This was the last year for the first generation Mustang, though it had changed vastly since its launch in 1964 as an early 1965 model. The 1973 Ford Mustang suffered another weight and size increase thanks to safety regulations. A 5 mph bumper was now required in front and a 2.5 mile bumper at the rear. The bumpers added four inches to the length of the car and 50 lbs weight.

Production actually increased to 134,817 units, partly due to the news that there would be no convertible in the downsized model around the corner. In fact there wouldn’t be another convertible Mustang until 1983. As a result Convertible sales doubled to 11,853. Hardtop Coupe sales led with 51,430, followed by Mach 1 at 45,440, the Grande at 25,274 and the Fastback at 10,820. Prices rose slightly, with the Hardtop costing from $2,760; Fastback at $2,820; Convertible at $3,102, Grande at $2,964, and Mach 1 at $3,088.

Engines included 98 bhp 250 cid six; 140 bhp 2-barrel 302, 177 bhp, 2-barrel 351 and the optimistically named 248 bhp 4-barrel 351 Cobra Jet.

Once again, you could buy the Mustang Mach 1 decals for $23, the interior trim package for $115, the competition suspension for $28, the rear deck spoiler for $29, the instrument package for $71, 248 bhp 351 V-8 package which included dual exhaust and a 4-speed for $194 and a ram-air setup, including the hood for $58.

By now the Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission was fitted to 90.4 percent of Mustangs, the base 3-speed manual to 6.7 percent, and a 4-speed to only 2.9 percent. The Hurst shifter now had a round knob instead of the distinctive T-handle. Power steering was fitted to 92.9 percent of Mustangs, power brakes to 77.9 percent and air conditioning to 56.2 percent. A three-quarter vinyl top was optional on fastback models, including the Mach 1. This would be the last year for the Grande model, which featured luxury and comfort items, and all the brightwork.

Sixteen colors were offered and 19 interior combinations. Here are the codes to identify the colors (or what they should be). Wimbledon White (9A); Bright Red (2B); Medium Yellow Gold (6C0; Medium Blue Metallic (3D); Medium Brown Metallic (5H); Blue Glow (3K); Medium Copper Metallic (5M); Medium Aqua (4N); Dark Green Metallic (4Q); Saddle Bronze metallic (5T); Light Blue (3B); Medium Bright Yellow (6E); Ivy Glow (4C); Bright Green Gold Metallic (4B); Gold Glow (6F). As usual convertible tops were black or white vinyl.

Production actually increased to 134,817 units, partly due to the news that there would be no convertible in the downsized model around the corner. In fact there wouldn’t be another convertible Mustang until 1985. As a result Convertible sales doubled to 11,853. Hardtop Coupe sales led with 51,430, followed by Mach 1 at 45,440, the Grande at 25,274 and the Fastback at 10,820. Prices rose slightly, with the Hardtop costing from $2,760; Fastback at $2,820; Convertible at $3,102, Grande at $2,964, and Mach 1 at $3,088.

Engines included 98 bhp 250 cid six; 140 bhp 2-barrel 302, 177 bhp, 2-barrel 351 and the optimistically named 248 bhp 4-barrel 351 Cobra Jet.

Once again, you could buy the Mustang Mach 1 decals for $23, the interior trim package for $115, the competition suspension for $28, the rear deck spoiler for $29, the instrument package for $71, 248 bhp 351 V-8 package which included dual exhaust and a 4-speed for $194 and a ram-air setup, including the hood for $58.

By now the Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission was fitted to 90.4 percent of Mustangs, the base 3-speed manual to 6.7 percent, and a 4-speed to only 2.9 percent. The Hurst shifter now had a round knob instead of the distinctive T-handle. Power steering was fitted to 92.9 percent of Mustangs, power brakes to 77.9 percent and air conditioning to 56.2 percent. A three-quarter vinyl top was optional on fastback models, including the Mach 1. This would be the last year for the Grande model, which featured luxury and comfort items, and all the brightwork.

Sixteen colors were offered and 19 interior combinations. Here are the codes to identify the colors (or what they should be). Wimbledon White (9A); Bright Red (2B); Medium Yellow Gold (6C0; Medium Blue Metallic (3D); Medium Brown Metallic (5H); Blue Glow (3K); Medium Copper Metallic (5M); Medium Aqua (4N); Dark Green Metallic (4Q); Saddle Bronze metallic (5T); Light Blue (3B); Medium Bright Yellow (6E); Ivy Glow (4C); Bright Green Gold Metallic (4B); Gold Glow (6F). As usual convertible tops were black or white vinyl.