Some classics hit the market, creating barely a ripple. Others generate an absolute frenzy, and this 1970 Mustang Mach 1 undoubtedly falls into that category. It is easy to see why. The Mach 1 is an inherently desirable vehicle. When you combine that factor with this car’s meticulous restoration and the numbers-matching 428 Cobra Jet V8 under the hood, the fact that it has already attracted forty bids is unsurprising. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Mach 1 listed here on eBay in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. The intense auction action has pushed the price to $32,200, but it is hardly a shock that this figure falls short of the reserve.
Ford introduced the Mach 1 to its Mustang range for the 1969 model year and immediately found itself with a hit on its hands. The first-year sales tally of 72,458 vehicles was impressive, and with only 5,396 buyers opting for the GT, it is unsurprising that the badge that once defined Ford’s high-performance pony car offering disappeared before the year’s end. The first owner ordered this Mach 1 in 1970, choosing to cloak its exterior in highly desirable Grabber Blue. The seller indicates that the car has undergone a full restoration, although it is unclear when the work was completed. However, the underside shots might provide a clue, because the floors and mechanical components are in as-new condition. That suggests that this Mustang hasn’t clocked many miles since the tools were safely stowed away in the cupboard. It also confirms that there is no evidence of corrosion, let alone penetrating rust. The exterior is stunning, with the paint shining like a mirror, and the panels appearing laser-straight. I can’t spot a single flaw with the trim or chrome, and the Magnum 500 wheels look perfect. These characteristics are all wonderful, but it is the badge on the side of the Shaker poking through the hood which indicates that this Mach 1 is something special.
Originality is a key consideration when assessing the potential value of any classic, and this Mustang ticks that box. The seller states that it is numbers-matching, and what a car it would be when the driver buries the right foot. Lifting the hood reveals a 428 Cobra Jet V8 that should send 335hp and 440 ft/lbs of torque to the 3.00 Traction-Lok rear end via a four-speed manual transmission. The first owner elected to pass on power steering, but this Mach 1 features assistance for the front disc brakes. Ford took a “total package” approach with the Mach 1, upgrading the suspension to ensure that the car could cope with the impressive increase in power and torque when compared to lesser Mustangs. The restorer’s eye for attention during this build is admirable, resisting the temptation to ditch the factory emission equipment that often disappears during such builds. The seller states that the Mach 1 runs and drives perfectly, which is hardly surprising considering how beautifully it presents.
This Mustang’s interior didn’t escape attention during the restoration. Some builders will perform a retrim and refresh items like the faux woodgrain found in this car, but the plastic pieces will often show minor scratches and marks. However, there are no such issues with this car, and I would go so far as to describe the overall condition as factory-fresh. The Black vinyl is spotless, the dash, pad, and console are excellent, and even the prone plastic in the rear passenger compartment looks amazing. There aren’t many factory options, although the rimblow wheel and correct AM radio add to the car’s authenticity.
I have always said that my ideal Mustang would be a 1966 GT with a K-Code lurking under the hood. However, if I opened my garage door and found this 1970 Mach 1 lurking in the shadows, I wouldn’t mind one bit. Its presentation is hard to fault, there is no evidence of rust, and the Cobra Jet is the icing on the cake. The bidding action is the tip of the iceberg, with the View History and Watch List tallies both equally impressive. It hasn’t met the reserve yet, but what do you think someone will need to pay to take this classic home?
I’d guess around $65k but It’s not going to go for what it should without a Marti report and paperwork. And I don’t think the 3.00 rear axle ratio was available with the 4spd but I could be wrong. To be Concours, you’d need to paint underneath back to black, the way it came from the factory.
Icing on the cake š is right Clarkey. Perfect mustang in my opinion. No power steering means the owner maybe planned on driving this very fast or on a track. JCA good point on the ring and pinion. 3.50 I thought was standard issue. The 3.00 is more indication the owner wanted some long legs for the track. š
No power steering with the rim horn is a good recipe for unintentional honking while turning. Thanks for the memories mom!!
My second favorite car has come to life!! Gorgeous color, fun to bid on knowing I wouldn’t get it. I need a bigger garage!!
Obviously an excellent restoration on a highly-desirable Mach 1. As JCA says, it needs a Marti Report, and there are likely certain things which are not “right” (being judged at a Mustang Club of America show would be educational). Many years ago I had a big block 1969 Mustang GT without power steering; it frankly was a chore to drive. Would be a worthy resident in the garage of a Ford muscle car enthusiast.
This is a nice clean desirable great color Sports Roof with the 428 engine with a four speed car. The markets have climbed on pricing and this one in my opinion will land between 80 grand and under 110K. It definitely needs a Marti Report and for this kind of cash an inspection with a Mustang specialist to validate the originality beside checking the block codes, trans, rear end stamping etc. etc. I definitely love the looks and the clean underneath. I am surprised they went with e-bay on this sale as another site out there has high in customers spending from 20’s to one million dollars often on vehicles. (Site makes one think of flying things in the night with their own sonar)
One of my two favorite Mustang years in my favorite color. One of my favorite race cars just happens to be the same color. A big WOW! on this one.
Just went to the eBay listing and bidding is at $35K with no “reserve not met” notice. If so that’s a pretty low price for this one. 428CJ four speed with this much detail is phenomenal at this price.
I think the Mach1 looks much better without all the spoilers and rear window slats. Agree that these cars are not a lot of fun to park without power steering but the Ford power steering of that era had no road feel. I owned a 69 Cobra Jet Mach1 in the 80ās without power steering and with the rimblow horn in the steering wheel it made for a few beeps of the horn while squeezing the wheel during parking. This looks like a very nice car although not restored to MCA standards, Iād drive it!
I am by no means a big fan of Fords, (although I will admit that some Fords are pretty cool) but this a NICE car. I would imagine that the reserve is in the clouds, but I think that this car is the definition of “more bang for your buck”. I would think that it will make some Ford guy or gal out there pretty darn happy.
Nice color plus BB with four speed.
Needs a marti report and definitely an experienced inspector that specializes in classic Mustangs such as big blocks Sport Roofs and Shelbies.
This with a marti could bring 80-110 grand once validated.
Good luck with sale .. luv the blue ..
Beautiful car. If those seats are positioned anything like the ones in my 1970 Mustang, base model, they’re a killer on long road trips and how do you change the plugs? Still a beautiful car but way out of my price range.
Unbolt engine off the motor mounts and carefully jack it up, keeping an eye on the fan shroud/radiator. Have fun.
It somewhat common practice to drill holes in the shock towers so you could access the plugs with a socket and extension.
Steve R
Very true, just ask someone that had or has a ’64 Chevy ll with a small block. Getting to the number one plug with a box end wrench got real old real fast.
Iād be careful with this one. The seller has no history whatsoever on eBay and just joined the other day. Also, a google image search, shows this exact same car shows for sale in Tennessee.
That’s interesting.
And now EBay has taken the car off
Good eye