Original 1971 Mach 1 Mustang (Fastback) presented as a Shelby Europa Tribute and painted in a Cobra Theme. I wanted a usable muscle car that wasn’t a trailer park queen or too expensive to actually enjoy (an equivalent XB Coupe / XC Cobra is 200k or even more for an original Shelby mustang).
HISTORY - As the story goes, an eccentric Tasmanian owner 20 years ago imported a MACH 1 LHD from America and spent years creating the Shelby Europa Tribute you see here. His German wife’s dream car as a kid was a Europa. A rotisserie rebuild was undertaken and the car was finally Engineered in RHD (a 25k expense to convert these days) and has only travelled 22300 miles in total. The car moved to NSW with the family as his wife’s health declined and was then sold in 2022-23. The Mustangs departure came with great sorrow, so many of the records and history were lost during that exchange. What remains is a photo album documenting the rebuilt but not one receipt was handed over, so little further is known about the cost, who did what & when. A drive of the car cements the fact that things were done right back then.
I never imagined how much attention this car pulls, just take a look at it as Photos don’t do it justice. The side on shape is one of the best designs ever. As many can attest too, my wife hates it so it is onto another project for me.
The engine is a strong crate 351 Cleveland V8 with 4V heads, Performance Carby with Electronic Ignition coupled to a C6 Auto. It is by no-means quick compared to modern car standards, but each drive is truly an event. The engine bay has been done just right and is show worthy, even with Europa Build numbering (cloned) pinned to the firewall. The car is super reliable and copes with the Humidity and heat in QLD without a drama, as the Radiator has been upgraded.
I am not interested in Swaps or Test Pilots or Tyre Kickers. If you found another RHD Mustang Fastback in this condition cheaper, then here is a tip: Go and buy it!
Paintwork 8.5/10 - Drivetrain 9/10 - Interior 8/10 and presents extremely well. The RHD Conversion was Engineered with a compliance plate, which was essential for me to know that it was done right in the first place. It also has a tilt steering wheel to help larger drivers, Bluetooth MP3 player has been installed along with phone charging / holder capabilities to run your maps and check speed etc whilst mobile. Recent additions are a new Dual Exhaust (wow), new BFG’s & ADR Compliant Stedi Headlights with LED driving lights.
This car is an investment and the next person would be a proud custodian of something truly unique. It is on Full QLD Registration and happy to provide a RWC for the next local custodian.
UPGRADE WISH LIST:
1) An aftermarket brake pedal as the LHD retained pedal bend doesn’t allow enough room for your left foot to rest safely on the firewall. A $300 spend
2) Upgrade the original LHD shifter to a B&M Megashifter for RHD rachet changes, but that would mean the removal of the Classic Shelby Europa labeled shifter surround so I was reluctant to proceed.
CONS: As with anything over 50 years old, they need TLC:
A) Small surface disterrioration on the lip of the boot entry needs fixing … would only need a sand back and prime, then some black paint - a good weekend of tinkering for the next owner.
B) Fix the fuel tank gauge which has stopped working (potential loose wire).
Cars like this don’t come up often and you are guaranteed not to see another one at any event, ever. And for those asking, a RHD conversion that is engineered is 25k these days.
