Blank Canvas Project: 1970 Ford Mustang Fastback

Some enthusiasts will balk at the idea of molesting an original Mustang to create the car of their dreams. However, this 1970 Fastback could be a prime candidate if that is your ultimate aim. Its existing drivetrain is not the most desirable that Ford offered, and with a question mark hanging over its mechanical health, slotting something more potent into the engine bay would be viable. If you wish to make your dream a reality, you will find the Fastback located in Millsap, Texas, and listed for sale here on eBay. It has received a single bid of $8,000 in what appears to be a No Reserve auction.

The original owner of this Mustang purchased it in Dallas, and it has spent its entire life in Texas. That makes the faded state of its original Light Ivy Yellow paint no great surprise. Many enthusiasts will not find this the most inspiring shade, so I won’t be surprised if a color change features prominently in this Fastback’s future. The panels have accumulated more than their share of dents and bruises during the past fifty-two years, and while some of them appear to be repairable, I won’t be surprised if some of the hanging panels like fenders find their way into the trash. The owner provides a certain amount of contradiction in his listing. At one point, he describes the vehicle as being rust-free but then mentions issues in the lower rear quarter panels and floors. The external rust is not extensive, and I believe that the buyer would address these with patches rather than wholesale panel replacement. The rust in the floors is an unknown quantity, and only an in-person inspection would determine its severity. I wouldn’t expect the rust to be terrible, given the car’s history. The original owner ordered this Fastback with tinted glass, which looks acceptable for a survivor. Some of the trim pieces may require replacement, but the overall impression is that this should be a relatively straightforward cosmetic restoration.

Turning our attention to the interior, it carries all of the hallmarks of trim that has been subjected to the harsh Texas sun. There’s not much in the way of upholstery that the buyer could salvage, but the major components are intact. If the buyer seeks a factory appearance, spending $2,000 on a trim kit would achieve that objective. Alternatively, they may feel that custom upholstery is more to their liking. They may opt for cloth or the luxury of leather. Having a blank canvas to work from is a rare treat and would allow them to let their imagination run wild. Considering the car has spent its life in Texas, I am surprised that the original owner didn’t opt for air conditioning. The only interior feature that rates a mention on the Marti Report is the AM radio, and this is one of the few items that are now missing. Once again, the next owner could slot in the stereo of their choice to provide entertainment on the move.

With a 250ci six-cylinder engine sending 155hp to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission, this Fastback was never going to be a ball of lightning. Pointed at a ¼ mile, it would dispatch the distance in around 18.5 seconds. That doesn’t make it the slowest Mustang that Ford offered buyers in 1970, but it was a long way from the fastest. I have seen owners restore six-cylinder Mustangs to their former glory in the past, but it is rare. It is also a possibility that the owner floats if potential buyers seek something different and distinctive. More often than not, they choose to slot something more potent into the empty space once they have pulled the original motor. That would seem to be worth considering in this case because the health of this six is unknown. The car has been parked since the 1980s, and it appears that’s the last time this motor coughed into life. It is complete, but it is also locked. Returning it to a turning state may not be difficult, but if I were a betting man, I would expect to see something with a couple of extra cylinders find its way into that engine bay. Whether that be a period-correct V8 or whether the owner follows the restomod path, there’s no doubt that the finished product should blast the original ¼-mile ET ten feet in the air.

What path would you choose if you decide to make a play for this 1970 Mustang Fastback? Would you create a Mach 1 clone, or would a restomod seem more desirable? Of course, you may dare to be different and follow the seller’s suggestion to restore the existing six-cylinder drivetrain. This is a car where the world would be your oyster, and you would only be limited by your imagination. While I always prefer to see classics as original survivors, I suspect that somebody will probably transform this Mustang into something genuinely spectacular. So, are you up for the challenge?