Don’t be fooled. This might look like a Mustang, and it carries the Ford badges that seem to support that. However, it isn’t a Mustang. Ford suffered the same fate as many manufacturers when it tried to enter an export market. The Mustang name was already the property of a truck manufacturer in Germany, meaning these cars could not carry the usual badges and model designation in that country. The solution was for Ford to rebadge its iconic pony car using the internal T5 model code, and this 1970 Mach 1 is one of those cars. The Marti Report confirms it is a genuine 1-of-1 classic that needs a new home. Therefore, the seller has listed the T5 here on eBay in Placerville, California. Bidding has passed the reserve to sit at $39,000.
I once read an interview with a senior automotive executive who stated that the worst job in model development was devising a name for the company’s latest offering. They said it needed to spark some emotional response from potential buyers but shouldn’t cause problems when translated into foreign tongues. The other issue was falling foul of names that other companies already registered, and automotive history has seen that problem arise many times. Daimler struck that issue when it unveiled its SP250 in North America. It was initially badged as the Dart, but Chrysler clearly stated that the name was registered for use within its Dodge brand. Hence, the last-minute name change to SP250. Today, many manufacturers work around the issue by assigning names that are little more than a combination of letters and numbers. Examining the supplied photos of this Ford will reveal a Mustang rampant on the fuel cap, but you won’t find a reference to the name elsewhere. It is unclear when it found its way back from Germany, but its overall condition suggests it has led a relatively sheltered life. The T5 received a prior repaint in its original Calypso Coral, which isn’t perfect. However, its shine and overall condition are acceptable if the new owner wishes to preserve its survivor status. The panels are straight, and the rust issues are very isolated. The seller confirms this spot under the driver’s seat is the only area of steel penetration, although surface corrosion in several locations requires attention before it deteriorates further. The glass and trim look acceptable for a survivor, while the Magnum 500 wheels and Sport Slats appear to be later additions.
Powering this Mach 1 is a 351ci V8, with the remaining mechanical components including a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The Mach 1 suspension received some tweaks for the export market, although I am unsure what the changes entailed. That V8 should produce 300hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque, making this an effortless cruiser. If the original owner had pointed this classic at an autobahn, it would have topped 130mph before running out of breath. Potential buyers should consider this Mach 1 a turnkey proposition. The seller drives it several times per month with no reported issues. They believe the odometer reading of 68,000 miles might be original, but it appears they hold no supporting evidence.
This T5’s interior is tidy, with no evidence of significant wear or other problems. The Black vinyl on the seats is in good order, with the same true of the remaining trim, plastic, and the damage-prone console lid. The dash, pad, and faux woodgrain are free from issues, but there is one modification I would reverse. Someone has substituted an aftermarket radio/cassette player for the factory AM radio, and the installation is sub-standard. I would source a genuine item to slot back into that spot to improve the presentation. I usually question the validity of any “1-of-1” claim for a classic, and this Mach 1 is no exception. The Marti Report confirms that only two cars were produced with this combination of paint shade, trim, drivetrain, and the T5 designation. This classic scores its unique credentials courtesy of the factory tachometer. That gives the new owner an interesting conversation starter, but I am unsure whether it adds to the potential value. It will be fascinating to read your feedback on the subject.
The desirability of this 1970 Ford T5 Mach 1 is reflected in the current bid figure. The listing opened at $5,000, but it only took eight bids to reach $39,000. That indicates people like what they see, but do you feel the same? Is its unique status enough to tempt you to join the party on this classic?
Is a repainted car a survivor, Adam? And that steering wheel is not original.
A “survivor” means to me, a mostly original car. Some items, like tires, brakes, things like that can be replaced but the drivetrain, paint, interior and or vinyl / convertible top, should be as how it left the factory (or very close to – i.e.; an accident and the fender was repainted) to be considered a true survivor in my humble opinion. I have seen other’s have wildly differing opinions on this with varying degrees of latitude for the term, so I would be interested to see how other folks feel. Is there a “true” definition for a “survivor” vehicle?
Mike 76, in reference to the survivor point, paint for example, I agree. Repaints are not survivor cars.
This brings up a word used, or misused a ton, restored.
Restored gets used now on even highly modified cars.
Restore is to be put back to original, completely.
Boatman –
I remember a Survivor class car has to have 85% of original paint on all panels. This is what was used when I was a judge for a National classic car club. I believe car clubs now have a rating that changes the less % of original paint…
Not the best photos to sell a car, mainly the interior photos.
I know where there is a nicely restored 67 Chevy XP-836 for sale.
Owner was able to do a total restoration with the exception of the the emblems which were were out of stock……
3.25 ring and pinion ⚙️ no trac-lok.
Highway flyer.
To me at least a car that looks that good runs dependably and isn’t a complete rot bucket and is 54 years old especially with all it’s original sheet metal and drivetrain is a survivor .I really don’t care for judges looking for every tiny detail that’s why I don’t enter mine in car shows.My buddy does and gets paranoid about every little thing a judge might see and I laugh at him.I could care less imo.
Right up my alley Maggy. One thought on the paint… The paint 54 years ago was not as good as it is now. Assuming this car wasn’t ratted away in a climate controlled cocoon you’d have to assume it needed the new paint. I remember Mustangs that were on the road being used for the fun they provided, not joining the elite show cars if the era.
“1 of 1” on a million Marti reports has worn itself out. If anyone who thinks their car is worth a mint because of intermittent wipers and a rear ashtray, then they shouldn’t be in the car hobby.
I don’t get the Marti report saying only 225 Mach 1’s had bucket seats, I thought all 40k Mach 1’s had bucket seats?