Some people prefer killing butterflies with sledgehammers, just to make sure the job gets done, and for them, Ford produced the 429 Cobra Jet. In 1971, the newly styled Mustang was splitting the market, some saying it was fabulous and others saying it was way off the Mustang mark; but, it was an effort by Ford to produce a Mustang that was all things to all people. It was longer, lower, wider, heavier, more comfortable, more softly sprung and, therefore, a little less sprightly than Mustangs prior. Of course, there were the performance Mustangs like Boss and Mach 1 to brighten up the offerings for more sporting customers, but one was a bit of a mystery: a Mustang relatively unheard of outside of Ford and its close circle of friends in 1971 that was equipped with the butterfly-killing 429 CI V-8. Some had the J-Code Ram Air package, while others were slightly more docile non-Ram Air C-Code 429s. Available in hardtop or convertible, only 42 convertibles were fitted with the 429 in 1971, 10 of which were equipped with a 4-speed manual transmissions; but, only one was a C-Code convertible, and that’s this car. Featured in the February 2007 edition of Mustang Monthly magazine, this Mustang was treated to a rotisserie restoration completed a few years ago using original and NOS parts. Painted Grabber Lime, the Mustang sports a matching green interior that features Deluxe Clarion knit and Corinthian vinyl upholstery with a reclining passenger seat. Equipped with a factory tachometer, air conditioning, AM/FM radio, power steering and power brakes with front discs, this Mustang proves it was common for 429-equipped Mustangs to be over the top with options. Surprises include the Factory Instrumentation Group, power door locks, power seats, power windows and a power-operated black convertible top. A 3.25 Traction-Lok differential is a perfect middle ground gear ratio for the 429, lending a lot of low-end, out-of-the-hole punch but enough on top for respectable highway speeds. Rolling on F60x15 raised white-letter tires with Magnum 500 wheels and having previously been part of the Mickey Graphia collection, the car will be sold with the window sticker and Marti Report.
