Speaking from experience, tackling a restoration project where there are major rust issues to address can be pretty daunting. That’s where cars like this 1969 Mustang Mach 1 fit into the equation. Not only is it a virtually rust-free survivor that is in sound mechanical health, but it has a genuine and documented 87,000 miles on the clock. For potential buyers considering a first project build, this classic shows a lot of promise. Located in Spokane, Washington, you will find this Mach 1 listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $25,200, but this figure remains short of the reserve.
There’s a lot to like about this Black Jade Mustang, and while the paint looks tired, it covers a car with solid bones. The panels are pretty straight, with no evidence of significant dings or dents to cause the buyer concern. The car has a known ownership history and has never suffered any accident damage or prior rust repairs. That means that the buyer will be commencing the restoration process with a car that is free from Bondo or other potential nasties. Since this is a 1st Generation Mustang, many potential buyers will be concerned about the crucial question of rust problems. Relief comes with the news that the usually prone areas under the car, like the floors, frame rails, and torque boxes, are virtually spotless. There is a light dusting of surface corrosion that the next owner should probably address at some point, but this classic appears to be structurally sound. External rust is confined to a couple of small spots in the lower doors, with the quarter panels and rockers also appearing clean. The chrome would be more than acceptable for a driver-quality car, while I can’t spot any problems with the glass.
The seller of this Mach 1 purchased the car from the original owner’s family in 2016 after that gentleman passed away. It comes with documentation that confirms that it has a genuine 87,000 miles on the clock. Lifting the hood reveals the M-Code 351ci V8 that pumps out a respectable 290hp. The original owner ordered the car with a 3-speed manual transmission and a 3.00 conventional rear end. Performance figures aren’t bad, with the vehicle capable of covering the ¼ mile in 15 seconds. Once again, there are a lot of positives to take away from this Mach 1. It is a numbers-matching classic that runs and drives well. The owner has taken it on a couple of extended journeys in recent weeks, and it has completed these with no problems. He has installed a new radiator but includes the original in the sale. Other recent work includes new tires, a new clutch, a fuel pump, and a water pump. With its rust problems so minor and its mechanical state so sound, this is a project car that could be driven and enjoyed immediately, with the new owner tackling the restoration work as time and circumstances allow.
As with the rest of the vehicle, this Mustang’s interior is original and unmolested. Continuing that consistent theme, it is serviceable, but it needs a few touches to lift it to the next level. The upholstery on the bucket seats shows its age, so the buyer will probably choose to replace this at some point, along with the cracked wheel and dash pad. The remaining trim and plastic look okay, as does the dash and console. The original owner didn’t load it with optional extras, although the factory air conditioning and AM radio are welcome inclusions. Documentation that forms part of the sale includes the original Window Sticker, Owner’s Manual, and Marti Report.
Project cars that can be enjoyed immediately and restored as time, circumstances, and a budget allows can be extremely attractive propositions. This is only enhanced when the vehicle in question is as desirable as a Mustang Mach 1. It is easy to see why there have already been twenty-two bids submitted, and I suspect that there might be a few more before the hammer falls. Are you tempted to join the war so that you have something to occupy your time during the upcoming colder months? If you do, I could hardly blame you.
How many of us will write in like me and say, if I had only kept mine, but life has its own path, and my 69 Mach 1 wasn’t in the cards for my future
I’d rather have Speed Racer’s Mach V.
I’m sure I will catch it. I do like reading posts here.. I like old cars. Wish I could afford ’30s hot rod. But I think people are crazy or have to be rich. 25k
that is short for the reserve is crazy for a fixer-up of an old car that cost less then 4k brand new. Now-a-days, how much it cost to “fix-up” or restore this old Mustang? And then, how much could they flip this car for?
Fairly decent car in my neck of the woods. I like these, but not enough to pay the seller’s reserve!
Jade Green, one of the worst colors. 351 Windsor small block, the worst engine offered for a Mach1. 3spd is the cheapest trans they offered but at least you could swap it for a four speed. Those deluxe interiors, dash and door panels are not cheap to replace. I’m shocked the bids have gotten up as high as they are. Not me. I would not be surprised to see this one relisted even if it meets reserve .
…. and for an alternate opinion, Black Jade (that’s its proper name) is my favorite 1969 Mustang color. I also like Gulfstream Aqua and Indian Fire. I get tired of the lack of color choice on today’s mainstream vehicles.
Finding a 4 speed top loader would be a challenge, racers buy them up as soon as they hit the wrecking yards, a couple of linkages and 4 bolts out it comes
Meh, pretty plain jane for the price. Winsor 3 speed nothing special. Always got a thrill when my bud would pick me up in his ’70 351C factory Hurst 4 speed w/ black velvet T handle stock. It had the shaker hood scoop and rear sports slats in the window. Best year for Mach 1 in my opinion.
Way overpriced Good Luck getting the reserve on this one.
Any Mustang that has visible outer-body rust can be assumed to have rust inside the cowl area as well. This area is bare metal, so by the time rust is visible elsewhere, the cowl is usually thoroughly perforated. It can be cut open and sealed for a driver-quality car or fully repaired for a more intense restoration.
As for value, solid early Mustangs are often more expensive than we expect. This is due in part to their eternal popularity and in part due to the ease and relatively low cost of restoration. Any part you need is just a few mouse clicks away, as are repair and restoration procedures. A car like this is perfect for a DIY project, even if most of us view it as overpriced (up over $29K now)
Almost 30 grand, and the reserve is not met yet. Sure, it is a neat car, but WOW! Not worth all that, in my opinion.
I agree with others about the price, but on the plus side at least this car seems to be represented honestly with plenty of pics. As long as the rust isn’t any more than what you can see (I know, wishful thinking!), I personally wouldn’t have a problem with getting it mechanically right including the AC and just driving it as is.
Why would anyone order a Mach 1 with a three speed transmission. I’m sure the 4 speed was not that much more expensive. I had a 70 with the 4 speed and Hurst shifter. Don’t ever remember missing a gear.
The original owner didn’t “order” it with the 3 speed, they simply didn’t spend the additional money for the 4-speed. It also states a non-positraction type rear end, which was also an option. This is a low option car, only the the 4 barrel engine, AC and an AM radio were ordered. Maybe the AC was more of an important option at the time, or all the owner could afford. Great color, and as they say, good bones to work with. Expensive bones, but good bones.
Not just that, but could’ve been a dealer order so customer bought it off the lot. 3 speeds were very common back then with many being the “3 on the tree” variety. One of Mustangs features is that they always have had floor shifts, so a 3 on the floor was plenty for many folks.
WAY overpriced, you would have a $60k small block Mach 1 by the time you were done. I’d put the money towards a restored Boss 302 for not much more