In 1969, Ford introduced the limited-edition “Grande” coupe, adding a touch of luxury to the Mustang name. Available exclusively on coupes, the Grande came with desirable features and options. It showcased a contrasting grained vinyl roof, a double-scooped hood, body-accent striping, unique wheel covers, and a special interior with Lambeth cloth and vinyl. The upgraded dashboard boasted wood-grain accents, complemented by an electric clock, trunk mat, and color-keyed dual mirrors.
Under the hood, the Grande offered various engine choices. While the base was a mild 250ci inline six, most buyers opted for the V8 options, including two powerful 351s. The top-of-the-line Q-code 351 four-barrel boasted an underrated 266 horsepower, particularly potent when paired with the optional four-speed manual transmission and “Traction-Lok” rear axle.
It was still considered the “fancy hardtop” Mustang and was not really changed for 1973. This was the last year that the luxury options package was called Grande, in 1974 it was renamed the Ghia after a redesign of the options by the newly Ford acquired Ghia Italian design firm.
The ’73 Grande, featuring mild revamps and a luxurious appearance, saw remarkable success with 25,274 units sold—more than any other Grande model year. Despite a modest price increase of just $206 over the standard hardtop ($2,946 versus $2,740), the Grande’s popularity remained strong. With a wide array of optional features available, most Grandes were well-equipped.
Source: Bonhams
