Ford Mustang 1971

Ford's decade of "Total Performance" was drawing to a close.

The Mustang grew by 2.1" of length, 2.8" of width, 1" of wheelbase, and about 100 lbs. Coupled with this weight gain was the disappearance of the Shelby models and the Boss 302 and Boss 429 models, and the weakening of the remaining engine choices.

The 351 engine was detuned from 300 bhp to 285bhp while the 429 Cobra Jet dropped 5bhp to 370bhp. The performance banner was carried by the Mach 1 Mustang and the new Boss 351 model.

The standard engine for the Mach 1 was the 351 Cleveland V8 with 285bhp but a 330bhp version was also available.

The 429 Cobra Jet sported 370bhp while the top power choice was was the 429 Super Cobra Jet Ram Air. It had 11.3:1 compression, and generated 375bhp but its 1/4 mile times were slower than the Boss 351.

The Boss 351 enjoyed a lower weight and a race bred 351 engine that had a radical solid-lifter cam, 11.0:1 compression, ram-air induction and came with a Hurst four-speed transmission and 3.91:1 Traction-Lok differential.

This would be its only season as Ford performance would continue to decrease.