The seller is this 1970 Mustang Mach 1’s second owner and has been its custodian for twenty years. It hasn’t seen active duty for three decades but has been in dry storage that has helped preserve most of its original steel. It will require work, although it is far from being a rust bucket. Its drivetrain combination should offer satisfying performance, and coaxing its V8 back to life might not be difficult. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Hampton, South Carolina. Bidding has raced past the reserve and sits at $20,599.

The original owner indicated that this Mustang’s Calypso Coral paint is original and that it has no history of any accident damage, rust repair, or restoration work. It has been sitting for three decades, but dry storage has preserved its paint surprisingly well and minimized the impact of rust. The first step would be thoroughly washing this classic because it may produce surprising results. I’m not claiming that this act will return the car to showroom condition, but the paint may present well enough to make the concept of retaining the Mach 1 as an original survivor a viable option. The panels are straight, but the lack of significant rust could be this classic’s ace. There are some small areas in the floors, but these may only require patches rather than wholesale pan replacement. There is also surface corrosion, but the rails and torque boxes look sound. A more detailed inspection reveals minor rust in the trunk drop-offs, the lower rear quarter panels, and the underside of the decklid. The trim may respond positively to some work with a metal polish, while the car retains its original steel wheels and hubcaps.

The original owner told the seller that this Mustang has a genuine 66,800 miles showing on its odometer. There is no documentary evidence confirming the claim, but the lack of wear on the interior trim makes the claim seem possible. It is another aspect of this car that would respond well to a deep clean, and even in its current state, the only apparent flaws are a cracked dash pad and worn carpet. An in-person inspection may reveal other faults, but those seem the most urgent. Replacement pads sell for around $380, and a carpet set will lighten the wallet by a further $230. If those are the only expenses the buyer faces, returning this aspect of the Mach 1 to a presentable state could be an inexpensive exercise. The black upholstered surfaces show no significant faults, while the dash and faux woodgrain trim seem okay. The only aftermarket addition is a set of gauges mounted by the driver’s left knee. Otherwise, the original AM radio and Sport Deck rear seat are intact.

Hands up if you understand the insurance industry as it operated in 1970, Me neither! The original owner ordered this Mach 1 with an M-Code 351ci V8, producing a healthy 300hp. They discovered that choosing the four-speed manual transmission bumped up their insurance premium, so they selected the three-speed unit instead. They also decided that power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes was a wise choice. I’m not sure why the insurance sector had a set against the four-speed unless it was a misguided perception that it made the car more sporting. The reality was that the performance difference between the pair was insignificant. The extra cog allowed the Mustang to cover the ¼ mile in 14.5 seconds, while this car would have taken 14.8 seconds. The top speed was identical, so it seems that the industry may have been ill-informed. This classic ran and drove when the seller purchased it but has been in storage for twenty years. It is a numbers-matching survivor, with only a few minor ancillary components like the carburetor and distributor changed by the previous owner. Coaxing it back to life may not be difficult. However, the buyer will need to budget for replacing perishable items and brake components as a minimum requirement for returning the car to a roadworthy state.

Cars like this 1970 Mustang Mach 1 demonstrate that there are still great and desirable classics lurking in sheds and barns awaiting discovery. There is always fear lurking in the minds of enthusiasts that the supply will eventually dry up. I am an optimist and feel we may only be scratching the surface. This is especially true when discussing vehicles of this age with a long-term ownership history. Many of those people will be at the stage where they are considering downsizing due to advancing years and the need to move to more user-friendly and appropriate accommodation. Such arrangements generally leave little scope for housing a car of this type, so they will choose to part with their beloved classic. This Mustang offers its new owner the chance to grab a vehicle with a known ownership history that is largely original. If you have the available funds, striking while the iron is hot may be a wise move. If you are unsuccessful, don’t lose heart. There could be another appearing on the market any day.