Choosing the right car for a first restoration or project build can be challenging. You must be honest about your skill set to ensure you don’t bite off more than you can chew. That’s where cars like this 1970 Ford Mustang fit into the big picture. It isn’t perfect, and its drivetrain combination is unlikely to set pulses racing. However, those shortcomings are forgivable when you consider its solid nature and future potential. The owner has listed it here on eBay in Anaheim, California. They’ve set a BIN of $13,800 but will entertain offers.
Most of the 1970 Mustangs that cross our desks at Barn Finds are Fastbacks, so this Hardtop makes a refreshing change. It wears Competition Yellow paint, and while it has started fading in a few spots, it remains presentable for an original survivor. If complete originality is not a primary concern for the new owner, applying a fresh coat of paint will not present a challenge. The panels wear a few minor marks, but the lack of significant rust is this classic’s strongest point. Spots are developing in both doors in the lower corners, but apart from that and a touch of surface corrosion in a small area of the rear quarter panel, they appear to be the only areas impacted by the tin worm. The remaining panels look clean, while the floors are rock-solid. A couple of small trim pieces are damaged or missing, but what remains looks good. The same is true of the glass, and with no pressing needs, the buyer could enjoy the ‘Stang for what remains of the Summer, tackling its refresh as a satisfying winter project.
With the Mustang’s paint beginning to look tired, it is no surprise that the interior trim and upholstery have headed the same way. It is serviceable but has a few needs if the buyer wants to lift the appearance to a higher level. Their shopping list will include front seatcovers, a dash pad, and a carpet set. The pad retails for around $480, seatcovers add $400, while $225 will secure a new carpet set. With those items installed and the rest of the trim and upholstery treated to a deep clean, the interior will present well for its age. The buyer shouldn’t expect to be overwhelmed with optional extras, as an AM radio seems to be the only box ticked by the original owner on their Order Form.
Buyers had a wide choice of engine options to slot under the hood of their 1970 Mustang. While this one will hardly set pulses racing, it does appear to be in sound mechanical health. The engine bay features the 250ci six-cylinder engine that produces 155hp. With the three-speed manual transmission bolted to the six, the vehicle should cover the ¼ mile in 18 seconds. If the owner keeps the pedal to the metal, the needle should nudge 107mph. Those figures are hardly the stuff of legend, but they will satisfy potential owners wishing to buy into the Mustang lifestyle on a budget. The owner supplies this YouTube video that features the engine running. It sounds crisp and clean, with no smoke or unwanted noises. Detailing the engine and enjoying this classic mechanically untouched is an option worth considering in an environment of rising fuel prices. Alternatively, dropping something more potent into the engine bay would be straightforward. Many required parts can be bought “off the shelf,” making most conversions affordable.
This 1970 Mustang is a classic offering the opportunity for instant entertainment. Its rust needs are minimal, making it an ideal candidate for someone seeking a first or straightforward DIY project. With fuel prices rising, the buyer could leave the drivetrain untouched for economy’s sake. Alternatively, slotting something more potent or modern under the hood could increase the fun factor significantly. What would be your approach if you found it parked in your garage?
I’m probably the only guy on the planet that thinks this original 250 w/three speed is cool. You just never see them at any car show and especially a Mustang show.
Straight 6 is bullet proof and the manual is fun, win win. Throw in some A/C for an old blister like me, perfect.
I’m with you Rex. One does see 64 1/2 to 66 Mustangs with six cylinders at shows, but seeing anything newer than that with a six is uncommon. I enjoy seeing simple, basic examples like this; maybe the new owner will keep it that way.
Interior looks parched – as my dad would say, “drier than a popcorn fart!” What does that mean? Dry. How does it sound? I don’t know…
If carpet is not frayed – a good dye job may be all it needs. Hydrate the seats and other surfaces. Why replace right away? I think I have some tall back bucket seat covers I picked up in black on clearance. Or were they houndstooth?
What a great car to challenge yourself – keep the reproduction parts off, as good used will do, and keep to a low 6BANGER (that’s what the personal license plate would read) budget.
Imagine with a detailed engine bay! A bold, yet simple statement with that long Ford blue rocker cover and air cleaner, in contrast to all the black!
As a self-proclaimed “let’s upgrade the wheels!” guy, I would refrain from changing them. Until a used set came up locally, of course.
Could be fun for not a lot of coin.
As a younger man with a lot of energy ,My salary was higher than most cause i worked so much
I saved wisely but splurged on car stuff
Now that i have gotten lazy and dont want to work so hard and sold off cars to invest in real estate
I don’t want to replace everything on a new to me car , i hold off and usually get the parts needed for next to nothing
My cars aren’t worth what the previous ones were but i don’t care as long as i don’t have to go work to pay for car stuff!
This one is a good econobox for someone who wishes to have fun …
I think many of us car nuts would join the support group. I definitely have traveled the same road and landed on the same spot (though still have the urge to save some worthy cause – alfas, audis, porsches and anything 1970 mopar). Time, another huge factor, we cannot unspend (you know what I mean)… I have completed all kinds of project cars and still can, but find myself being way more judicious about what I take on because of what you said, but also because I now tend to be more realistic about the time that I could find myself spending on a project. Life is short and resources are not limitless (for most of us). I appreciate your note.
Uggg. SportsRoof is really the only way to go with the 69-73 Mustangs.
“You’re gonna make it after all.”
-Tosses tam in the air-
That was my first thought when I saw the second picture. Oh well, you beat me to it.
I think most in-line sixes of that generation was bullet proof. Look how successful the in-line 6 in the Jeep was.
Cool, the seller has two other Mustangs for sale and a 240z.
Why would you ever even consider trading the engine for something else? The 250 was a great engine. Besides, is too much power what a real car is all about? What use is it? A 250 will keep up with modern traffic and pass a car on a two lane road just fine. My hobby car is a 52 MG, so goofy power means nothing to me. That car is a joy to drive on a warm summer day, or a crisp fall one wearing a light jacket. There is more to a car then absurd power that is really only to try and empress someone else. I drive for many reasons, but to show off is not one of them.
Competition Yellow paint ? Where do you pull all these paint names from, Adam ?
There was no paint called ” Competition Yellow” for Mustangs in 1970, it was just “Bright Yellow”
Could one get a tachometer, & ammeter, temp, & oil press gages on a ’69 or ’70 mustang with a 6 cylinder?
This ’70 mustang has the skinniest tires i have ever seen on a ’70 or ’69. They are almost as skinny as the base bias plies on ’65’s!
They are recent tires made by a well known company & i don’t know why ANYONE is buying such tires from them, espec those with just 3 tread grooves going around(not these tho, but they are skinny enough). My 195-75r-14 sears guardsman & even the prior 4/$99 pepboys Cornell tires were all wider than these name brands. Ridiculous.
Unless these are 185 or even 175r14s? – to maximize mpg?
Oops, i see it has a temp gage.
& the poor man’s speed warning! …
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/yJUAAOSw5Vdis-uo/s-l1600.jpg
Car is still available, now at a lower price:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/255596065447?mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5337851298&customid=542584&toolid=10001&mkevt=1