This 1969 Mustang has been stored in a shed for the past 15 years, but it hasn’t been on the road for close to 20 years. The owner has decided not to undertake a restoration, but to sell the car. He is also very clear on the fact that it is not a Mach 1. You will find it listed for sale here on eBay. The Mustang is located in Hampton, South Carolina, and is being sold with a clear title. At the time of writing the bidding has reached $7,600, but the reserve has not been met.
The Mustang is certainly going to need a full restoration, but there are some of the usual trouble areas that have resisted the creeping rust issues. The frame rails are straight and solid, while the shock towers and rockers also appear to be solid. However, it will still need floor pans, partial torque boxes, lower rear quarters, drop-offs, and a trunk floor. The majority of the external metalwork is reasonable, although it will definitely need a new hood, and may also require lower quarter panels. All of the glass is present, and all are in good condition except for the windshield, which is cracked.
There are several shots of the interior, but these are a bit on the blurry side. What they do show is that apart from a lack of carpet, the interior does appear to be complete. They also show that it does look like it will need virtually a full restoration, although some items, such as the “Sport Deck” back seat, look like they may be okay.
Under the hood is the M-Code 351ci Windsor engine, which the owner thinks, but isn’t sure, may be the original engine. The car ran when it was parked 20-years-ago, but it hasn’t run since. The engine does turn freely. This is backed by a 4-speed manual transmission, and a 9″ rear end. The Marti Report for the vehicle indicates that the car was also built with power steering, power disc brakes, heavy duty suspension, and air conditioning.
As Mustang restoration projects go, this probably rates on about the middle rung of cars that we have seen here at Barn Finds. It is not the easiest of jobs, but it definitely isn’t the worst one that we’ve ever seen. When new, this car was nicely specified and would be a desirable car once it has been restored. With so many more replacement and reproduction parts available for Mustangs today, a restoration is not as daunting now as it was 20 or 30 years ago. This has the potential to be quite a viable project car, and it will be interesting to see what the final sale price is.
Would the 3.00 conventional rear axle listed in the Marti report be a 9″ rear end? Thanks for any help, Mike.
A 351 or larger engine would have been equipped with a 9 inch rear end, regardless of the ratio.
Will wonders never cease, the seller actually washed it, crawled under the car to take pictures of the floors and provided documentation in the form of a Marti report.
It rough, but would make a great driver due to the 4spd. I’m not sure of the value, but it’s high bid last time was $7,100. If someone can do the work themselves it should be a good project if it can be bought reasonably.
Steve R
I drove one of these in about 1974. It belonged to a former brother-in -law.
It looked about the same as this vehicle, but it was back then.
But what do you expect, then it was 5 years old with 270,000+ miles on it, and drank oil like you would not believe. One quart every 150 or so miles.
The ex-B-i-L was not mechanically inclined, I still remember him removing the entire oil pan, so he could change the oil. He didn’t see the plug!
If you are a good welder and going to just make it a driver car you might be OK if the reserve is reasonable. Put a 5 speed in it and you can get 20 mpg out of that 351. 69’s are the most desirable of the 69/70 body style which I never understood because it’s only a few body changes such as taillights / headlights / scoops otherwise they are the same.
A typical 5 speed would give you a final drive ratio of around 2.00:1 in fifth gear. You would probably want to change the ring and pinion as well.
You are correct Rodent as that is what we did with our 70 Mach1 when changing from the FMX to a AOD. Went from a 3.00:1 open to a 3.55:1 limited slip and could get 20 mpg on the highway at 70 mph at 2,200 rpm.
5 speed? ain’t nothing like an old 4 speed, leave it…..
I like it very much ..
But question comments on partial torque box replacement ????? Swap the whole box as patching is temp and put half pans but before the new pans are welded in put frame connectors ….
This car would need them after the performance engine rebuild of comp pistons , cam, exhaust and carb system as these ponies need to run fast 👀👍.
What’s the difference between the way this car is equipped and a Mach 1 other than cosmetics?
The VIN would be the big difference. Actually this non Mach I is better equipped than some actual Mach Is. Many Mach Is only have an H code 351 2V with an automatic transmission.
I was at Summit Racing Equipment,Ohio this morning and on the sales floor is a damaged Coyote 5.0 for $6500,just waiting to be jammed between fenders of this survivor pony !This is a great project car!