It seemed to be something of a trend for Ford. When it unveiled the Mustang to a breathless world, buyers made a beeline to their local dealership to park one in their driveway. It was a similar story in 1969 when it released the Mach 1 derivative. Today, it is one of the more desirable versions, and project candidates are highly sought after. This car is a complete vehicle that shows promise. Returning it to its former glory will require dedication and cash, but as we’ve seen previously, people are willing to go the extra yard with a first-generation pony car. This Mach 1 is listed here on eBay in Staunton, Illinois. The seller set a BIN of $14,500, although they may consider reasonable offers.

Some cars come with a wealth of information and photos, making assessing their condition and suitability as a restoration project easy. However, this Mach 1 falls short, with limited details revealed in the listing text and supplied photos. The heavy coating of surface corrosion makes it virtually impossible to determine its original paint shade, and there are no underside photos to confirm whether the car is structurally sound. There is one fact worth considering, and while it doesn’t provide definitive answers, it could accurately indicate this car’s overall condition. While the panels carry serious surface corrosion, there is virtually no penetrating rust. The engine bay photos suggest the same is true with the shock towers, meaning an in-person inspection might provide a pleasant surprise. Someone has extended the rear edge of the wheel arches as a custom touch, but the panels appear otherwise unmodified. The glass looks okay, but some trim items require restoration or replacement.

This Mustang’s VIN indicates it rolled off the line equipped with the H-Code 351ci V8. It would have produced 250hp, while the original owner selected a four-speed manual transmission and power steering. Buyers could order more potent versions of the Mach 1, but this one’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15.4 seconds on its way to 126mph was considered adequate by most buyers in 1969. It is unclear whether this classic is numbers-matching or when it last saw active duty. The seller states the 351 roars into life using an external fuel source, which is a positive first step when developing a strategy for returning it to its rightful place on our roads. It will undoubtedly require a thorough inspection and some remedial work before being considered roadworthy. Still, if the engine, transmission, and rear end are healthy, achieving that goal may not take much time, effort, or money.

Apart from the column-mounted Sun tach and the, er, yummy Red carpet, this Mustang’s interior appears largely unmolested. Although it doesn’t make a great first impression, there is a lot to like inside this classic. The seats look like they might respond well to a deep clean, although with the Red carpet theme continuing onto the lower door trims, replacement of those may prove unavoidable. Nobody has cut the interior to fit a stereo or speakers, and the factory AM radio occupies its rightful place in the dash. Before spending money, I would clean and inspect every component. That strategy may reveal that many interior parts are suitable for reuse if the new owner plans a driver-grade build.

Ford had a hit on its hand with the Mustang GT, and early sales seemed to support that. In 1968, 17,458 buyers handed over the extra cash for a GT, but the company had another blockbuster waiting in the wings. Buyers tripped over each other to get their hands on a 1969 Mach 1, and the sales figures confirm that. It sold 72,458 examples that year, undermining Mustang GT sales to the point where only 5,396 buyers ordered one. The GT badge disappeared before the model year ended, but the Mach 1 soldiered on sporadically in various forms until the present day. This one shows promise as a restoration project, but is it one you would consider at the price?