1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1 – A Survivor in Gold Glow Metallic with Numbers-Matching 351 Cleveland and 72K Miles
The 1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1 stood at the crossroads of muscle car might and transitional design. With tightening emissions regulations and insurance premiums rising, Ford’s Mach 1 offered a compelling blend of performance heritage and daily drivability. This was the second model year after the Mustang’s major 1971 redesign—wider, longer, and more aggressive than the first-gen pony cars—with the Mach 1 continuing as a performance-trimmed SportsRoof coupe. In 1972, the Mach 1 came standard with a 351 Cleveland V8, distinguishing it from base models and giving it the firepower muscle enthusiasts craved, even as the golden era of horsepower began to shift.
This particular Mach 1, painted in the rare and gleaming factory-correct Gold Glow Metallic (code 6F), is a beautifully preserved time capsule. According to the Deluxe Marti Report, it was built at Ford’s Dearborn plant and originally sold through Manser Ford in Payette, Idaho, finally hitting the road on July 21, 1972. It retains its numbers-matching 351C-2V engine and FMX 3-speed automatic transmission, backed by a strong 9-inch rear end, offering a drivetrain setup that was both torquey and reliable. The engine casting (D2AE-C) confirms its authenticity, and the car still wears its original underhood paint—a rarity in today’s restored classics.
With just over 72,000 miles (believed to be actual), this Mach 1 delivers a superb survivor feel. It’s mechanically tight and impressively roadworthy—test drives confirmed it cruises confidently at 70 MPH, with power steering and power front disc brakes making the experience refined. The factory dual exhaust has been updated with aftermarket mufflers and full tailpipes, giving the car a deeper, more assertive tone without compromising originality.
Inside, the Mustang sports a Ginger vinyl interior (code AF), which shows very well and retains its correct color scheme. The bucket seats, floor shifter, and center console add a sporty ambiance. Though the original 8-track player no longer functions, a retro-style AM/FM radio has been added for classic flair. A USB and auxiliary input discreetly tucked into the glovebox brings a touch of modern convenience. The interior is largely original, including the steering wheel, which shows character-adding patina from its decades of service.
The exterior, while refinished in its correct color, maintains much of the original sheet metal and sports a factory Mach 1 stripe kit and front/rear spoilers. Evidence of careful touch-ups across various panels confirms its preservation over full cosmetic restoration—a hallmark of a true survivor. Its steel wheels with factory hubcaps are wrapped in period-correct 225/70R14 BF Goodrich tires (dated 2014–2015), anchoring the car’s vintage vibe while ensuring confident road performance.
One of only 2,115 painted in Gold Glow Metallic and one of just 576 with this specific paint and trim combination, this Mach 1’s rarity is firmly established. It was built six days ahead of schedule in September 1971 and came factory-equipped with body side tape stripes, power front disc brakes, tinted glass, and an AM radio—all documented by the Marti Report.
Few muscle cars from this transitional era wear their years as gracefully as this Mach 1. It has clearly been cherished, not merely restored, and it continues to tell its story with originality, presence, and mechanical honesty.
PC Classic Cars in Sherman, Texas, proudly showcases exceptional classics like this 1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1. With a passion for historically significant vehicles and a dedication to quality, their team brings iconic automobiles back to the spotlight. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a vintage treasure or sell one of your own, PC Classic Cars is a trusted name among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
PC Classic Cars is always seeking classic vehicles like the 1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1. If you have a vintage Mustang or other classic car to sell, contact PC Classic Cars today. Their team specializes in purchasing classic cars from across the country, offering a seamless and knowledgeable experience for sellers of iconic American muscle cars.