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Mach 1 Clone: 1970 Ford Mustang

Sometimes a classic car won’t be all that it seems. That is the case with this 1970 Ford Mustang. It is a car that would seem to have very few rust problems, which suggests that it could be a worthwhile restoration project. It also wears many genuine Mach 1 components, but that’s where the rub is with this vehicle. The current owner purchased it without performing all of the mandatory history checks. It didn’t start life as a Mach 1, and as a result, the vehicle is being offered without a title. However, it will come with a Bill of Sale. The Mustang is located in Saint Louis, Missouri, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $11,551 off the back of some spirited action. The reserve on the Ford has been met.

The Mustang shows a lot of promise on the surface. The White paint that it wears isn’t original. When the car rolled off the production line, it was finished in Chestnut Metallic. The previous owner applied the current color in the mid-1980s. At that point, all of the distinctive Mach 1 components were used to create a clone. The body is reasonably straight, and from the information and photos supplied by the current owner, it seems that its rust problems are quite limited. There are a few spots like this one in the rear quarter panel and some in the doors and around the back windows. The car rolls on a set of Magnum 500 wheels, and there is a matching spare in the trunk. The shaker hood and scoop aren’t original, and there are non-genuine front and rear spoilers included with the vehicle.

When it was shiny and new, the Mustang featured a 200ci 6-cylinder engine under the hood. This was backed by a 3-speed manual transmission and a 3.08 rear end. What we find now is a 302ci V8, a 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The previous owner performed all of these changes while a Weiand intake and an Edelbrock carburetor were fitted. That owner also installed a Holley spacer so that the scoop would align correctly with the hood. The current owner rebuilt the transmission when he purchased the Mustang back in 1998, but it appears that it might have leaked its fluid out over the years. It will move under its own power, but the owner admits that it feels sluggish. The vehicle has had very little use since the early 2000s, and the last time it was on the road was back in 2011. Therefore, it will need some work and a new set of tires before being considered roadworthy.

Apart from the wheel, the interior looks like any that you might find in a Mach 1 of this vintage. Once again, this was all replaced by the previous owner, as the interior was originally trimmed in Ginger. The current owner has fitted an aftermarket stereo, but this could be removed if the buyer seeks a stock look. He also fitted a Sport Deck rear seat, which is a smart addition. The trim and upholstery generally present quite well, and it could be used as-is with no dramas. The owner says that the carpet looks ordinary, so a new set might be on the cards. He also says that the seat foam is starting to collapse, so maybe this could be replaced when the carpet is done. The Mustang is fitted with air conditioning, but it isn’t clear whether this functions.

At first glance, this 1970 Mustang looks like a great Mach 1 that could represent a straightforward restoration candidate. Its lack of originality will turn some people off it, while the absence of a valid title will potentially pose some problems. What do you think? Is this Mustang worth the effort, or should it be placed in the “too hard” basket?

Comments

  1. Avatar 32Vicky Member

    Re: ebay listing “1932 Ford Victoria “Vicky” Barn Find – RARE”

    New member here. What’s the deal with the above ebay listing? It’s been listed for several years by different sellers, but always in Atlanta. Sometimes with price ($80k or more) but not always. Always with the same photo(s) of a true ‘barn fined’ black Victoria in an underground parking garage, lately on dollies. Is this for real, or . . . ?

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Steve R

    Nobody in their right mind would buy this car. As shown in several pictures there is considerable rust under prior shoddy repairs. The seller also clearly stated he’s selling it as a parts car because he won’t include a title with it due to a previous VIN swap. Yet will these red flags staring potential buyers in the face there are bidders dumb enough to have raised its price past $11,000+, so far.

    Steve R

    Like 9
  3. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    I can look at these cars especially that ’70 mach 1 rear end all day & all night & admire the styling. I wonder if Ford made the 2005 stang look like this car instead, would they have sold more cars? I sure would have bought one.
    If the steering wheel was shot, i would test fit a mustang II sport wheel, t/a type formula wheel, etc.

    Like 2
  4. Avatar 32Vicky Member

    New member here.
    Why am I getting comments re: ’71 Mach 1 Mustang?
    My initial post was re: ’32 Ford Victoria which has been on eBay ‘forever’ – always from different owners, but always located in Atlanta. Is this a hoax, or what?

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Dallas

    @32Vicky – take a look at the top of the page – you’ve posted your comments under a BF story about a ‘70 Mustang Mach 1 clone.

    So the VIN was swapped on this one?? I’m going to check the actual sales listing as that wasn’t mentioned in the BF write up.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar 32Vicky Member

    My only interest in BF is: does anyone know about multiple ebay listings for a ’32 Ford Victoria barn find in Atlanta.
    Right away, I got a response from someone on the ’70 Mach 1 listings who sent it to me by mistake.
    I hope to start a thread on the ebay Victoria: looks just like my dad’s first car.

    Like 0

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