When the subject turns to 1970 Ford Mustangs, we tend to see more Fastbacks than Hardtops crossing our desks at Barn Finds. This is surprising because the Hardtop sold in greater numbers than all derivatives of the Fastback combined. This 1970 Hardtop is a genuine barn find that features many positive attributes. Perhaps its most significant is that it is as solid as the day it left the showroom floor. It needs work to recapture its former glory, but the lack of major panel and paint tasks makes it an ideal candidate for someone contemplating a first project. The Mustang is listed here on Craigslist in Fort Mill, South Carolina. You could become its next owner by handing the seller $8,400.

The First Generation Mustang underwent several significant styling and engineering revisions during its production life, with those made to the 1969 and 1970 models marking the middle ground between the original hard-edged version and the last cars that were larger, heavier, and more akin to Grand Tourers. This “era” of Mustang also spawned the Mach 1 and Boss 302 models, both of which attained legendary status. The seller indicates that this Hardtop has sat for many years, but that isn’t bad news for potential buyers. Its Code T Red paint is tired, and the panels have accumulated a few repairable dings and dents. The included Marti Report confirms the original owner ordered the car with a Black vinyl top, but this is long gone. However, it is the car’s rust-free status that may prove irresistible. The lower exterior extremities are clean, while the underside shots reveal nothing beyond the occasional dusting of surface corrosion. There is no evidence of steel penetration, suggesting this could be a relatively straightforward project build. The tinted glass looks pretty good, and most trim pieces should be acceptable for a driver-grade build. The seller includes a new GT front spoiler for those seeking a more muscular appearance.

Perhaps the biggest surprise with this Mustang is its interior. Step one in its revival would be to perform a deep clean because it has accumulated years of dust. The next will be compiling a shopping list of parts required to return it to its former glory. It will include spending around $440 on a new dash pad and $220 for a carpet set. Those are the main imperfections because the Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from significant faults, with the same true of the dash and console. Someone has substituted an AM/FM radio/8-track player for the original AM radio, but there are no other additions. It isn’t loaded with factory options, but those living in warmer areas will undoubtedly welcome the air conditioning.

The seller doesn’t provide clear engine shots, but the Marti Report reveals the truth about this Mustang’s mechanical specifications. The original owner ordered it powered by a 302ci V8, with a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes guaranteeing an effortless driving experience. The motor should produce 220hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque, making the Hardtop a competent performer. Whether this Mustang is numbers-matching or how long it spent squirreled away in a barn is unclear. However, the seller installed a new fuel tank and brake lines and coaxed the V8 into life. It runs extremely well, with no evidence of smoke or odd noises. The tires are old, but with those replaced and a thorough inspection, returning this classic to active service appears to be a realistic short-term goal.

Although the 1970 Mustang Hardtop outsold its Fastback sibling, the latter has become the hero of the classic world. Long-term sales results reveal that the Hardtop consistently commands prices between 30% and 50% less than an equivalent Fastback. There is no single reason why this is so, but it is generally good news for those willing to compromise when seeking a First Generation Mustang as a project candidate. The seller’s price for our feature car is very affordable for a rust-free 1970 model with a V8 under the hood. The only surprise for me is that it hasn’t sold after more than three weeks on the market. Do we have any readers who might change that? I wish you luck if you do.