A Mustang with Heart: Tarquin’s incredible donation

When Tarquin purchased his 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1, it was a dream come true.

He had the opportunity to buy the car from a seller in Queensland and jumped at the chance. For Tarquin, the 1973 Mach 1 represents the end of an era. With oil prices rising in the United States shortly after, engine sizes began to shrink- making this model one of the last of the big, powerful Mustang engines.

His Mustang also carries another feature prized by enthusiasts: it’s a left-hand drive. For many collectors, that authentic American configuration adds to the car’s appeal and keeps the genuine USA spirit of the Mustang alive.

“It’s the last of the real brute engines,” Tarquin says.

Despite owning such a special vehicle, Tarquin has always been quietly humble about it. Rather than taking it to shows or exhibitions, he prefers something simpler- driving through country towns, enjoying the open road. One of his favourite trips has been cruising up to Bendigo, connecting with local Mustang clubs and heading out for relaxed country drives. In fact, he never even named the car – he says he didn’t want to get too attached.

Now, Tarquin has decided to pass the car on in a remarkable act of generosity.

After hearing about the Kids Under Cover Donate Your Car program, which sells donated vehicles to fund youth homelessness prevention, Tarquin knew it was something he wanted to support. While working on another Mustang project and browsing the carsales.com.au website, he came across the program and decided his Mach 1 could help make a real difference.

His beautiful Mustang will now go under the hammer at Manheim’s Prestige Auction, at 2pm AEDT Thursday 19 March. View listing here.

Tarquin hopes his donation might inspire others to do the same.

If you have a car sitting in your driveway that you no longer use, donating it to Kids Under Cover can help create brighter futures for young people at risk of homelessness

Tarquin, we think you’re a legend.
Thank you for your incredible generosity, and for helping turn a classic Mustang into life-changing support for young people.