Peeking out of this garage is a promising project candidate. This 1969 Mustang Mach 1 appears to be a solid classic that would suit an owner wishing to be hands-on with their build. Its only visible rust issue seems minor, but the freshly rebuilt V8 awaiting installation could be the icing on the cake. With that bolted into place, this car would have the performance to match its good looks. The Mach 1 is listed here on eBay in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $18,100.
The history of this Mustang is unclear, although it has been in storage since 1988. The photos confirm it has undergone a color change from its original Candy Apple Red to what appears to be Grabber Orange. There is no information on when this occurred or whether it is part of a stalled build. The lack of apparent chips suggests it saw little or no active service once the work was complete. The seller confirms it has received some work on its rear quarter panels, but how extensive this was is a mystery. The panels are straight, and the vulnerable lower extremities show no evidence of rust. The floors are rock solid, and the only problem I spotted was some rust just developing on one torque box. The trim pieces that appear missing in the supplied photos are present, but it will take a clean and polish to determine what is fit for reuse and what requires replacement. The glass looks nice, and although the wheels make the car appear aggressive, I would probably swap them for something more appropriate if I found the Mach 1 in my workshop.
The original owner ordered this Mach 1 with its interior trimmed in White vinyl, and contrary to what the photos suggest, it is complete. The condition of the seats is a mystery, but the headliner looks like it would respond positively to work with a high-quality cleaner. The armrests are split, although the dash, pad, gauges, and faux woodgrain look acceptable if the new owner aims for a driver-grade build. One attraction of these classics is the availability and relative affordability of interior trim items. Therefore, whipping the interior into shape shouldn’t cost a fortune.
The mechanical configuration of this Mach 1 promises excellent performance. It features a 390ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, and a 3.25 Traction-Lok rear end. It looks like power steering was part of the package, but whether it featured power assistance for the front disc brakes is unclear. That 390 would have churned out 320hp, allowing this Mustang to gallop through the ¼-mile in 14.4 seconds. The positive news keeps coming because this classic is numbers-matching. The seller states the 390 hasn’t been bolted back into the car since a rebuild, but there is no indication when the rebuild was performed. The buyer would be wise to perform a careful inspection before reinstallation to ensure the engine remains in good health. Included are a re-cored radiator, headers, and exhaust tips. The winning bidder must source a complete exhaust and correct exhaust manifold if they plan a faithful restoration, and there is no mention of peripherals like the original carburetor or alternator.
The lack of apparent rust makes this 1969 Mustang Mach 1 appear a promising project. Addressing the torque box rust shouldn’t be challenging, as it is one of the most common repairs required with these classics. The rebuilt engine is a bonus, making it easy to understand why it has attracted thirty-six bids. It would suit an enthusiast who has been biding their time waiting for the right candidate to hit the market. Could you be that person?
Love the Hi Jackers air shocks decal! Brings back good memories of a (then) critical mod! LMAO
That engine is iffy if rebuilt..
Why not original blue?
Looks the color of rattle can on inner engine bay and firewall.
I like it but it needs lice and work
Why a hole in the right shock tower reinforcement? Someone had a bunch of red spray cans?
Its the trailer park resto
Adds another 10k 😝
Having torched holes in the shock towers are very common in the Mustangs and Cougars. Usually you will find them on both shock towers and on both the front and back sides of the towers. It was done to grease the upper control arms. The grease fittings stuck straight out of the control arm and it was next to impossible to get a regular grease gun onto the fittings so a hole was cut into the shock tower to grease the fittings. A better way would be to replace the straight fittings with 90 degree fittings.
Awfully rich price for a project that literally needs everything. The 390 Mustang isn’t all that rare anyways.
The 390 is the rarest engine in the ’69 Mach 1.
The color is Calypso Coral, not Grabber Orange.
Probably rare because it never was a great engine. 390’s were pretty much slugs. The 351 could run easily with the 390’s, and we know the 428’s capabilities well. This thing won’t “gallop through the ¼-mile in 14.4 seconds.” Maybe downhill with a tailwind. Maybe low 15’s stock. On the other hand, I always liked the looks of the 69 Mach 1.