In 1973 I was 23 y/o, re-enlisted in the Air Force and ordered a Mach I, loaded. Little did I know that would be the happiest I would ever be with a new car. A 351 Cleveland, 4 barrel carb and dual exhaust. Lay down rear seat with an auto trans. Absolutely, loved that car. From time to time, I pull out the original window sticker and marvel at the $4200. price !!!
@@gt-37guy6 It had every option I could special order on it, except power windows. I was incorrectly told power windows were not available on that model. The mill was on strike, so I waited 6 weeks to receive it in St. Louis
I'm bringing this car home from the spiff up next week! I will hopefully get Jerry to do a follow up video and a drive around showing what it looks like after we cleaned it and made minor repairs. We may even push it a bit and see how it runs! Had to rebuild the carb it was dried out and leaking. Rebuild fuel pump. Clean all the undercoating off the car. New rear seals in transmission and engine. Clean Buff and detail the entire car. Pull a few small dents. New gaskets in the engine. Fluids and tune.
Thank you for preserving these cars, and most importantly, sharing your collection with the public. I'd love to come visit your place one of these days..... We bleed blue in this family.
I just stumbled upon this. What an impressive guy and collection. Thank you for helping to keep some of Fords best history alive and well for others to see, learn about and hopefully appreciate. I have and will always be an early Ford Mustang fan.
Thanks Sam I try to fight the good fight for these cars everyday! Somedays I win and get something done that matters to this Hobby somedays I just put in the sweat!
@@finleylebetter6419 It really is a labor of love with its rewards and frustrations. I also got my first Mustang in high school and was hooked from then on. I come to Dallas from Florida for business from time to time. The next time I am coming your way I will give you a call and try to set up a visit. I would really appreciate some of your time to meet you and to see your cars. Best Regards, Sam
Just met him Saturday, gave me the full tour with my son. Took time away from the Rangers game he was watching to take a tour. Had some outstanding cars on the floor.
@@finleylebetter6419 Those cars are lucky to have fallen into your hands. They are exactly where they need to be... Watched over Time Capsules. Anything less is just a hack job waiting to happen...
Jerry, I love the videos and I wish they were more frequent but, I'll take what I can get. It just makes me happy that there's still old school car guys out out there that put the time and energy in restoring the classic cars that we all love.
@@finleylebetter6419 I have a 73' Mach 1 behind me (in the garage) with a cover on it. 86,000 miles. It's a 351 Cleveland with the sports interior. She's original and a real head turner. I try to take it out once a month. I'm in Texas from time to time. Would love to see your cars.
Sad to say, I’d rather them sitting there with him then auctioned off at some astronomical price to a guy that will never drive it or appreciate it. FYI shout out to the guy in Akron Ohio lol
What an amazing collection and everything is so organized. Some day someone else will benefit from his meticulous care of those great cars. Thank God for people like him.
*Jerry!* One word comes to mind when I watched this episode - *reverence*. I have so much respect for folks like these - those who take great care to be good stewards of these important historic cars. As you know and we've discussed, the cars are cool enough - but it's the *stories* and the *people* associated with them that truly are the most interesting aspect of the hobby. I'm an admitted lover of these stories - and you're a darn good collector and presenter of stories, not to mention a good hearted, decent human being to boot. The hobby needs more of the next generations that are of like mindsets to you folks! Be safe out there, - Ed on the Ridge
Sir ALL MY DEEPEST FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART ❤️ RESPECT FOR WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU DO FOR THE MUSTANG HISTORY AND LEGACY 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼! Saving the mustangs from RestoMods hells to me is one amazing beautiful work , 1971 is the epitome of the mustang era I am a huge fan of the 71 , my dear brother Troy Winkster got a 71 bright red convertible nut and bolt fully restored out of the chassis here in Adelaide south Australia 🇦🇺 all the best I love ❤️ so much this video thank you from Australia 🇦🇺
Saved me typing that ...& I can't stand OEM or factory on anything. But so much respect for this man's passion , commitment & down to earth attitude - what a cool guy .
My dad and I stumbled upon this place on accident, and like two snooping car guy we had started looking. The owner came around the corner and gave us a quick little tour of his place and cars. He was super cool and very knowledgeable. Definitely an experience I’d never forget.
Sounds like you ran into Finley, the owner. The place is open to the public, free to come inside, nothing is for sale, you might even get a ride in a Super Cobra Jet.
@@thewriter2549 yea he was a super cool guy to hang out with. But he was closed when we stumbled upon it. But the fact he let us look and especially give a private tour was definitely pretty cool.
Wow. What an amazing collection and a very knowledgeable man. I have a lot of respect for him. He is preserving history. Great video Jerry ❤️. Someone is going to be very rich when he passes on.
I just came across this video. Finley, you are AMAZING and you and your team have done a fantastic job of restoring these Mustangs. My hat is off to you! Wonderful!! You and I are about the same age. Who would have thought this would have happened in Mineral Wells.
Absolutely beautiful collection. I've always been a fan of 71-72s and like you had one in high-school like your green/argent one. Always loved it and finally bought another as an adult. Sadly, I was injured as a firefighter and had to sell it. Absolutely heartbreaking day. God bless for keeping some legends alive
I had a 71 M Code 4 speed convertible !!! I loved that car and that started a 50 year virus I cant seem to cure! l would post an image of my car from the old days If someone can tell me how to do it here!
The ones I have owned were Q code cars and the latest was sold and shipped to Germany. Nothing like seeing one come up behind you in the rear view mirror
Jerry: your incredibly humble, more so than a non-humble Mopar restorer we all know. Any chance of a show, to spread the wealth of knowledge that you retain.
There’s nothing wrong with mark wormans attitude. He’s got a great personality and HUGE heart. Not to mention his restoration process is 100% transparent and he’s knowledgeable down to the bolts. This guy blatantly lying about that red car, saying it wasn’t in much better shape than the sport roof that was stripped and beat to shit. He’s clearly lying trying to make it sound like it was a massive turnaround. Worman has actually restored completely burnt and totaled cars with videos to prove it.
@@jasoncardoza6375 You cannot say he's lying until you see the finished product of the one on the car rack. He said it was a 5 year outlook for the completion of it, so I guess it will have to undergo your scrutiny at that time.
this guy is my hero.. I had a 71 in highschool, "mom & dad" bought it for me because I was doing well in football and school. I was doing burnouts & racing. I really got into racing but it was not enough to turn me toward being a mechanic or welder. (regrets) Everytime I see a mustang I wonder if that one was mine. My parents heard I was racing rich boys in 1988 at the airport in Houston with their corvettes. Some airport cops pulled me over, that went out over the police radio. My family all had police radios and knew the police. News got to my parents within the hour and mom had convinced dad to get rid of her. It was a great lesson, from that day he sold my car I bought every car since. If I would have owned that car i would have never sold it.
Thank you, Finley. My friend had a new 71(?) Mach 1 when I had a '68 289 coupe, and I think these all a major part of our culture and history. I'm glad you are able to save them. I learned to drive stick on her car , a 429 CobraJet, with the reverse warning light on the dash. Still remember that she told the proper way to hold the shift, because if you didn't get it in gear it could snap back and break your wrist.
Over 40 years Guy I need 10 More to finish the cars I have apart! All please pull for me to make it! 5 weeks ago I have heart surgery and as lay there and nodded off I thought I hope Joni finds someone to finish my cars! :)
I just would love to have one. When I was a kid I remember seeing a 71 Mach 1 and I was in love with that car. I’m 61 and time is creeping by on me. But I still have hope. It was dark green, and I thought it had to be a work of art because it was so magnificent. Love looking at them and this man has an amazing collection.
Being a long time Corvette freak, started in 1954 when at about five years old I saw on pass my Dad and I asked Dad what was that? He said it was one of those crazy new Chevy Corvettes. I was hooked since then. Blessed with two of them. Thank you for restoring this piece of history for all to see. You sir are my hero!
I like the 71-73 fastback Mustangs. A friend of mine had a 71 grabber green mach 1 351c, 4spd back in the late 70's when we were in high school. 1 of the 1st things he did, was to have it repainted white with black hood and stripes. If only he knew then, that the car was worth more money, because it was grabber green. I was lucky enough to take that car out for a test ride, from the used car lot, before he bought it. I really stretched that mustang's legs. Lol. Thanks for the video
I have one! My uncle was a Vietnam vet bought new. I drive mine. I'm happy to see them being preserve. Mine is a 429 super cobra jet. Mine has 62,000 miles on it I drive it once a year original paint. I keep it garaged. I hope when I am gone it goes to someone who will take care of it and not abuse it or trash it!
One of my sister in-laws father was a master machinist at Ford for 40years and retired to FLorida where I grew up and had parts from Mustangs everywhere in his garage. Lee Iacocca was his hero, he worked on Mustangs specifically. He was an interesting guy and his garage was full of cool stuff. It was like a treasure/curiosity shop. The stuff he could make out anything was truly amazing.
Finley, thank you for preserving and restoring these Mustangs. I was so pleased that you bought restomods and restored them back to original. Thank you.
Fantastic stuff. I remember building Ford Mustang MACH 1 model cars in the early 70's and thought they looked terrific. Great collection. I'd be interested in seeing some of bikes from the same period as it looks like you have some superb Kawasaki 2-strokes there - which I also owned!
Its a lot of work to drive them maintain them etc. but its also fun on a nice day in TX when it is in the 70's instead of 110 like today I can drive Ride 4/5 great fun muscle cars and bikes in a day How much fun is that anyone wants to come with me let me know!!
The secret is to get up every day and go to work if u do that enough days u get something done! Lots of people today want it but don't want to actually do the work!
If you are in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I recommend going to Mineral Wells to the Blue Oval Car Barn. It's free to the public. Another awesome video Jerry!
I drove my best friends 71 Mach 1 blue one owner with 30k miles back in 1973 what a nice powerful car to drive , I would love to drive one again Thanks for sharing this rare find.
In 1973, I bought a 1971 red Mach 1 from a friend. It had a 429 with a Hurst shifter and big factory cam. I had the local Ford dealer install the black side stripes and the black spoiler on the trunk. It looked just like the one in the video. Later on, I had chrome side pipes installed. That was the most fun car to drive that I ever had. Watching this video brought back some great memories.
Always great videos. Wishing I still had my 1971 Mach 1. Had a 351 Cleveland with a 4 barrel. Bought it brand new for around $4900. It was the dark green in color with silver stripes with twisted hood locks.
I just stumbled on this video earlier and when I saw the salvage yard I was taken by surprise! I live about 8 miles from there and Howard is a friend of mine and my brother"s. He is a helluva good person and we get stuff from him occasionally. I knew he had some goodies stashed but didn't know about the Mustang. WOW what a beauty! And the exact best person to get it! Keep up the fantastic work you"re doing Mr. Lebetter, if it wasn't for people like yourself a lot of these beautiful cars would be lost forever. Thank You
I got 2 tickets in a 71 Mustang Mach 1 before I had my driver's license. The car was purchased from my uncle . It had basically what was a cattle guard on the front end, the whole front clip was missing , and it had about 10 headlights on it. My dad bought a front clip from a junk yard, and became a miracle work...what a beautiful car.........James Bond drove one , and proved it was a cool car ...👍👍👍👍
Sweet !! That’s just awesome that this car is in as good a condition as it is… and it’s going to a Ford connoisseur. It doesn’t get any better than this. Congratulations. I’d give my eye teeth for this car.
Well everyone has a process in this Hobby mine is a bit radical but I'm on a time line I have to keep moving! I have a long way to go and a short time to get there!!!
The wife and I just brought home a 1971 Mustang mach 1 351C C6 M code fastback home. I got it from a Junkyard when I was looking for doors for my 85 dodge shortbox pickup. Most of the car is still there all the glass is still there.
@finleylebetter6419 I would if I had that kinda money, the wife and I live in Dawson Creek bc Canada, which would cost more in shipping than the parts. It will be a longer rebuild, but we are going to rebuild the 351C and C6 very close to stock just a few day 2 modes. We both really do love this car and want to do it right. We even have this RU-vid channel. And ty so much for your offer and we could always use your knowledge.
I spent last week in Ohio looking at two Boss 351 cars that had been 25 years in storage the owner have gathered many of the hard to find NOS parts over the years and as the cars sat he worked on other cars eventually deciding to sell them. They will both need complete restoration and one is an untouched Grabber Lime Green Boss 351 the other a Grabber Yellow now my job is to restore the Grabber Lime car that is a true time capsule (the Rev limiter is still hooked up!) and find a new owner for the Yellow car that will properly restore it. Robert they are still out there and seem to be more and more month by month!
Bless you 🙏 for saving those cars, ALL my favorites. THAT YOUNG MAN HAS A DREAM JOB. Nice to see old school scope. I remember using them well. Would love to see your museum. I had a 73 Mach1 sorry to see it go.
Me heart loves the 67-69 best but, this touched me old heart and made me feel like the kid again who stood and watched these beautiful things roll down the road in that majestic beauty I remember so well and truly ‘felt’ again as I watched this.
No wonder I can't find one, this guy buys them all! Lol, honestly I'm glad this guy is around to " save them for the next guy" that's a real car enthusiast!!!
@@finleylebetter6419 I'm trying! I restored a 72 coupe from the ground up some 10 yrs ago, painted her 2B bright red and black, nasa hood, mach 1 grill and stuffed a 351c 4v under the hood. It ain't no cj or scj but just like you I saved it from rotting away. I appreciate what you do!
After watching this great video, I feel revamped to complete my 69 Mach 1. I had run out of money about 3/4ths the way through, and now it's time to finish and drive my dream.
I had a friend who started his gear head journey late in life and the first car he got was a '71 Mustang Coupe. It looked just like a Boss 351 except for the coupe roofline. It had from the factory... the paint, the decal package, the nasa hood, the eurathane front bumper...all the good stuff. I think we found that last 2 unmolested original NASA hoods in Northern California when we were rebuilding that car. Used one on the car and stored the other away for a rainy day. He eventually got himself a young girlfriend, thanks to the car, then ended up selling it to take her on a vacation...where she met a younger guy than him and took off with that dude. He drives a Prius and owns a cat now.
Wow, what this man is doing is amazing. Will never recoup his investment in money and labor but I’m sure that does not matter to him. Passion driven motivation!
I think he’s wrong Finley, your family will do very well if the time ever comes. I’m in awe over what I’ve just seen. I’ve gone from riding a bicycle around my hometown at 11 taking pictures of every sharp mustang I ran across, to just taking delivery of 21 Mach 1 and my parents have my first car at 16 in there barn, 90 5.0 notch back. You are doing incredible, and the passion is out there. What’s really trippy for me though is as I’m watching this about that car in Missouri, my wife and I with our three boys just visited that lil town in MO, taking one of our old tractors to there show.
True car guys and gals who love these cars don't care about the money. I keep my cars because they bring me joy in life. Ive never gotten any joy from staring at money.
That last car is absolutely amazing thanks for showing it. The whole collection is a just beyond anything I seen before in one place. I'll have to make my way out there some time to see it in person.
My 1st car at 16 yo 1971 mustang for $400 in 1987. In 1991 I found a Yellow 1971 Mach 1 with black stripes for sale from original owner. My amazing dad new how much I loved 71 mustangs, so he helped me buy it, and I enjoyed it for a few years before selling it. I wish I still had those cars, but 71 mustangs will always have a special place in my heart. One day I will go and visit this gentleman.
Absolutely outstanding shop find . These were beautiful Machines . I wish I could’ve bought one brand new back then . What a time to be alive . For now I’ll keep riding my Indian Scout and be happy with that til I get my Masterpiece !
I MUST SAY THIS...PASSION...WAHOOOO...OUTSTANDING PASSION...CARS WERE A SHADE TREE HOBBY FOR ME...BUT THIS...YOUR PARTS ROOM IS "THE BEST" I HAVE EVER SEEN!!! BRILLIANTLY IN ORDER!!!
My best Mach 1 find was in the days before the internet was a 1971 Q code 351 Mach1 Silver with black stripes a/c car. Front fenders were off. Engine was in pieces. BUT....The owner had every piece he took off it. I bought it for $200. Trailered it home and slowly put it back together. Sold it to pay my sons college tuition.
Great Win and glad u found it and put it back on the road that is what we are all about. We like to find cars no one would or could save and save them now I have to start finding the right new owners for them
The '71 is the 429. This is the new 385-series block, with thin wall casting and the room for more cubes. Ford planned the longer, lower, wider body style of the 1971 Mustang to have 500 plus cubic inch V8s.
When I was in Germany I got hold of a 1970 Mustang Coupe after selling my re-enlistment bonus buy of a 1966 V6 Mustang. I raced the '70 and sold it in Rotterdam Holland in 1974 before returning to the states. Today I have a 1971 Mustang Coupe that has been worked, nowhere original in any sense and I have only driven it once before I started working on it. Now it sits under my carport. I can't work on it due to three back surgerys. My wife keeps telling me that we need to get it done. Your collection is outstanding and I enjoyed watching your video.
I wish they were better than NEW but they are not! You cant beat a low mileage all original survivor! Some of my restored cars come out nice and run and drive great some not so much!
It's just unreal how many cars & OEM parts that are still out there, in someone's garage! The shame is a lot of those people are getting up there in age! I love watching your videos of all those people & their hoards of parts that still exist!
I urge people to call or email me BEFORE they pull the car out of its hiding place, when it is still untouched. That way we all get a vicarious thrill, like when we looked through this SS Camaro that Jim owned since 1969 when he was 18. It's a time capsule of the way it was in 1969.
I try it is a life's work and it make me happy every time I finish one and I'm a few weeks from finishing two it is a fun time when they come home and are really nice and run drive nice.
