This unassuming 1970 Ford Mustang Fastback has a welcome secret hiding under the hood. Someone has performed an engine upgrade, and the powerplant they chose should provide a significant performance gain. It is a tidy and solid driver that could also represent an excellent hands-on restoration project. The seller has listed the Mustang here on eBay in Dallas, Texas. Bidding sits below the reserve at $15,100 as the auction heads into its final days.
Ford continued to evolve its First Generation Mustang for the 1970 model year, with the car receiving several cosmetic upgrades to distinguish it from its predecessor. This included a new front treatment, with a “softer” grille and relocated headlamps. The history of this Fastback is unclear, but scrutinizing the photos reveals that its Wimbledon White paint carries a selection of scratches and chips. The car remains presentable in its current form, but it would undoubtedly benefit from a cosmetic refresh at some point to make it really “pop.” With winter fast approaching, that might be a way to occupy productive hours in a home workshop. The panels are straight, and I can’t spot any rust problems. The trim and glass look respectable for a driver-grade classic, with the Magnum 500 wheels wrapped in new BF Goodrich tires.
Decoding the VIN for this Mustang confirms that the first owner ordered it powered by a 302ci V8 producing 210hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque. That motor has made way for a 351ci Cleveland V8, with the remaining major mechanical components including a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and unassisted front disc brakes. The Cleveland’s specifications are unclear, but with the 4V version delivering 300hp in 1970, a power boost is seemingly guaranteed. There is plenty of good news for potential buyers, with the seller confirming that this beauty runs and drives perfectly. Therefore, if you are searching for a classic that can be enjoyed immediately but could also be a rewarding winter project, this Mustang must be a contender.
This Mustang’s interior is a bit of a surprise packet, because it hasn’t succumbed to the Texas sun. It isn’t perfect, but it appears that it will take more time than money to lift it to a higher level. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces look excellent, with no genuine wear. The dash and pad are in good order, and the damage-prone plastic in the rear passenger compartment isn’t badly scratched or marked. The car is missing its radio, and the speakers mounted in the rear parcel tray suggest that it has housed an aftermarket stereo at some point. Slotting a replacement into the available space would be easy, and if the carpet wear near the driver’s feet is a concern, a replacement carpet set will cost under $300. The first owner equipped this Mustang with air conditioning, but with no drive belt on the compressor, I suspect that the system may require some TLC.
If you’ve ever doubted the popularity and desirability of First Generation Mustangs, one glance at the listing statistics for this 1970 Fastback should enlighten you. Although it may have received only five bids, the Listing View and Watch List tallies of 393 and 86 at the time of writing demonstrate that people like what they see with this classic. That suggests that the action will intensify, but are you tempted to join the party and make a play for this Mustang?
Nice car. Other than fixing the AC I’d get the rear end down so backseat passengers don’t get a nose bleed.
Agree, the car front and especially back sit way higher than they did new.I don’t get that so many restore Mustangs and the sit way to high and they leave them that way .🤮
Nice Cleveland/stang ,but One fender appears to have a cid call out , don’t like that there
Let me try to interpret Dave’s comment. It took me awhile but I finally figured it out. CID stands for ‘cubic inch displacement’. Basically a chrome 351 emblem on the right side but not the left side. I think that is a correct emblem for a plain jane 1970 Mustang with a 351. Why he didn’t put 2 emblems on is a mistery. Thanks Adam for putting the asking price in the writeup. I have always wanted to take a 1970 Mustang SportsRoof 351C and turn it into a BOSS 302 clone. The only way to tell the difference would be the water pump (basically). Of course it should have solid lifters in it. This car would be a good start. I wish I needed another project right now.
On a BOSS 302 the upper hose enters through the intake manifold, just like the 302 Windsor. The engine width is also a giveaway. Edelbrock makes/made an intake manifold to make a clone BOSS 302 engine, they are still available, at least on eBay.
The lack of pictures showing the tops of the inner fenders fore and aft of the shock towers is concerning. Those areas are just out of view on all of the engine compartment photos, it’s a tell as to rusty the car is and they are hard to cover up. Before anyone bids what it will take to purchase any half way decent Mustang fastback all areas prone to rust need to have clear, up close pictures provided.
Steve R
Very good point Steve pointing out the rust issues on inner fenders near shock towers. I once had a 73 Stang with only 43,000 miles & that was an issue on the passenger side.
I like this Mustang, you’re right Bobhess put back end where it belongs. I would drive it as is.
Buyer beware- look at that trunk picture. To the right of the fuel tank looks like fiberglass and on the left it looks like some kind of reinforced patch. Also no underside pics.
Thanks Adam for putting the asking price in the write up.
Auction ended on 8/10/2025 with a high bid of $19,600, did not meet reserve.
Steve R