If you’ve always longed to tackle a project build but find the prospect of whipping a car’s panels and paint into shape, this 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 deserves a close look. The seller has recently completed the hard yards, leaving the new owner the joy of adding the finishing touches. It includes fitting the final engine bay components and refreshing the interior. They aren’t complicated tasks, and are generally the sort that a relatively competent person could tackle in a home workshop. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Mach 1 listed here on eBay in Trenton, Florida. The seller set their BIN at $35,000 with the option to make an offer.
There’s a lot to unpack with this Mach 1, and we should probably begin with the paint shade. It isn’t original, because the Data Plate indicates that the Mustang left the line finished in Wimbledon White. While I typically prefer originality, I will admit that the Metallic Blue gracing its panels is a striking color that improves the car’s visual impact. The seller completed the cosmetic restoration approximately a year ago, replacing rusty sections with fresh steel and massaging the panels into shape. They applied the Blue, added Black on the hood, and completed the process with Silver Mach 1 graphics. The results speak for themselves, because the car looks stunning. The paint shine is far better than Ford achieved on the line, and is guaranteed to receive favorable comments. The Mustang features its correct spoilers at both ends, spotless trim and glass, and a sparkling set of Magnum 500 wheels.
Matters take a strange turn when we lift this Mustang’s hood. The VIN indicates it started life with the M-Code 351ci V8, and the seller confirms that the first owner paired that motor with a three-speed automatic transmission. The M-Code was a pretty respectable performer, delivering a factory-quoted 290hp and 385 ft/lbs of torque. However, this Mach 1 now features a 302 and a four-speed T-10 manual transmission. The seller doesn’t explain the change, and it is definitely curious. The engine looks fairly fresh, making me wonder whether the seller rebuilt it and added upgrades like a better camshaft and other internal changes to squeeze more power and torque from the little V8. Obviously, it doesn’t currently run. However, the seller indicates that they have almost everything required to complete the build, and I assume that includes the missing engine peripheral components.
This Mustang serves up another mystery when we scrutinize the interior images. Once again, referring to the Data Plate confirms that it left the line trimmed in iconic Mach 1 Black knit vinyl. It appears to be virtually complete, although I can’t spot the driver’s seat in the listing images. The carpet is new, but the vinyl looks tired and the dashpad badly cracked. However, if a trim kit forms part of the included parts collection, it may take more time than money to complete this aspect of the project. All potential buyers can do is ask the question and hope for a favorable answer.
With the hard work seemingly complete, this 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 shows promise as a project build. I am probably not alone in wondering why the seller discarded the car’s original 351ci V8, substituting a 302 that would offer a potential drop in performance. Of course, they may have filled the motor with upgrades to improve its power and torque figures, but they don’t mention this. With that thought in mind, would you like to make your mark on this Mach 1?
Questionable bodywork on the driver’s door at least. Looks like a T-bird steering wheel? Really needs a Marti…