Although the 1970 model year only brought minor cosmetic updates to the exterior of the First Generation Mustang, significant changes occurred below the surface. Ford introduced the 351ci “Cleveland” V8 to the range, with the engine eventually achieving legendary status across the globe. That is what we find hiding under the hood of this Mach 1. It has rust issues, but the car is far from being a lost cause. It would be a satisfying project for the right person willing to commit the time and funds to return it to its former glory. The Mustang is listed here on eBay in York, Pennsylvania. Twenty-two bids have pushed the price past the reserve to $16,900.

As usual, Ford offered 1970 Mustang buyers a broad range of paint shades to grace the panels of their latest purchase. This car’s original owner chose Medium Lime Metallic, and the sight of surface corrosion emerging from beneath it is the first indication that the buyer faces work returning this classic to its former glory. Externally, things don’t look too bad. There is minor penetration visible in a few lower extremities, and there may be some hiding under the lower trims, but there’s nothing that would defy well-crafted patches. The seller placed this Mach 1 on a lift so we can get a clear look at its floors. The news there isn’t as good, but this is by no means the worst Mustang we’ve ever seen. The floor pans have holes, but the significant deterioration around the torque boxes and front frame rails could be the most challenging issue. However, kits are available to help the buyer rid this car of the problems. The bumpers are corroded, but the remaining trim and glass may prove okay following a thorough cleaning. The wheels aren’t original, and whether they stay or go will depend on the buyer’s desire for originality.

Complementing the Medium Lime exterior is an interior trimmed in Dark Green vinyl. It is another aspect of the car that must have looked stunning in its heyday, but it needs plenty of love to recapture that look. The rim-blow wheel has cracked, much of the upholstery is ripped or split, the dash pad is heavily toasted, and the faux woodgrain has seen better days. A trim kit would seem the most obvious solution to these woes, but the scope of required parts means it will leave little change from $3,000. There may be less expensive alternatives, but selecting one may mean compromising quality. That is a tough decision awaiting the successful bidder.

Powering this Mustang is the M-Code 351ci Cleveland V8 that produced 300hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque in its prime. It sent that power to the road via a four-speed manual transmission, with the original owner adding power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. It may not have been the most potent Mach 1 money could buy in 1970, but the ¼-mile ET of 14.4 seconds and a top speed of 134mph still made it a force to be reckoned with. The Cleveland V8 was new for 1970, and while it shared some common traits, such as the bellhousing bolt-hole pattern and engine mounts with the Windsor, there were virtually no other interchangeable parts. This Mach 1 is mechanically complete, but it does not run or drive. The state of its engine is unclear, meaning it requires deeper investigation to determine whether it requires revival or a rebuild.

This 1970 Mustang would have been quite a car in its glory days. There’s no apparent reason why it couldn’t be once again if someone is willing to lavish the time and effort to recapture its lost youth. From a total Mustang production of 190,727 cars that year, 40,970 buyers saw the Mach 1 as a good thing, slapping down their cash to drive one home. Have you ever owned a Mach 1? If you have, did you enjoy it enough to consider a repeat performance? If you did, I wish you luck if you bid on this project.