When it comes to the later First Generation Mustangs, we tend to see more fastback than hardtops crossing our desks at Barn Finds. That makes this 1970 Hardtop a breath of fresh air. Its drivetrain combination is pretty impressive and should satisfy most enthusiasts. It needs nothing more than a new home, so the owner has listed it for sale here on eBay. Located in Glendale, Arizona, the bidding has already rocketed beyond the reserve to $24,300.
The ownership history of this Bright Gold Mustang suggests that it has led a sheltered life. The seller purchased it from the estate of its original owner around three years ago. It spent its life in Illinois, only finding its way to Arizona under the stewardship of the seller. It presents well for its age, with its original paint shining impressively. Any flaws or defects are minor and would not require immediate attention. The panels are as straight as you could hope to find on a vehicle of this age, and it appears to be a First Generation Mustang with no rust problems. Nothing is visible in the supplied photos, and the owner doesn’t specify any issues in the listing. The chrome and glass look excellent, and the Mustang rolls on its original steel wheels with dog dish hubcaps. However, there is an option available that could see this ‘Stang sitting on a set of shiny 15″ American Made GT wheels for the right price. If the buyer isn’t concerned about total originality, it is one worth considering.
The drivetrain configuration for this Mustang suggests the original owner placed performance above all other considerations. They elected to power this classic with a 351ci V8, complete with the shaker option. That motor would have churned out 300hp, which found its way to the rear end via a four-speed manual transmission. With the lack of exterior upgrades like bigger wheels and stripes, this classic’s ability to demolish the ¼ mile in 14.5 seconds made it a genuine sleeper. For potential buyers, there is enough good news to fill a book. The seller treated the numbers-matching motor to a rebuild, but it wasn’t a case of slapping in some new rings, bearings, and gaskets and hoping for the best. They had the engine bored, fitted new Speed Pro pistons and Moly rings, added ARP rod bolts, and balanced the engine. They added a more aggressive Competition Cam, a double-row roller timing chain, an eight-quart pan, and a high-volume oil pump. The 351 breathes deeply through a new Holley 750 Double-Pumper carburetor, with spent gases exiting via Hooker Super Comp headers and a Flowmaster exhaust. The transmission received a similar level of attention, while the original rear end made way for a 3.25 Richmond Posi. There were numerous other upgrades to the drivetrain and suspension, which should allow this classic to blow the original ¼-mile ET 10-foot in the air. The car runs and drives well and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
The seller believes that the original owner may have changed the front seat covers at some point but says that the remaining trim is original to the best of their knowledge. There is plenty of Black vinyl, and it presents well for its age. There are no signs of rips, physical damage, or stains. The carpet may be slightly faded, but the lack of wear means that replacement is not a priority. The dash and pad look good, and the only other flaw worth noting is a couple of cracks in the wheel. The buyer could choose to hide that problem with a wrap, source a replacement wheel, or use one of the excellent available products to perform a restoration. This Mustang is what the seller refers to as a “bare-bones” classic. The sole comfort feature is a factory AM radio to provide entertainment if the occupants tire of the tune emanating from under the hood.
The seller claims that if this 1970 Mustang were a Mach 1 with this drivetrain configuration, its condition would justify a sale price of $50,000. However, it isn’t a Mach 1, and its price reflects that fact. That hasn’t placed a dampener on proceedings because it has already received twenty-two bids. That suggests that people like what they see, and its overall appearance makes this Mustang a genuine sleeper. A new home beckons this classic, but I’ll be interested to see if that home belongs to one of our readers. We can be confident that this classic will remain cherished for many years to come if that is the case.
Very nice, sits high in the rear and no photos of the engine in the car?
Am I wrong but did not the Mustangs top V/8 was a 289/302. The 351 was reserved for the Mercury Cougar ?
Mustangs could get larger engines than the 289 starting in 1967. In 1970, the Mustang could have been ordered with a I6, 302 2 bbl, Boss 302 (special model), 351C 2bbl, 351C 4 bbl, 428CJ or Boss 429 (special model).
This engine is a screamer. Had a 72 spec’d this way and it was a dream car. Total sleeper. But I am still surprised it is getting the love!
I am 90% sure that I could have bought this same exact car in 1976 or 77 a coworker had one identical to this for sale for $1650. And it looked as good then as this one even though by that time it would have been through 7 brutal IL Winters although I think the interior looked better then. The main reason that I did not buy it was that I wanted a Mach 1 or a Convertible then even though I knew this was a very rare car with that drivetrain in a coupe. I am sure that a Marti Report would confirm how rare this car is they probably made very few sold anywhere in the country and this one is from the same state.
Odd set up for a coupe ; its like a backward Mullet ; party up front and business in back. When I see a coupe like this it always looks like some teenager stuck some add ons to make it look cool , and yet this car was ordered with a scoop and hood tape and does have the drivetrain to back it up. Its in great shape , but can you imagine the price this would go for if it was a fastback ?
Hey bone, back in late 69 when the 1970 mustang appeared I was working at a ford.dealer. While at army boot camp my cousin who also worked at the dealer sent me papers of what mustang I wanted.to order. Here was my order. 2dr.coupe, 351c / 4 brl, 3.25 rear with drag pac, shaker hood scoop, front disc brakes, in dash tack, Hurst 4 sp. To finish,high back seats(black) with maroon enamel paint. While working in. Parts room, this car arrived at dealer about 7 weeks after ordered. This car had a sound like no other stock car would sound. This car sticker ed for just over 3000 dollars. I had to settle for Torino GT.