This 1969 Mustang Mach 1 is not 100% original, but returning it to its factory specifications would not be difficult. What makes it a tempting vehicle for potential buyers is its lack of rust problems. The healthy V8 under the hood could be the icing on the cake and means that this classic is ready for some enjoyable Summer motoring. Located in Columbia, Maryland, you will find the Mach 1 listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding currently sits at $30,100, in this No Reserve auction.

The owner admits that the Mach received a cheap restoration in the 1980s, which pre-dates his ownership of the vehicle. It received a fresh coat of its original Raven Black paint at that point. It looks good from a distance, but the owner candidly states that it would benefit from a repaint if it is to present at its best once again. However, if the buyer is interested in instant gratification, the Mustang could be driven and enjoyed as it stands. Rust problems are minimal, with some in the left rear wheel well identified as the only issue. The owner has had the floor pans replaced, along with one rear frame rail, the rear quarter panels, and the upper and lower cowls. With that one remaining spot addressed, that would make the car a rust-free classic. The panels are generally very straight, with no significant dings and dents. The original owner ordered the Mach 1 equipped with tinted glass, and along with the trim and chrome, this appears to be in good condition. The car rolls on a relatively new set of Magnum 500 wheels fitted with a new set of BF Goodrich tires.

Under the hood of the Mustang, we find a 351ci Windsor V8. This is not the car’s original M-Code motor, but the owner says that it doesn’t leak or burn oil. Bolted to this is a 4-speed Top-Loader transmission, which sends the Mustang’s power to a 3.25 Traction-Lok rear end. The brakes have received a sensible upgrade, with the car featuring Wilwood power discs on all four corners. Steering effort should be minimal because the owner has fitted the Mach 1 with EPAS electric power steering. The finishing touch is a Global West Negative Roll kit. With the 351 wearing an Edelbrock Performer intake, carburetor, and camshaft, and spent gases finding their way out via a set of JBA stainless “shorty” headers, there’s a fair chance that the V8 is pumping out more than the 290hp it featured when it rolled off the production line. That means that it should go hard, while the suspension and brake upgrades should make this car a total package. The Marti Report indicates that the Mustang originally featured a Shaker, but this was missing when the owner purchased the vehicle. The owner says that the Mustang drives like a new car, but he does suggest that since the carburetor is a recent addition, it will probably need some tweaking and adjusting for the vehicle to run at its best.

Opening the doors reveals an interior that is an interesting mix of original trim, aftermarket components, and a few custom touches. When the owner purchased the Mustang, the original seats had been replaced. He successfully sourced a set of genuine Mach 1 seat frames and had new foam and covers fitted. All of the upholstery appears to be in good condition, as are the carpet and headliner. The car features a Pioneer radio/cassette player, with speakers cut into the rear trim. This doesn’t operate properly, so it should probably be replaced. The Deluxe dash was swapped out by a previous owner, but rather than attempting to source a replacement, the owner had the inserts recolored to their current shade of gray. It is different, and it’s a touch that I quite like. The wheel isn’t original, but it has a chunky and comfortable look. The vehicle is also fitted with “Vintage Air” air conditioning. The system has never been charged, so that is a task for the buyer to tackle.

If someone is searching for a 100% original survivor Mustang Mach 1, this won’t be a car that appeals to them. However, if spotless originality is not an essential requirement when selecting a classic, this is a vehicle that deserves a closer look. With all of the difficult rust issues addressed, it is a structurally sound classic with a respectable appearance. Boosting that to the next level would not be difficult, and should be worth the effort. The drivetrain upgrades that the owner has performed should make the car go hard, but the suspension and braking updates mean that safety will not have been compromised in the search for performance improvements. Okay, this isn’t an original survivor that is worth mega-bucks, but would that worry you when you point this Mach 1 at a twisting strip of bitumen? It wouldn’t concern me.