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 !!!

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.

The longer I live the more I appreciate stock vehicles , as Leno says “they’re only original once”. Beautiful collection!

This man is living every car guys dream! Independently wealthy and able to do what he truly loves. GOALS! Great video Jerry!

Beautiful, absolutely gorgeous Mustang. Thank you all for sharing.

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.

He is an artist. Love that he brings them back to vintage showroom condition.

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.

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.

Finley is an amazing guy, what a great collection, on my bucket list to visit!

This man is doing GODS WORK!!! Long live the 1971 Super Cobra Jet!

I’m not a FORD person . But seeing this is amazing what they do and what they find. Keep up the great work you do. 👍🏼

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.

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 🇦🇺

Your the ONE person I can relate to on proper restoration of Ford cars.

Thanks' to the over 1.2M viewers please stop by the Blue Oval Car Barns facebook page to see what we have going on today!

Beautiful classic cars! I love your passion to bring these cars back to their glory. 👍🇺🇸

*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

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.

This is awesome Jerry. I love what you do! Thank you for doing your part to preserve these rare beauties. They need to be shown and driven!

What a blessing for the car world, this guy is special.

such a beautyful collection, a lifetimes work restoring wonderful works of automotive art

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.

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.

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.

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

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 to see people who Care about Historic items. Taking Care of them for " The next Owners." Best Wishes from Montana M.H

Really sweet collection, and that barn find is astounding.

A beautiful collection Mr.Ledbetter has, thank you for bringing us along Jerry 👍

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.

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!

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.

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

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!!!

Wow! Really nice rare collection! I love how everything is organized and in order. I think I may need some parts! Lol

What a beautiful car and a great story of a meticulous owner. Love it.

Jerry we love you thank you for preserving our American History. Go USA .....

The one guy with a car collection that's not a depreciating asset this was an awesome video trip thank you 👍👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

I always look forward to your videos Jerry

Man that was amazing to watch ....i love Vintage Fords

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.

amazing collection of 71's. Very cool!

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.

Amazing time capsule. Another great video.

Wow what an obsession. My hat goes off to you. To take these old wrecks and turn them back into a work of art.....well I am speechless.

The world really needs more people like you. A boy’s own dream that came to life.

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!

Beautiful collection. That would be a dream garage of mustangs for me

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 like it. A lot of money going through your shop. Some one is loaded with cash. All in All, NICE.

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.

Great to see so many so well kept.

Im catching up on some older videos dreaming of warmer weather here in Canada! Another amazing museum candidate ! Wow ! What a find!🇨🇦🇺🇸👍👍

There is a fine line between lunatic and genius im not sure which side of the line he is on but you have to admire the passion

Thank you Jerry for doing what you do !

Thanks for the video Jerry!🤛

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 ...👍👍👍👍

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.

Totally amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this unbelievable story and car! You’re the best!

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!

Stumbled across this place a while back by accident. Amazing.

I strongly need to visit this place....

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!

Great video

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.

I love dropping by mineral wells and hanging out with Findley. Great fun.

Thanks for sharing this what a unreal Find

You can always trust a car person that loves a cat so much that it purrs, just being next to him..

WOW, this must be the world's greatest collection of classic Ford Mustang cars. Thanks for sharing.

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.

YOU KNOW BRO IF I HAS A CAMARO NEXT TO ALL THOSE GREAT MUSTANGS I'D COVER IT TOO WHAT A GREAT COLLECTION

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.

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.

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.

Very impressive! I agree that resto mods shouldn't be allowed ugh Day 2 mods are OK 👍

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!

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 !

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.

Finley Ledbetter is a savior of Mustangs. That’s a religion and “church” I’d be happy to attend and give my life to.

absolutely amazing how you bring these cars back to life, better than new. What a talent.

Exactly, restomod hell!! Never mess with an original Mustang especially an 71 Mach 1 . Should be literally criminal charges.

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.

That 71 429 4spd.. is just awesome! Thanks for putting this video up my friends. I'm 60 and have had a few cars in my time.. dig it..

What a beauty, and his car collection is fantastic.

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

My grandfather has a 71 mach 1 with the 428 super cobra jet with the Hurst 4 speed shaker hood and the drag pack.. love these cars

love seeing people who actually care.

Jaw dropping original Cobra, increased my heart rate....wow

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.

That is an amazing survivor - must be one of the nicest in existence. What a find and great it went to you - Bravo -

My first new car was a 71 Mustang coup, pewter color with black vinyl top. 302 engine. Loved that car.

This is such an awesome undertaking ! Love this !

What dedication!.....God Bless him!.....

I love when people save wonderful older things. Good for you.

Wish I'd known about this guy 10 years ago... My brother had 2 fastback 71-72. He passed in November, I'd have taken him to this guy for vacation... RIP my brother

Absolutely amazing Thank you for keeping them original!!

Absolutely incredible. You are preserving history. I always wanted a 70 Mustang.