It is no secret that Ford’s First Generation Mustang range could fall victim to rust issues. However, those that have spent their lives in favorable climates are typically hot prospects as project candidates. Those words perfectly describe this 1970 Fastback that was recently unearthed in an Arizona barn. The seller coaxed its V8 back to life, preparing it to head to a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for discovering this pony listed here on Craigslist in Buckeye, Arizona. The seller set their price at $19,900 for a classic that could be ideal for someone considering a DIY build.

The secret of the First Generation Mustang’s extraordinary sales success rests almost exclusively on the sheer quantity of variants and options the company offered to potential buyers. Those on a budget could select an entry-level version, while the release of the Grande in 1969 catered to those with luxury leanings. Die-hard performance enthusiasts could select a Boss or Mach 1 to make a bold visual and mechanical statement. Our feature ‘Stang is a base model that was ordered by its first owner in Bright Gold Metallic. It has split its fifty-five years between California and Arizona, which explains the baked state of its paint. The panels also sport a few bumps and bruises, although none are bad enough to justify steel replacement. However, it is almost guaranteed that the new owner will strip the exterior to bare metal to achieve a high-end result if they decide that preservation is not their cup of tea. The seller doesn’t mention the presence of rust, and I see nothing in the supplied shots suggesting that the buyer faces hours of cutting and welding. The shopping list for this build will include many exterior trim pieces, but the tinted glass looks quite good.

Project cars from dry climates often represent a compromise, and this Mustang is no exception. Its steel may be solid, but the Black vinyl interior is baked beyond salvation. Spending over $1,500 on a trim kit would be the best way to return it to a pristine state, but there are few tasks in a project build that are more satisfying than an interior restoration. The first owner didn’t load the car with factory options, but it is not a “poverty pack” special. They equipped the car with air conditioning and an AM radio, with both items appearing intact.

While buyers could order their new 1970 Mustang with a six under the hood, this Fastback’s first owner selected the F-Code 302ci V8. This was the least potent eight in the range, delivering 220hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque. The remaining major mechanical components include a three-speed C4 automatic transmission, power steering, and power-assisted front disc brakes. It is unclear when this Mustang last graced our roads, but the seller confirms it has been in long-term storage. That phrase can mean different things, depending on your perspective. The time frame could be anything from a few months to several decades. I think it is safe to say that it can be measured in years in this case, and the car will require a fair amount of work to return to a roadworthy state. However, the seller coaxed the engine back to life, stating that it runs well from an external fuel source. That is a promising start in the journey that will return this classic to its rightful place on our roads.

Returning this 1970 Mustang Fastback to a mechanically roadworthy state and enjoying it as a genuine survivor is a concept that some readers may find irresistible. However, others will insist that it deserves restoration to recapture its original good looks. The fact is that with its paint and panel imperfections, baked interior, and shabby engine bay, that process will probably entail entirely dismantling the vehicle to achieve a high-end result. There will also be a group of readers who will see this Fastback as the ideal foundation for a Boss or Mach 1 tribute. All of these approaches are valid, but which would you choose?