Car of the Month October 2023
1973 Mustang Mach 1, MOCA Car of the Month
In the early 90’s, Karen and I compared several posters showing first generation pony/muscle cars each time we were at a Houston car wash. After examining and discussing the finer points of each body design, we always ended up choosing the 1973 Mustang Mach 1 as our favorite. Fast forward to 2006, three years after we had moved to North Texas. While attending the annual Pate Swap Meet held at the Texas Motor Speedway, I saw and purchased a 1973 Mustang Mach 1 and the rest is history. The body work and exterior paint work was complete, but much interior and mechanical work remained to be done. Being a reasonably good mechanic, I considered this was an excellent project car for me to bring to completion! Soon after purchasing our Mach 1, I replaced the interior, installed a new Classic Auto air conditioning system with a Sanden compressor, rebuilt the brakes and front suspension, replaced the 2.75:1 ring gear with a 3.25:1 with Traction Lok, replaced the original radiator with a Champion large capacity aluminum radiator and overflow system to enhance engine cooling.
Bert and Karen’s 1973 Mach 1
This Mustang is powered by the venerable 351 cubic inch Cleveland engine recently rebuilt by boring the cylinders .030, installing Kieth Black KB Performance Hypereutectic domed pistons, milling the heads .020, installing stainless steel valves, adding an Elgin Pro-Stock high performance camshaft, Edelbrock 2750 Performer dual-plane, low-rise aluminum intake manifold with an Edelbrock 1405 Performer 750 CFM 4-barrel carburetor. Upon completion of the rebuilding, the engine produced 365 hp and 390 ft-lb of torque on an engine dyno. Other modifications include a Mallory Comp electronic ignition system with MSD wiring, 3.7:1 gear reduction high torque starter, KEB Gas-A-Just shock absorbers, Lakewood Industries traction bars, Flowmaster 2.5-inch diameter dual exhaust and Weld Racing wheels fitted with BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires, tri-bar headlights, LED instrument panel lighting, AM/FM radio with CD player, remote-controlled door and hood alarm system and tinted windows.
Once we had purchased our Mach 1, Karen and I joined the North Texas Mustang Club (NTMC) and the Mustang Club of America (MCA). We have participated in National and Grand National MCA shows in Oklahoma City, Dallas, Kansas City, and Houston where our ’73 Mach 1 has won first place at each show in the 1971 to 1973 Mustang Occasionally Driven Class. Since moving from the Southlake, TX area to Sun City in August 2021, we joined the Mustang Owners Club of Austin (MOCA) and the Georgetown Area Car Club where we participate in car shows and local car cruises. 2023 is the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Mustang and will also mark 50 years since the ‘end of the era’ for what became known as the first-generation pony/muscle cars. Rather than being the end of an era, our Mach 1 was the beginning of a new era for us, driving and enjoying a vintage Mustang! We sincerely appreciate and thank MOCA for selecting our Mach 1 as the Car of the Month!
Bert and Karen Schultz