Pinpointing a derivative of the First Generation Mustang that holds the title of most desirable is almost impossible because the Mustang rewrote the rule book. However, the 1969 Mach 1 would be a strong contender, selling in sufficient numbers to sound the death knell for the iconic GT. This ’69 Mach 1 runs and drives but requires total restoration. It won’t be for the faint-hearted, but the strong action suggests people are willing to give it a red-hot go. The Mach 1 is listed here on eBay in Sharon, Wisconsin. Bidding has raced past the reserve, currently sitting at $9,400.

The GT had been the “go-to” model for First Generation Mustang buyers seeking a high-performance model, and there is no doubt that one of those equipped with the sweet K-Code 289ci V8 provided a rewarding ownership and driving experience. However, Ford introduced the Mach 1 in 1969, entirely changing the landscape. It found favor with an impressive 72,458 buyers, driving the final nail into the coffin of the GT with a sales volume of 5,396. The original owner ordered this Mach 1 in stunning Black Jade, and it would have turned heads in its prime. Those days are well behind it, and it needs a brave individual with a healthy bank account to regain its former glory. The tired paint and patches in the quarter panels are merely the starting point because this old girl has rust in the places we have grown to know and love. The shopping list of new steel will include floors, a trunk pan, torque boxes, and sections of the frame rails. The deterioration is severe enough to suggest that dismantling this classic to the last nut and bolt would be the best approach. The Mustang’s innate ability to suffer from rust issues means this would be the best chance of ensuring there isn’t a future return visit from the tin worm. Some trim pieces require restoration or replacement, but the glass and Magnum 500 wheels look surprisingly good.

This Mustang’s interior delivers mixed messages. Some parts require replacement, while others should present acceptably for a driver-grade result following a deep clean. The driver’s seat has a small tear, but the remaining upholstered surfaces and headliner look respectable. The carpet might be okay, but with a replacement set retailing for $220, this could be a cheap option with a significant positive impact. The dashpad would have been fine if the speaker grille hadn’t collapsed. Therefore, a new one will find its way onto the shopping list. The faux woodgrain, the console lid, and a pair of door trims will join it.

Powering this Mach 1 is its numbers-matching H-Code 351ci V8 that sends 250hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. This was the least potent Mach 1 variant offered during the first year, returning a ¼-mile ET of 15.9 seconds and a top speed of 126mph. However, that also brings us to a fascinating point to ponder. This Mach 1 tips the scales at 3,254 lbs. A similarly equipped ’69 Mustang GT Fastback weighs 3,197 lbs. The difference might not be huge, but it allowed the GT to undercut the Mach 1 by a tenth of a second over the ¼-mile. Interestingly, there was not a single engine/transmission combination shared across either derivative where the Mach 1 would win a head-to-head competition. That is an often overlooked fact that demonstrated that the GT wasn’t really a spent force. The seller has spent a considerable sum on this Mustang to ensure it is mechanically healthy. It has received a fuel tank, fuel pump, shocks, heater hoses, and a starter. The braking system is almost totally new, with the master cylinder, wheel cylinders, lines, hoses, and shoes all replaced. They suggest replacing the exhaust would be wise, but that seems to be its only mechanical need. This Mach 1 runs and drives, allowing the winning bidder to indulge in immediate fun while devising a plan of attack.

I won’t sugarcoat it: Returning this 1969 Mustang Mach 1 to its former glory will be a significant undertaking. The new owner will be on a first-name basis with the steel supplier before the body is structurally sound, and it is at a point where a nut-and-bolt approach may be the only viable option to prevent future issues. However, this classic has attracted twenty-eight bids, confirming that people are prepared to roll up their sleeves and give it a go. I admit it is beyond my current abilities, but are you tempted?