Desirable Project: 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1

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?