Civilizations tend to peak just before they fall. The muscle car era could be said to have gone through the same meteoric rise and dramatic, abrupt fall as many have in the history books. For Ford, the Mustang had become one of their top sellers. For customers, it was an expectation bordering on a demand that each year’s Mustang would be faster, handle better, and be more handsome. Some feel that the car’s pre-Malaise-era peak was manifested in cars like this 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 for sale on Facebook Marketplace in Dearborn, Michigan. This formerly garage-bound Mustang has just reemerged from a long garage-bound slumber. The owner, however, interestingly signals in the ad that they are testing the waters online before they get an appraisal. Do you think the $35,000 asking price is on the money or is that number bait to make the seller’s phone ring on this desirable Mustang? Can we even estimate the worth of this car with the scant details provided in the ad? Is this car even for sale?
Changes came fast during the early years of the Mustang. After the 1965 and 1966 model years, the car was updated for 1967 and 1968. In 1969, yet another restyle (much more extensive this time) resulted in a longer, wider, and heavier Mustang. The car was a response to Ford’s desire to make the car roomier and to be able to offer a big block for the first time. The styling, however, on this version was pleasingly purposeful to some and overly aggressive to others. Some at Ford must have felt that the styling was a detriment to sales, as some of the more racy features were toned down when the car returned in 1970. It was almost as if 1969 was the high water mark if you were more interested in speed than luxury.
Ford offered a lot of options for speed-loving enthusiasts in 1969. One of the most popular was the Mach 1. This package was built on the SportsRoof body style. For reasons known only to God and Ford’s marketing department, the fastback name was changed but the look was the same. From there, customers could expect such niceties as NASCAR-style hood lock pins, a matte black hood, special interior trim, high-back bucket seats, a suspension package, and a hood scoop. That scoop was a styling gimmick unless you ordered the SCJ Ram Air Drag Pack option. With the idea being that this would be a faster, more brutal version of the Mustang, it is interesting to note that the car also came with an extra 55 pounds of sound deadener. Engine options were all V-8s, ranging from the 351 Windsor to the 428 Super Cobra Jet for those customers with the heaviest right feet. There was also a laundry list of transmission and rear-end options available. In all, 72,458 Mach 1 Mustangs were made that year and they are considered to be one of the most desirable Mustang variants to collectors.
The Mach 1 seen here is said to be an original that the seller purchased from the first owner some time back in the eighties. There is no information in the ad as to how the car was optioned out, but the seller has it up on Facebook Marketplace while they are waiting for an appraisal. It states in the ad that they “wanted to see what FB has to offer.” From there, we are told that the car “obviously has both internal but mainly external rust.” The car has also been repainted, and is said to start but needs mechanical work. There were no pictures of the engine, and a short video shows some tears in the vinyl interior and a shifter for an automatic transmission.
Chances are you readers are just as confused as I am. I don’t understand what can be accomplished by giving an incomplete description, saying that you are waiting on an appraisal, and then putting up a price. The sad part is that this car may have a history to it based on the car culture in the Dearborn area in its heyday. It may also be a well-optioned car. Perhaps our resident Mustang experts out there can fill in some blanks on this car. It seems such a shame that a fire-breathing Mustang like this one could be available, but it is paradoxically hard to tell from the ad if the car is seriously for sale.
Can you fill in the blanks on this Mach 1? What do you think a fair price would be? Please share your thoughts and observations in the comments.
Odd.
Not 35K. But I can’t really put a value on the car because there isn’t enough information. We have no idea of what engine is in it, no pictures of the underside, no data plate information to know what color it’s supposed to be since they did mention it is a repaint.
Calling any Michigan barnfind folks near Dearborn that have some spare time to scout the frame, torque boxes, rear rails, trunk and pics of data plates and tags.
Engine size? Carb ? Interior etc etc
Reminds me of the lil humor to the spouse with “i have it listed honey.”
“Sure i am trying to sell it…” 😜😉🎃
I am a Mustang owner of a 68 Cali Special J code original pony. I like the sport roof but hard to gauge limited information..
I also have an 8R01J I’ve been driving since mid 80s.
A risky opening line just before an election, no? We all, I hope, see what’s happening here. A “get rich quick” scheme if I ever saw one. The interest is less than zero, but that $30,000 alleged profit should make things right. While I will commend the seller, they know what is hot thanks to TV, but have no experience in selling something with this kind of price. Couldn’t even put the wheels on? I’m sorry, if this is the next step in classic cars, I’m happy to be out of it.
My favorite year Mustang. Certainly agree this guy is no car salesman.
I think a lot of people are afraid of the after, when they sell a car. Regardless it still happens and you can’t stop it. It also happens when you buy a car, someone will say I could have bought the identical car for less $. Of coarse if you sold one thats more$, either way it is always after the fact.lol
Irregardless of your reasoning, the ad still makes zero sense.
The tires are included. Such a deal.
Looks most likely like a 351W car. For 35k, I’d expect to at least be able to drive it away. The condition of the cowl, floorpan, shock towers, and framerails, this being an MI car especially, are pretty important variables.
I agree that it most likely is a 351 car. But it would be nice to know what’s supposed to be there and what’s there now. The fact that it’s a repaint also means it could have been born a standard sportsroof car and became a mach 1 in a previous restoration. (Not likely but possible). So a Marti Report and more info is needed.
Another rust belt car that is disabled by the dad due to junior running the crap out of it. Afraid that it would get broke in half.
These “testing the waters” posts really chap my hide. If and when you are serious, let me know- or not.
Rusty. Repaint of dubious quality. Totally insufficient information. Seller with attitude. I’ve wasted way too much time on this… Hard pass.
One of the strangest ads that I have seen lately,
I think a lot of people are afraid of the after, when they sell a car. Regardless it still happens and you can’t stop it. It also happens when you buy a car, someone will say I could have bought the identical car for less $. Of coarse if you sold one thats more$, either way it is always after the fact.lol
Don’t believe this guy’s story. For one you won’t get a gauge on this car without the info that’s been stated here and you can always research this car to gauge what it’s worth then based on it’s condition do your own appraisal. I think he’s really trying to find an over willing buyer that he might be able to take advantage of.
Interesting take on this whole affair.
My wife’s 82 year old uncle Steve has a 70 Boss 302 4 speed he purchased new. He is the sole owner of the car. It has 60K miles and has had 1 respray. His family price is $80K. I have considered selling a couple of my current vehicles to buy it. It was also featured in Cars & Parts back in the 90’s. Fully document from bumper to bumper.
Engine bay
Spare still inflated with 1970 air.
Nice car. Good luck with your attempt purchase it.