![]() ![]() Additionally, the 351 featured side striping, which ran forward from the vehicle’s rear fender well, before turning downward at the midway point of each front fender. Also of note was the car’s dual air scoop hood, which was predominantly blacked out. Representative of its Boss lineage, the Boss 351 features a pronounced chin spoiler, and Boss badging to the rear of each front fender well. This mirrored styling changes that befell the entire Mustang lineup during the early 1970s. In many ways, the Boss 351 was significantly larger than the Boss 302 and 429 before it. The Boss 351 carried an appearance all its own, and actually showcased a look that was more reminiscent of Mach 1 series Mustangs, than its Boss series counterparts. ![]() The 1971 Boss 351 served as one of the last high-output Mustangs of the former era and offered nothing less than an unforgettable experience for those behind the wheel. However, before the onset of such troubling times, the Mustang enjoyed one final moment in the sun. Increasingly stringent emissions standards severely hampered performance-related efforts by various manufacturers, leaving many of the era’s most formidable vehicles reeling.įord was not immune to this downturn in performance, as the Mustang’s output would fall relatively flat during much of the 1970s. The Ford, Mustang, Torino, T-Bird, and Maverick were all numbered together, regardless of model or type.The early 1970s were an ever-changing time in the automotive industry, and in many ways, the beginning of the end for the American muscle car. 1971 Mustang Data Plate Decoderĭeciphering Vehicle Identity Numbers for the 1971 Mustang 1Įach plant started each year with number 100,001. There were 1,806 Boss 3351 mustangs included in the above table. The cars were also equipped with a variable ratio (15.7 to 1) power steering unit. This package consisted of: heavy duty shock absorbers, Heavy duty springs as well as front and if the engine was a 351 4v or large also rear stabilizer bars and staggered shocks. Functional scoops were also offered as on option with the 351 engine.Ī competition suspension was available to all cars except ones with the 250 cid 6 Cylinder. If you ordered the top of the line 429 ram air package, you got the functional hood scoops, all others got a simulated hood scoop. The only way to get the hood locks from the factory was to order Ram Air, which was available on 351-4V and up engines. The Ram air hood was a no cost option on the 302-2V Mach and standard on the 351-2V and up. If you wanted the upgrade, you had to buy it at a price of about $130. The deluxe interior on the Mach 1 was not standard this year. Power windows and rear window defroster were offered. Iacocca hated the 1971-73 series cars and was eager to build the smaller underpowered cars of the 1974 – 83 era. It seems like the car manufacturers and the government were deciding what we the drivers wanted. It seems like the upper echelon didn’t share his tastes and were caving in to the Mustang II design being readied for 1974. Sad news however because of his racing and performance tastes, he was removed from office. The design was mocked up by Gail Halderman and shown to Ford’s then president “Bunkie” Knudsen in February of 1968. Also, because you set low in the seats, it was hard to see over the Long hood and rear end. Probably because if you put slats on the rear window your view would be blocked. The rear window sloped at a very low angle so rear window slats were no longer offered. Over 400 pounds were added in the course of one year! If you did not order the 429 engine, the smaller engines were quite strained by the increase in weight and size. However the car had to gain width and length to accommodate the new 429 big block being offered in the new 1971 models. The 1971 Mustang became known as the Big Body Mustang! Lee Iacocca once called it a “fat pig”. ![]()
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