Gossip says that for 1973, Ford Mexico had many cars on the assembly line that might prove to be very difficult to sell since the completely restyled and downsized 1974 Mustang II was already in production. Mexican engineers and production staff came up with a very clever solution to the problem — make a 1973 1/2 version of the Mach 1 and market it as the 1973 1/2 Mustang Sprint.

As you can see from the photos, these cars are very different from the 1972 U.S. model.

Four different color schemes were available: brown and white; green and white; baby blue and white; and red and white. The urethane front bumper, roof, hood (with non-functional air scoops) top of front fenders and top of the doors are in color. The front fenders, door, quarter panels and trunk are white. A very large Mach 1 decal is positioned on the rear quarter in lieu of the flag that appears on the U.S. version, plus the front fender Mach 1 decal is dropped, replaced by the Mustang script emblem. The Mach 1 designation appears in decal form on the right-hand side of the trunk. These decals are the same color as the body.

All versions are equipped with the 351 Windsor engine and a Honey four-barrel carburetor. A very simple air filter housing, painted either blue or gold and possibly carried over from earlier models is used. This configuration features one hose connected to an anti-smog device located behind the right front fender. (In Mexico, emission control was almost nonexistent in those years.)

Transmission choices were either a four-speed manual with a Hurst shifter, or an automatic.

Nearly all of these cars came with no heater, defroster, or air conditioner in an attempt to make them as sporty and affordable as possible.

The unique interior matches the exterior color scheme. The seats feature the body color in the center surrounded by white vinyl on the sides accented by color-keyed carpeting. The instrument panel includes a tachometer to the left, fuel gauge in the center, and speedometer to the right of the steering column. Oil pressure, alternator, and water temperature gauges are located at the center instrument panel facing the driver. A three-spoke Rim-blow steering wheel, console, and AM radio are standard equipment.

A plaid rubber mat is used in the trunk along with a Space Saver spare. A 1971 pop-open style gas cap adorns the rear. In keeping with the affordability aspect, hubcaps and trim rings were used rather than ’73-styled slotted mag wheels.