351/4-Speed: 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

This 1969 Mustang Mach 1 proves there are still some undiscovered treasures waiting to be liberated and returned to our roads. The seller claims that it has been parked in a dry shop since 1985 and needs a new owner willing to return it to active duty. If you feel up for the challenge, the Mach 1 is listed here on eBay in Des Moines, Iowa. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve and sits at $40,100.

The photos indicate that the storage environment that this Mach 1 occupied for more than three decades must have been close to ideal. Examining the supplied photos reveals no signs of significant surface corrosion. The prone lower body extremities like the rockers and rear quarter panels look rust-free. This augers well for the state of the floors, rails, and torque box region. The seller encourages in-person inspections, which is always a positive sign. The panels wear Acapulco Blue, and while it shines impressively, I believe the vehicle has received at least a partial repaint at some point. The engine bay shot reveals blue overspray, suggesting someone needs to learn a thing or two about masking techniques. If the paint looks good on closer inspection, cleaning away the overspray could be pretty easy. The spoilers, stripes, and window louver look good, and while the wheels aren’t original, they match the car’s character well.

The VIN reveals that this Mustang rolled off the line equipped with an M-Code 351ci V8 that produced 290hp. A four-speed manual transmission sent that power to the rear wheels, while power steering made light work of the driving experience. In its prime, the Mach 1 would have stormed the ¼ mile in a respectable 14.7 seconds. This classic isn’t numbers-matching. The seller believes its current 351 is of 1971 vintage, although the exhaust manifolds are correct. They are also unsure about the transmission, so the buyer may eventually elect to invest in a Marti Report. The car hasn’t seen the road since 1985, and there is no ignition key. The seller “wired” the ignition, and that V8 bellowed back to life. They say it sounds excellent, with no issues or problems. The buyer will need to flush the fuel system as part of the revival process, although a new fuel tank and sender unit are included. There will undoubtedly be other mechanical tasks, but returning this Ford to a roadworthy state may not break the bank.

If this Mustang has a genuine highlight, that honor falls to its interior. While they don’t appear certain, the seller believes that the trim and upholstery are original. If this proves correct, the level of presentation is impressive. There are no signs of rips, tears, or significant wear. The dash, pad, wheel, and plastic are excellent. There is no evidence of lifting or fading on the faux woodgrain, and I don’t think there are any aftermarket additions. The photos make it difficult to be sure, but I think the car features a factory radio/8-track player. What the interior needs more than anything is a deep clean. That raises the possibility that it may take more time than money to have it shining like a new penny.

First impressions suggest returning this 1969 Mustang Mach 1 to active duty should not be difficult. I always worry about First Generation Mustang projects because rust repairs often represent a significant percentage of any restoration costs. However, the seller’s willingness to entertain in-person inspections and the car’s history over the past thirty-seven years suggests they have nothing to hide on that front. If that is right, this could prove a straightforward restoration. With those thoughts in mind, are you tempted to pursue this one further?