The seller has been the custodian of this stunning 1969 Mustang Mach 1 for over twenty-five years. They have treated it with respect during that time, allowing it to remain in exceptional condition. It isn’t 100% original, with the upgraded V8 under the hood offering enough performance to satisfy most enthusiasts. All good things must end, with the owner deciding the right time for the Mach 1 to find a new home. It is listed for sale here on eBay in Park Ridge, Illinois. Bidding has raced to $67,100 in a No Reserve auction.
This Mach 1 seems to be loaded with good news for potential buyers. Its Candy Apple Red paint has a fantastic depth of color and shine, with no significant flaws or defects. It coats panels that are as straight as an arrow, and the gaps are tight and consistent. The blackout treatment on the hood is flawless, and the stripes show no evidence of crazing or lifting. Perhaps the best news is that the seller has kept this Mustang hidden in a climate-controlled garage when it isn’t terrorizing our roads. That has allowed it to remain rust-free throughout its life, with all of its steel being original. The chrome and glass are spotless, while the exterior is rounded out by a sparkling set of Magnum 500 wheels.
This Mustang’s interior leaves me with mixed feelings. There’s no doubt it presents well, with the impression made more positive by the seller’s claim that it is original. The Black vinyl upholstery is free from wear and physical damage, while the carpet, dash, pad, and console are excellent for their age. The wheel isn’t original, but that isn’t the only change. The factory radio has made way for a CD player, and the installer will have cut the dash to accommodate this upgrade. They have also cut the rear trims to house speakers, meaning that the buyer would need to replace those trims to achieve a stock appearance. There is also some untidy wiring visible in this shot, and its “rat’s nest” appearance would prompt me to address this to ensure no future problems.
The VIN for this Mustang indicates it rolled off the showroom floor with the desirable R-Code 428 Super Cobra Jet under the hood. This fire-breathing monster pumped out 360hp and, coupled with a four-speed manual transmission, would launch the car through the ¼ mile in 14 seconds. Unfortunately, this classic is no longer numbers-matching. However, that may not be all bad news. Lifting the hood reveals a 429 SCJ, a four-speed manual transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The replacement motor brings an additional 15hp to the party, dropping the ¼-mile ET to 13.9 seconds. The seller indicates the vehicle runs and drives well, making it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
For an enthusiast seeking a numbers-matching classic, this 1969 Mustang Mach 1 probably won’t tick their boxes. That doesn’t mean it is a bad car because its solid nature and overall condition guarantee it will draw attention and admiring comments wherever it goes. It would suit someone seeking a turnkey vehicle offering power to burn. The bidding opened at $1,000, and it took less than two days for it to rocket to its current level. I don’t know whether one of our readers might make a play for this beauty, but there is no doubt someone is days away from parking something special in their driveway. Will I envy them? You’d better believe it!
Great car. Price is out of my realm but as one who doesn’t mind properly done updates I sure wouldn’t hesitate to jump on this one.
The 1969 Mach 1, always a favorite of mine. This looks like a highly-desirable example, even if not completely stock.
Nitpick, I hope you experts will chime in. I recall Candy Apple Red in 1969 to be a slightly deeper hue. It is noted that the car has been repainted. Maybe it is the lighting, but this seems like a lighter, brighter red.
I agree, the red just looks to bright, at least in those pictures.
What’s going on with the shaker scoop, it sticks up way to high? Does the 429 use a tall deck block, or a taller intake, or is something else going on with that thing? I’m not real familiar with Ford 428 FE or 429/460 blocks.
429/460 was the 385 series big block. It had canted valve heads like a big block Chevy. Don’t know why anyone would change a numbers matching FE engine for a 385 series?
At first glance it appears to be a pretty decent car. Then the more you look the more little details you will see. Whoever did this car did not bother to pay the few dollars for the fender to hood bumpers and the door bumpers. Missing little inexpensive items like that make one question the rest of the work. It is hard to say for sure but it appears that the front park/turn signal lights are missing. One of the back up lights is missing the lens. For the interior the front window cranks are not correct. It appears to be missing the lower steering column cover. The console is just the upper part, and it is broken. The whole console base is missing. In the trunk rather than take the time to remove 3 small bolts to remove the trunk latch someone opted to just paint over it. Details like these are important, especially on a car that has a high potential value.
Being an R code does not make this car an SCJ. The only way to know if it truly is an SCJ would be to know the rear axle code on the door data plate and/or to see the Marti report. The seller offers neither of those.
Good eye! I noticed the fuel filter and rubber hose beside the ignition coil. That scares me.
resale red , maybe ? lol
The front air dam isnt hooked up to the drivers front fender anymore either. I t looks like the mount is torn.
Back in the Seventies, I worked at the base hobby shop at Grand Forks AFB, and a friend had a Mach 1 while I was working on my Corvair. Guess who made the right dollar choice when it came to cars? Remember the machine shop recommended he dump the old FE, and go with the new 385 series. Could this be that car?
Looks great in resale red, too bad there is no video.
Beautiful!
429/460 was the 385 series big block. It had canted valve heads like a big block Chevy. Don’t know why anyone would change a numbers matching FE engine for a 385 series?
Always wondered how a 429 SCJ would perform in the lighter ’69-70 Mach 1, or would the extra engine weight keep the 428 FE slightly ahead.
Different engine entirely, very big bore relatively short stroke, solid lifters, big carb, high compression(11.5-1)… sounds like a menace! I like it.
I was at the Iola, WI car show July 7,2020. Talked with some very knowledgeable Mustang guys. Seems like you could be in a new Mustang, over 600 HP for around $88,000 with most of the race track ready options included. Makes me rethink the pricing and work involved here.
So this was a 428 car , but now it has the wrong engine it it, and its still going for big bucks ?
Sold, $73,300.