM-FM push-button radio in the dash, and an aftermarket Pioneer double-DIN Bluetooth stereo is installed in the glovebox (Model FH-S501BT). A replacement unused OEM centre console panel is also included and shown with the trunk photos in the photo gallery.
This Mustang’s powerplant is a Q-code 351 cubic-inch Cobra Jet V8 fitted with a factory aluminum-alloy four-barrel carburetor, aluminum intake manifold, and a high energy ignition with MSD components all fueled by regular-grade fuel. The authenticity of the engine to this car is supported by the VIN decoding done at the conclusion of this listing. Ford Racing-branded valve covers and an engine dress-up kit have also been installed. The seller mentions an understanding that the engine was rebuilt to factory spec under previous ownership. The engine compartment is included in the gallery, quite presentable.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission which received updated clutch components under past ownership. The vehicle retains a factory-style solid rear axle and leaf spring rear suspension. A manual battery disconnect switch is also fitted. The odometer showed 7,072 miles at the time of a third-party appraisal conducted in late 2020, and the current odometer reading shows that under 200 kilometres have been added since. This car is being sold as TMU (true mileage unknown).
This 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Tribute SportsRoof, Ontario safetied is offered by the seller in Ottawa, ON with one key, a car cover, an original showroom brochure, a replacement centre console panel, and a third-party appraisal (from late 2020).
VIN 3F02Q189650 decodes as follows:
3 = 1973 Model Year
F = Built at Dearborn Assembly Plant
02 = Mustang SportsRoof (standard fastback)
Q = 351-4V Cobra Jet V-8 Engine (CJ, 4-barrel)
189650 = Consecutive Unit Number
Data Decal decodes as follows:
02/73 = Produced February 1973
63D = Mustang SportsRoof
5M = Medium Copper Metallic, Ford #5144-A
AA = Black Vinyl Bucket Seats
5 = 4-Speed Wide Ratio Manual Transmission
A = 3.50 Traction-Lok Differential
74 = Seattle District Sales Office