It seemed that Ford couldn’t put a foot wrong with its First Generation Mustang. From its triumphant unveiling to its successful collaboration with Carroll Shelby, the company’s pony car was a showroom winner. It continued that trend in 1969 by releasing the Mach 1 variant. It immediately rendered the GT obsolete, and the Mach 1 remains one of Ford’s most desirable models. Our featured car left the line in 1970 and is an excellent turnkey project candidate. It is rock-solid, promising a straightforward restoration for the right person. The seller has listed the Mustang here on eBay in Ware, Massachusetts. Bidding sits below the reserve at $30,300 with five days remaining in the seller’s auction.
Full credit to the seller, because you won’t often find one willing to use the word “ugly” in the description of any car they are seeking to sell. However, the term seems appropriate, because this Mustang’s Medium Lime Metallic paint is well beyond its use-by date. It appears to have suffered from UV exposure, though I wonder whether there is more to the story. Several spots exhibit the types of problems typically associated with poor surface preparation, which may indicate a previous repaint. The interior has certainly received attention, so it is possible that this car’s paint isn’t original. That’s the bad news out of the way, and things become more positive from there. The panels are free from significant dings and dents, and the seller states that the car is rust-free. Therefore, any potential restoration won’t involve panel or rust repairs. The trim and glass look acceptable for a driver-grade refresh, and the Magnum 500 wheels perfectly suit the car’s personality.
This Mustang’s interior perfectly demonstrates my belief that someone previously performed some form of restoration. Originally trimmed in Ivy vinyl, it is now dominated by Black. The seller states that a previous owner performed a retrim, using some aftermarket components and parts of 1969 vintage. They have been collecting OEM parts to return the interior to its factory form, and will include them in the sale. The good news is that the interior doesn’t require immediate attention. The seats and other upholstered surfaces are excellent, as are the dash, pad, and console. The rear seat side trims show deterioration, and the wheel is cracked. It retains its tachometer and factory AM radio, while the Marti Report confirms that the first owner ordered the Mustang with a Sport Deck back seat.
Powering this Mach 1 is Ford’s glorious M-Code 351ci V8. The first owner teamed that motor with a four-speed manual transmission, a 3.25 Traction-Lok rear end, and power steering. Ford’s 1970 Mach 1 Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 300hp and 380 ft/lbs, providing performance that would satisfy all but the most hardened enthusiast. There were more potent options, but the M-Code offered an excellent combination of acceleration and civilized manners. The seller indicates that they recently lavished plenty of TLC on the brakes, including installing a power booster to reduce pedal effort. This Mach 1 might look tired, but it is a diamond in the rough. The seller confirms that it runs and drives extremely well, allowing the buyer to indulge in instant classic motoring gratification.
If you’re searching for a sound long-term investment in the classic world, it is hard to look beyond a 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1. Values consistently climb above the market average, which is good news for those contemplating the future. However, owning a classic is often about more than just dollars and cents, with enthusiasts typically purchasing vehicles like this Mach 1 because of their passion for the badge. That is probably what has driven this auction to its current point, but how high do you think someone will be prepared to bid to take this turnkey classic home?
Without putting eyes on the car, $30k sounds like all the money, I don’t see any more than $35k. It appears to be a solid starting place, but will still require a lot more work, to get it right. People get ahold of an old car that’s clean and they act like they found the winning lotto ticket. There was an all original 1970 Mach 1 with the original 428 that just sold for $65k and that needed nothing but fuel. I like the car, but financial sounds decisions will dictate what this car will sell for.
The checks of many boxes when I look for a Mach 1
Shaker
Sport deck rear seat
Tach
Console
4 speed
Traction Lok rear
The only negative for me, and I know a lot would disagree, is I’d rather have a Windsor over a Cleveland. Better bottom end power on a Windsor and more aftermarket support. But the wide ration trans should help the Cleveland a little out of the box.
With a little work and paint this would make a great driver. I love the exterior color and you could always do a full restore anytime. The seller seems to me to just stop short of clearly claiming it’s originality or #’s matching.
I was looking for a 69/70 Mach 1, Boss, or sports roof project but, a family health project just put everything on temporary hold. I also promised my wife I would thin out the fleet a little.
If I read the Marti report correctly it looks like the Shaker and rear wing were added. I think the Shaker makes the car look better, but don’t care one way or the other about the wing. The seller is proud of the original shifter handle, which look cool, but I personally like the feel a shift knob.
I’d drive and enjoy it as it sits for a while, then paint it. No need to do a full restoration.
Steve R
You’d have to want a green one.
Sharp ride.
Good looking Mach 1!! Do necessary maintenance and drive it!!
Lose the wing, add the rear window shades and as Steve R said, a shift knob. Never liked T handles and I currently have a “cue ball” on my 2013 ST.
Reserve not met yet at $31800. That seems max and a good price to me.
looks solid but that wing needs to go. repaint it the o/e color.
Sold on 8/2/2026 for a high bid of $37,900, there were 24 bids from 9 bidders.
Steve R
I saw a 70 Boss 302 in this color once. My dad’s buddy worked at a body shop (He built dozens of rods and customs for his self, some were in magazines, one was in a tire company ad ) and it was there to get a minor scratch repaired. this was in 1973-74. Original owner who he was friends with, He got a deal on it as it sat on the lot for almost a year due to it’s RED interior. It didn’t look as bad as it sounds but was a little unusual.