By 1972, the First Generation Mustang had grown in every direction. It was physically longer, wider, heavier, and featured larger engines than the earlier examples. If a buyer was careful when ordering their new Mach 1 during that model year, they could still find themselves with a car that offered decent performance potential. Today, they still hold their own in the cut-and-thrust of daily driving, but unlike many modern offerings, they can turn heads wherever they go. This 1972 Mach 1 is a rust-free classic that presents well. The owner has documentation that verifies that it is 1-of-62 with its particular combination of options. It is ready to find a new home, so the owner has listed it for sale here on eBay. The Mustang is located in Plano, Texas, and the owner has set a BIN of $29,900 with the option to make an offer.

While this Mustang is currently located in Texas, it has split its fifty years between that state and Oklahoma. This has allowed it to remain relatively rust-free throughout its life. The seller admits that a previous owner replaced the passenger side front floor, but the underside shots reveal a structurally sound vehicle that has no problems. That same owner treated it to a repaint in its original Bright Blue Metallic in 2010 and used that opportunity to undercoat the car. It still presents nicely, with paint that shines warmly. It has accumulated a few flaws and defects, but there’s nothing that would demand an immediate repaint unless the new owner is a perfectionist. The original panels are straight, and the gaps are tight and consistent. The graphics look crisp and tidy, and the trim and chrome look excellent. The original owner ordered this Mustang with tinted glass, and there are no problems with that aspect of this survivor. The factory wheels are in good condition, although some of the black sections exhibit slight wear. If a potential buyer seeks a tidy classic that can be driven and enjoyed without the stress of preserving a perfect vehicle, this Mustang could be a winner.

For purists, the news that this Mustang retains its original drivetrain will be welcome. The engine has received some performance upgrades, but it is the original 351ci Cleveland V8. This motor is the 2V version that would have produced 177hp. A previous owner swapped out the intake and carburetor for Edelbrock components, which would have unleashed some additional ponies. The new parts may have pushed the output to somewhere close to the 4V’s 266hp, which would be welcome news for those with one eye on performance. The original owner also equipped this classic with a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. If the engine output has reached the level that I suspect, this Mach 1 should be capable of romping through the ¼ mile in around 15.2 seconds. That’s a massive improvement over the 16.8 second ET that it would have produced in unmodified form. The owner admits that while the odometer shows 25,000 miles, he is positive that it has rolled over. He indicates that the car is in excellent mechanical health. It tracks straight, steers well, and the brakes are effective. It seems that the next owner will simply have to slip it behind the wheel and head down the road for some enjoyable classic motoring.

The condition of this Mustang’s interior will depend on your point of view. If considered purely as a survivor-grade car, it remains acceptable. Its biggest flaw is stretched seat upholstery and a tear on the passenger seat. These detract from an otherwise tidy appearance, and the buyer may choose to spend $600 on a new set of covers to address this issue. There is also some visible wear on the dash and console, but the buyer may be able to restore both in their home workshop. The lenses for the gauges have become cloudy and marked, but with replacements available for under $100, this represents a cheap part of the restoration. The original owner ordered this classic with air conditioning which doesn’t blow cold due to the lack of a compressor. The original radio has made way for a modern stereo, but they didn’t cut the dash to accommodate this. The same can’t be said for the parcel tray, which now houses a set of speakers. A replacement tray will go on their shopping list if the buyer aims for originality. Nothing demands immediate attention, so the next owner could address the shortcomings as time, circumstances, and budget allow. When it comes to the question of rarity, it is the Marti Report that reveals the truth. This Mustang is 1-of-112 ordered with this combination of paint, trim, engine, transmission, and tinted glass. It is the inclusion of the console that lifts it to its 1-of-62 status as specified in the listing.

The question of relative rarity with a classic car can be a slippery slope, particularly when determining the value. As an example from a different manufacturer, there’s no doubt that a C2 Corvette Fuelie will command a premium over a non-fuel injected example in the same condition. However, the best analogy I can draw is with Fiat’s current 500 range. The company admits that thanks to its extensive list of optional extras and color combinations, it would be possible to build 500,000 vehicles with no two being identical. That raises the question of whether any particular derivative is worth more than another. The included Marti Report indicates that this Mustang is 1-of-62 with its specific combination of optional extras, but does that make it worth more in its current state? That is a question that would be difficult to answer. So, if we consider it purely as a tidy and rust-free Mach 1, the asking price looks to be in the ballpark. Regardless of whether or not you are considering the rarity factor, it seems like a great survivor that somebody should be parking in their garage very soon.