YouTuber revisits rare 1971 Mustang Spring Special for sale after engine accident

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A rare 1971 Mustang Spring Special is getting a second chance after being rescued by a YouTuber, albeit with a damaged engine.

The 1971 Ford Mustang Spring Special is a rare car from a challenging era in Mustang history, and it’s been given a second life with the help of Chris, the enthusiastic mechanic and YouTuber behind the channel no nonsense knowledge. This classic pony car was abandoned in California, Pennsylvania in the 1980s and was recently pulled from its rusty home in an attempt to revive it.

Ford’s 1971 spring special Mustang was a bold attempt to revive sales by offering Mach 1-style styling at a lower price. However, it failed to make waves in the market, with only around 9,000 units produced. Today, its rarity makes it a sought-after example among collectors.

The Mustang that Chris rescued was a fastback (sport roof) equipped with a 351 Cleveland V8 engine and a four-speed Top Loader manual transmission. Despite years of exposure to Pennsylvania’s harsh environment, the car retains some valuable parts, including a nine-inch rear axle, performance parts, and a Holley carburetor.

Pulling the car off the ground is not an easy task. It’s so embedded in the soil that winching it to a trailer pulls the trailer backwards. Upon entering the garage, Chris discovered that the engine was in terrible condition. Borescope inspection revealed corrosion on the piston and cylinder walls. Despite the damage, Chris attempted to turn the engine using a homemade crank turning tool. The effort resulted in two exhaust valves being broken off and a third already damaged.

Although restoring the engine proved to be unfeasible, Chris managed to sell the car for $900, a slim profit compared to his $600 investment. The new owner plans to use the 351 Cleveland engine for another project, ensuring that this rare Mustang Spring Special will continue to contribute to automotive history.

Featuring the iconic NASA hood, Boss stripes and Mach 1 grille, this Mustang represents the nostalgic elements of Ford’s muscle car heritage. Although its mid-year debut failed to lift it out of the sales slump of 1971, enthusiasts today still cherish the Spring Special Edition for its rarity and unique styling. Thanks to Chris’ efforts, this forgotten classic will live on, giving people a glimpse into the golden age of pony cars.

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