This 1969 Mustang Mach 1 would have been a pretty desirable car when it was new, especially given the fact that hiding under the hood was an R-Code 428 Cobra Jet V8. The original drivetrain is now long gone, but the owner provides the opportunity for the buyer to purchase another engine, and this one is a tantalizing prospect. Otherwise, this is a very solid classic that is just awaiting the right person to revive it. The Mustang is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $15,100, but the reserve hasn’t been met. The owner also offers a BIN option, and this has been set at $21,750.
First Generation Mustangs are renowned for their ability to rust at an alarming rate, especially in the right environment. That fate had befallen this particular car, but now this is but a distant memory. Someone had commenced restoring this car, and the only rust left to address is a small spot in the trunk near the fuel tank. The rear outer wheel wells and quarter panels have all been replaced, while a one-piece floor has also been professionally installed. Looking around the engine bay, the battery tray was all that required replacement, because the shock towers look nice and clean. The frame rails and torque boxes appear to be solid, but these will need a clean and treatment to ensure that the surface corrosion that is present in a few spots doesn’t manage to gain a foothold. The tinted glass is all present and looks to be free of flaws. The trim also seems to be complete, and while some of it requires a clean and polish, the rear bumper is new. The vintage-look alloy wheels that are fitted to the Mustang will remain on the vehicle, while the original Argent wheels that were fitted to the car are complete, in good condition, and are also included in the sale.
The engine bay of the Mustang is a pretty sad sight when you consider what the Marti Reports says used to be there. When the Mustang rolled off the line, it featured an R-Code 428 Cobra Jet V8, a C6 automatic transmission, a 3.25 Traction-Lok rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. While the rear end that is in the car now is a 9-inch, it isn’t original. The motor and transmission are long gone, while the disc brakes have been swapped for drums at some point. The owner states that he does have the correct front discs and components for the Mach 1, which is some sort of starting point. All of the power steering components are present, while a new fuel tank kit has been fitted. The owner has the correct pedals if the car is eventually fitted with an auto transmission, while he is also including the correct pedals for conversion to manual, which was his intention. The loss of the original drivetrain is extremely disappointing, and regardless of what the next owner decides to bolt under the car, this will have some impact on the vehicle’s value. With this in mind, the owner does offer an interesting proposition for potential buyers. The owner has a genuine 1970 Boss 302 V8 and is willing to sell that to the buyer for $7,500 if the reserve is met, or if they exercise the BIN option. This engine has the correct DOZE casting numbers, Buddy Bar intake, the correct valve covers, and correct damper pulley. Even better, the engine was given a rebuild a few years ago and hasn’t been fired since. I know that with an output of 290hp, the 302 is well short of the 428’s 335hp. However, the 302 is also a far lighter engine, and if bolted to a 4-speed manual transmission, the 302-equipped car will be lighter by a considerable margin. The result is a car that would be more nimble and would handle and stop significantly better than if the 428 was under the hood. I have to say that I would find this to be pretty tempting.
The interior photos aren’t the greatest, and this one was the pick of the bunch. It doesn’t show a lot of detail, but it does show those shiny new floors. All of the seats are present, and the dash and pad look like they are complete, and in good condition. There are a few minor trim pieces that are missing, but the list that the owner provides of these parts is pretty short, and the parts are relatively inexpensive in the context of this restoration. The Mustang will require a new carpet set, but a new headliner is included in the sale.
For me, this Mustang Mach 1 is an interesting car. The fact that the rust has been addressed is a real plus, and with the vehicle in its current state, any prospective buyers can get a good look at what they might be buying, and the standard of the workmanship to this point. The lack of original drivetrain is extremely disappointing, but the alternative that the seller is offering is a tempting prospect. Personally, I’d be grabbing that Boss motor. How about you?
If it’s a real 302 Boss it probably has just as much power as a 428 ,every one always say the Boss 302 was under rated 💪☕
“They” say every single performance V8 from each manufacturer was underrated. In reality very few made more power than the factory rating and most made less than advertised. Mainly due to assembly variances not meeting blueprint spec. Another common myth from the muscle car era.
Uhh… OK. Thanks Professor Chris.
Truth. Doesn’t take alot of intelligence to know that was case. But don’t feel too bad Tom. Not much going on in ’71 anyway.
No, no fake Boss. Wrong body (Boss’s didn’t have the fake brake cooling vents), and besides, if it was a big block car, make it so again! Shame all the good parts were stripped, but this could still be great car, especially with a 5-speed, IMO.
Boss 429 sure had scoops, maybe the author is talking about building one of those using the new boss 9 heads that bolt to a 460 block.
I grew up in that era and seen the power both engines made. I had a friend with a Mustang Boss 302 and compared to most engines of the time it was definitely under rated.
I have owned two 428 Cobra Jets and put them both in pickups and I will say they put pulled any 454 or 460 I owned even custom built versions. I’m not talking race engines just comparative builds.
I really mis those days, at 65 you start to realize how good they were.
I will say one thing though the engines of today are much better and less maintenance.
Yeah but spending Saturday afternoon checking dwell. setting lifters, adjusting belt tension was a great way to spend the day. Gotta get off this laptop ….
Yep I hear ya, I had a 68
El Camino with a solid lifter performance built 327, that was my Friday after work project as soon as I got home to run the lifters and tune for Friday and Saturday night drag racing at Murphy Flats. Dropper the girl I friend off at midnight and head to the races.
It’s not a Boss, it’s an R code 1969 Mach 1. Not sure where you guys are getting Boss from? he said he had an original Boss engine you can buy for it but why not put the 428CJ back in it?
Yes I understood that is what it is. I was commenting on the power of the engines of that era. Since I have a 428 CJ in my shed and one in my old 67 F250, that is exactly what would put in it. But since it isn’t original anyway I would try to put a modern 5 or 6 speed tranny behind it. All pipe dreams for me, to many irons in the fire and not enough time to add another project to the list.
Not sure where they’re getting Boss from, not sure why the headline says 1970 when it’s clearly a 1969, and the dumbification of our populace continues with the Random Capitalization of Important Sounding Words.
Thank you Grant – I too wondered why the year 1970 was quoted? Is it because a1970 base was used with 1969 year model body parts ? Is that possible ?
Boss 302 would be quite a screamer, just keep the revs up. A 351 or larger version of that engine would be even better for the street. As for the mighty cobra jet, if you just happen to have one handy this is your ride, what a bargain!
I guess I’m always a bit hesitant when an experienced rebuilder-reseller is unloading an incomplete project. Especially one with no title or drivetrain…….
Had a college room mate who got a new 69 Mach I for high school graduation, man did that thing go
I’m sure that there are a lot of Boss 302 owners looking for an engine, so wouldn’t it make the best sense to buy the package, sell the 302, buy a correct 428 CJ and perhaps have a few bucks left over to out into the car?
Both engines are fairly hard to come by in the original form. Not sure which is worth more but a neighbor to a friend of mine had a 428 in his old pickup and an old friend stopped by for a visit. When he found it had a 428 he offer the guy $10,000 plus removed it from the truck and provided a good running 360 and installed it. So not sure if you would make money on selling the 302 and buying a 428.
Boss Hogg
Just wondering If this Boss engine once resided in this pony? Original Boss 302 hard to get now. So if you bought the package you are up to almost 30 large. You would also want to see if the body work was done correctly. Would be great if you had a mill on hand to drop in. Food for thought from this ol buzzard. good luck!!
Cheers
GPC