It appears that the first owner intended to create a genuine sleeper when ordering this 1970 Ford Mustang. They chose to ignore the more extroverted Mach 1 variant, opting for a Hardtop equipped with a 351ci V8 and a range of desirable factory options. It presents exceptionally well and is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Mustang listed here on eBay in Bloomington, Illinois. Handing over $34,995 to the seller would allow you to take this beauty home, though they will entertain offers.

We see plenty of First Generation Mustangs at Barn Finds, and, interestingly, the Fastback variant is the dominant body style for cars produced after 1969. Therefore, this 1970 Hardtop is like a breath of fresh air. It also isn’t a Mach 1 or a Grande, with the first owner opting for a more “pedestrian” version finished in Wimbledon White. The seller provides no information surrounding its history, making it unclear whether it has undergone restoration or repairs. The included documentation indicates that the spoilers, hood stripe, and sparkling Magnum 500 wheels are later additions, although they are appropriate for a Mustang of this vintage. The car presents nicely, with no cosmetic issues or evidence of rust. The panels are straight, and the trim is in good condition. The seller ordered the vehicle with tinted glass, which is the first of many options we find as we dig beneath the surface.

I described this Mustang as a sleeper, and many readers will agree when they discover its mechanical specifications. The first owner ordered the car with an M-Code 351ci V8 under the hood, with the factory quoting power and torque figures of 300hp and 380 ft/lbs. The ponies feed to a 3.00 Traction-Lok rear end via a four-speed wide-ratio manual transmission, with power steering, power front disc brakes, and the Competition Suspension Package rounding out the list. This would have been a fast car in its prime, and the subtle exterior effectively hid its light under a bushel. The Marti Report indicates that only 166 buyers selected this engine/transmission combination when ordering a 1970 Hardtop, making it a rare beast among the 190,727 Mustangs produced that year. The seller indicates that this beauty runs and drives well, allowing the buyer to fly in and drive it home.

Trimmed in Vermillion vinyl, this Mustang’s interior is as impressive as its exterior. There is no evidence of wear or other issues. While it may stretch credibility to describe it as showroom-fresh, its appearance is consistent with a high-end driver that will command plenty of positive comments wherever it goes. The first owner kept ticking boxes beyond the drivetrain, equipping the interior with air conditioning, a rimblow tilt wheel, a factory tachometer, intermittent wipers, and an AM radio. The factory radio has been replaced by an aftermarket radio/cassette player, but reversing that change would be easy if the new owner prefers authenticity.

If the Marti Report is correct, this 1970 Mustang didn’t feature the Black hood stripe, Magnum 500 wheels, or the front and rear spoilers when it left the factory. They appear to be later additions, and while they are period-appropriate, I would prefer to see this classic in its factory form as a sleeper. Of course, that is personal opinion, because you might find this Hardtop to be the classic of your dreams. If so, are you tempted to pursue it further?