Finley Ledbetter:Buying & Restoring 1971 Mustang Super Cobra Jets - Any Condition
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Read the story online in Motor Trend (later in print in Hot Rod)
www.motortrend.com/features/b...
Don't Make Any Money At It Don't Sell Them- Buying Every 1971 Mustang Super Cobra Jet - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
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 just got out of the Marines in 1971. I didn't get a Mustang but I did get a Firebird formula 400. The good old days. 4200.00 out the door.
That was a fairly expensive musclecar for 1973! Cadillacs were around $6000 at that time.
@@gt-37guy6 It had every option I could special order on it, except power windows. I was incorrectly told power windows were not available on that model. The mill was on strike, so I waited 6 weeks to receive it in St. Louis
Fastest is that Kawasaki H2 at 02:53 !
@@bentnickel7487 I had one like that. Q code. Bronze color originally.
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.
might work
Great collection Finley!
Abolutely stunning cars finley...a credit to ye👍👍👍
amazing collection and love that you are preserving these for future owners
Thank you for preserving these cars, and most importantly, sharing your collection with the public. I'd love to come visit your place one of these days..... We bleed blue in this family.
The longer I live the more I appreciate stock vehicles , as Leno says “they’re only original once”. Beautiful collection!
Women and cars !!!! I've been lucky enough to have enjoyed several in factory "new" condition.
Survivors as we call them are far and few in between we always look for them! I have 4-5
I read this comment, as they were showing the junk yard
This man is living every car guys dream! Independently wealthy and able to do what he truly loves. GOALS! Great video Jerry!
That is what this is yes!
He is an artist. Love that he brings them back to vintage showroom condition.
You misspelled *hoarder.
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.
Thanks Sam I try to fight the good fight for these cars everyday! Somedays I win and get something done that matters to this Hobby somedays I just put in the sweat!
@@finleylebetter6419 It really is a labor of love with its rewards and frustrations. I also got my first Mustang in high school and was hooked from then on. I come to Dallas from Florida for business from time to time. The next time I am coming your way I will give you a call and try to set up a visit. I would really appreciate some of your time to meet you and to see your cars. Best Regards, Sam
Finley is an amazing guy, what a great collection, on my bucket list to visit!
Bret welcome anytime and we will go for a ride and u can decide for yourself if these 71 high performance cars are the read deal!
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 agree Richard.
I second your agree, Richard.
@@thewriter2549 👍🙂
I'm an engineer in the real word so YES I keep a tight ship!
@@finleylebetter6419 Thanks for adding to the conversation. What you have done is amazing. What you are doing is even more amazing.
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.
Every time I start to lock the door someone shows up it is like MAGIC call ahead to be sure we are there or I will meet u anytime!
@@finleylebetter6419 Those cars are lucky to have fallen into your hands. They are exactly where they need to be... Watched over Time Capsules. Anything less is just a hack job waiting to happen...
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!
Thank you kindly
Beautiful classic cars! I love your passion to bring these cars back to their glory. 👍🇺🇸
We do the best we can everyday here thanks for the shout out!
Beautiful, absolutely gorgeous Mustang. Thank you all for sharing.
We will keep on as long as we can check out the Blue Oval Car Barn page on face book for more of this!
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.
Well we are for sure old school at the Car Barn in Mineral Wells TX Come see us someday! We will take a ride in on of these!
@@finleylebetter6419 Mineral Wells Texas was not on my radar as a vacation destination, but it is now! 😎👍
@@finleylebetter6419 I have a 73' Mach 1 behind me (in the garage) with a cover on it. 86,000 miles. It's a 351 Cleveland with the sports interior.
She's original and a real head turner. I try to take it out once a month.
I'm in Texas from time to time. Would love to see your cars.
Sad to say, I’d rather them sitting there with him then auctioned off at some astronomical price to a guy that will never drive it or appreciate it. FYI shout out to the guy in Akron Ohio lol
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 🇦🇺
Great to have the Falcon Fans on board with us
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.
Thanks I'm a home town boy! Come by and see me someday we will take one for a ride!!
What a blessing for the car world, this guy is special.
the cars are special Im an old guy to stuck in my ways to stop! I will do what i can.
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. 👍🏼
Saved me typing that ...& I can't stand OEM or factory on anything.
But so much respect for this man's passion , commitment & down to earth attitude - what a cool guy .
Notice he had one of the best Z28's made as well...
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.
Joni Sue Ledbetter you guys need to get in good with her she is going to have some nice stuff to sell someday!
Thank you Jerry for doing what you do !
Really sweet collection, and that barn find is astounding.
It is great and a really fun adventure!
*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
Yes, the stories and the people as related to the cars are my focus. Those next generations I don't know what will come down.
such a beautyful collection, a lifetimes work restoring wonderful works of automotive art
Over 40 years Guy I need 10 More to finish the cars I have apart! All please pull for me to make it! 5 weeks ago I have heart surgery and as lay there and nodded off I thought I hope Joni finds someone to finish my cars! :)
@@finleylebetter6419 Hope you are doing well after surgery. You have plenty to look forward to so keep on keeping on. Labor of love 👍
Your the ONE person I can relate to on proper restoration of Ford cars.
Well everyone has a process in this Hobby mine is a bit radical but I'm on a time line I have to keep moving! I have a long way to go and a short time to get there!!!
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.
the 70s had lots of Greens 71 Mustangs alone have 4 different common desirable greens! Not as common today!
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.
There’s nothing wrong with mark wormans attitude. He’s got a great personality and HUGE heart. Not to mention his restoration process is 100% transparent and he’s knowledgeable down to the bolts. This guy blatantly lying about that red car, saying it wasn’t in much better shape than the sport roof that was stripped and beat to shit. He’s clearly lying trying to make it sound like it was a massive turnaround. Worman has actually restored completely burnt and totaled cars with videos to prove it.
Mopar or no car
@@jasoncardoza6375 You cannot say he's lying until you see the finished product of the one on the car rack. He said it was a 5 year outlook for the completion of it, so I guess it will have to undergo your scrutiny at that time.
Amazing time capsule. Another great video.
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.
Great times great memory's I only hope the young guys today will appreciate the cars I plan to leave to them!
This is such an awesome undertaking ! Love this !
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
I had a 71 M Code 4 speed convertible !!! I loved that car and that started a 50 year virus I cant seem to cure! l would post an image of my car from the old days If someone can tell me how to do it here!
The ones I have owned were Q code cars and the latest was sold and shipped to Germany. Nothing like seeing one come up behind you in the rear view mirror
I like suburbans
@@missingremote4388 I like spaghetti!!!
@@jerrycraig6522 I like poontang......
Thanks for the video Jerry!🤛
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.
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
thanks u get it glad to hear from you!
Totally amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this unbelievable story and car! You’re the best!
I appreciate your kind words.
Jerry gets all the credit there! I just pointed him and got out of his way what a pro!
Wow! Really nice rare collection! I love how everything is organized and in order. I think I may need some parts! Lol
1971 Mustang HP parts we have just reach out at Blue Oval Car Barn website!
This man is doing GODS WORK!!! Long live the 1971 Super Cobra Jet!
They are great cars wish more people could ride in one of my SCJ 71 Mustangs to really see fell the difference between the others.
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.
It is kind of a quest for me to bring ones near death back and convert the ones resto-moded back to stock!
A beautiful collection Mr.Ledbetter has, thank you for bringing us along Jerry 👍
Thank you for kind words.
We will keep up the good fight it is an every day obsession!
Great to see so many so well kept.
Its a lot of work to drive them maintain them etc. but its also fun on a nice day in TX when it is in the 70's instead of 110 like today I can drive Ride 4/5 great fun muscle cars and bikes in a day How much fun is that anyone wants to come with me let me know!!
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!!!
I love when people save wonderful older things. Good for you.
What a beautiful car and a great story of a meticulous owner. Love it.
The more we look at it the more we understand she never drove it in the RAIN!
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.
Sounds like you ran into Finley, the owner. The place is open to the public, free to come inside, nothing is for sale, you might even get a ride in a Super Cobra Jet.
@@thewriter2549 yea he was a super cool guy to hang out with. But he was closed when we stumbled upon it. But the fact he let us look and especially give a private tour was definitely pretty cool.
Wow I'm super cool no one has said that for a while I like it!
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.
I love dropping by mineral wells and hanging out with Findley. Great fun.
Beautiful collection. That would be a dream garage of mustangs for me
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!
Check out the channel Kaplan America
And some z1/ z900 also
Absolutely incredible. You are preserving history. I always wanted a 70 Mustang.
Find a way and go get one then!
Absolutely amazing
Thank you for keeping them original!!
I try it is a life's work and it make me happy every time I finish one and I'm a few weeks from finishing two it is a fun time when they come home and are really nice and run drive nice.
Man that was amazing to watch ....i love Vintage Fords
So do we and we really like to go fast ones!!
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
Grabber Green is the bomb today!
What dedication!.....God Bless him!.....
this guy is my hero.. I had a 71 in highschool, "mom & dad" bought it for me because I was doing well in football and school. I was doing burnouts & racing. I really got into racing but it was not enough to turn me toward being a mechanic or welder. (regrets) Everytime I see a mustang I wonder if that one was mine. My parents heard I was racing rich boys in 1988 at the airport in Houston with their corvettes. Some airport cops pulled me over, that went out over the police radio. My family all had police radios and knew the police. News got to my parents within the hour and mom had convinced dad to get rid of her. It was a great lesson, from that day he sold my car I bought every car since. If I would have owned that car i would have never sold it.
Lots of great memory's in these cars now I'm making new ones w the Car Barn and all the people that come through every week
I always look forward to your videos Jerry
Thanks, I'd like to post more, but each video usually takes about 4-5 weeks to do
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.
Tnanks we will take care of it and pass it too someone some day that will take care of it till it is 100 years old!
That last car is absolutely amazing thanks for showing it. The whole collection is a just beyond anything I seen before in one place. I'll have to make my way out there some time to see it in person.
Hope you make it by and see us we will try to make it worth your time!
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 !
Great video
Thanks for sharing this what a unreal Find
Jerry is persistent!
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!
Thanks for watching we will keep doing what we can
fabulous and one of a kind collection and unmatched !
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!
Call before u drive over were there lots but not all the time were off looking for cars sometimes!
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.
Show up on a day w good weather and I will put you in a 71 SCJ Mach 1for loop through town call in advance !
@@finleylebetter6419 Thanks ! Location ? charge ?
@@finleylebetter6419 forgot to ask what are your hours
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.
I had the side pipes in the day as well How cool it was then! How strange it would be today I'm going to find a set!
It’s good to know your rebuilding these beauties!
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!
Don't tell my wife that guy! SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I think he’s wrong Finley, your family will do very well if the time ever comes. I’m in awe over what I’ve just seen. I’ve gone from riding a bicycle around my hometown at 11 taking pictures of every sharp mustang I ran across, to just taking delivery of 21 Mach 1 and my parents have my first car at 16 in there barn, 90 5.0 notch back.
You are doing incredible, and the passion is out there.
What’s really trippy for me though is as I’m watching this about that car in Missouri, my wife and I with our three boys just visited that lil town in MO, taking one of our old tractors to there show.
True car guys and gals who love these cars don't care about the money. I keep my cars because they bring me joy in life. Ive never gotten any joy from staring at money.
@@natew8882 yep, money in the bank is boring.
Very impressive! I agree that resto mods shouldn't be allowed ugh
Day 2 mods are OK 👍
We have saved several rare HP Cars from "Resto-Mod Hell" I call it and brought them back to original condition I really like these!
Great vid, really enjoyed!! 👍👍
What a beauty, and his car collection is fantastic.
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!
Well done - I’ll drop by soon.
Finley Ledbetter is a savior of Mustangs. That’s a religion and “church” I’d be happy to attend and give my life to.
Amazing work only comes from a deep passion for a specific thing.
Passion we have dedication we have time were running out of my new focus is efficiency to get them all done.
YOU KNOW BRO IF I HAS A CAMARO NEXT TO ALL THOSE GREAT MUSTANGS I'D COVER IT TOO WHAT A GREAT COLLECTION
You can always trust a car person that loves a cat so much that it purrs, just being next to him..
So that’s why the purring
The world really needs more people like you. A boy’s own dream that came to life.
The secret is to get up every day and go to work if u do that enough days u get something done! Lots of people today want it but don't want to actually do the work!
@@finleylebetter6419 no argument with you there.💪🏽
Fantastic work finding these stories Jerry.
Thanks, after writing 6,000 magazine articles on cars, I have lots of contacts in the industry.
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.
Exactly, restomod hell!! Never mess with an original Mustang especially an 71 Mach 1 . Should be literally criminal charges.
Geezus those are some special looking Mustangs, love it🤙🏾
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.
Thanks Gary.
Had the same. She was turquoise, with pie pan hub's. Handled like a dream. Best car Ford ever made.
That is an amazing survivor - must be one of the nicest in existence. What a find and great it went to you - Bravo -
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.
Those Class A machinist are a old breed I knew a few they could do anything!
Jerry, you’re the man. Keep on saving👍
Great collection Finley!!
WOW on the collection and the find! Totally awesome!
Lots of people we involved in this find Ron, John, Scott, Mike and of course Joni who told me just buy the damn thing stop talking on the phone about it!
I like to see people who Care about Historic items.
Taking Care of them for " The next Owners."
Best Wishes from Montana M.H
We spend our time bringing back cars that are near death for the future enthusiasts to enjoy that is both our passion and our sickness!
Just an amazing story from people with passion for American 🇺🇸 cars, just awesome 🙏🙏🙏
I really have passion but its more like a virus or a sickness seemed days!
I just found your channel.... instantly subbed. ..you are the man for sure...40+ 71's....you definitely the man!.... outstanding. Sir, thank you very much.
Thanks been trying a long time to save the HP ones that are nearly gone for the Kids of the FUTURE!
The one guy with a car collection that's not a depreciating asset this was an awesome video trip thank you 👍👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
That market goes up and down I see a down coming the next year or two!
Awesome video! Glad to see that car going to a great home.
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!!!
Big Worm I'm getting old I hope a new generation of enthusiast will take over for me soon and keep these Hot Rods alive forever.
@@finleylebetter6419 I'm trying! I restored a 72 coupe from the ground up some 10 yrs ago, painted her 2B bright red and black, nasa hood, mach 1 grill and stuffed a 351c 4v under the hood. It ain't no cj or scj but just like you I saved it from rotting away. I appreciate what you do!
Thank you Jerry for the video sir have a great Father's day weekend
Finley Ledbetter is my new hero! Incredible!
Thanks for such inspiring content I’m here in England 🏴 really enjoying all of your amazing content yeah boy
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.
thanks that is what it is all about!
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.
you know what? I'd like to visit with you about possible story on this, just a hunch, so can you email me - jerryheasley@gmail.com
What a surprise to find this video! I've watched it twice. Well done and so much fun.
Now that's awesome!!
Great video. Thanks
The '71's are my favorite. Thanks Jerry for the video!
I have to admit Torino's are growing on me and my daily driver hot rod is 69 Didge GTS ok I said It I have outed myself I'm a closet MOPAR guy!
Just AMAZING!