The First Generation Mustang didn’t just rewrite the record book but became the benchmark against which many new models have been measured. The secret of its success was that Ford offered a variant to suit virtually every taste and budget. The GT proved a popular choice until 1969, when the company released the Mach 1 and rendered the GT obsolete almost instantly. This 1970 Mach 1 is a stunning example of the breed, which is unsurprising since it recently emerged following a “money is no object” restoration. Finding anything worth criticizing is challenging, but it hasn’t attracted the interest I would typically expect since the seller listed it here on eBay in San Diego, California. Eight bids have pushed the price to $26,199, but I’m sure it won’t be a shock to learn that figure remains below the reserve.

Although Mustang sales remained the envy of many manufacturers as the 1960s drew to a close, there was indisputable evidence that by 1968, sales volumes had dropped by nearly 50% when compared to the staggering total achieved in 1966. Ford wasn’t keen to relinquish its market share and began rejuvenation the badge by performing a major styling and engineering upgrade for 1969 and introducing the Mach 1 as a performance variant. The initial response was so impressive that it signed the death certificate for the GT, which disappeared quietly at the end of that year. Our feature car rolled off the line in November 1969 as a 1970 model, and its history before it underwent restoration is unclear. However, the fruits of the seller’s labor are clearly visible. Its Medium Gold Metallic paint shines beautifully, with every exterior aspect appearing flawless. We can only guess how much action this Mustang has seen since the restoration ended, but I would estimate the mileage figure as somewhere around “not many.” The trim and stripes are in as-new condition, and the underside shots confirm this classic is as rust-free as it would have been when the original owner took delivery. The Magnum 500 wheels don’t figure on the included Marti Report or Window Sticker, but they are an ideal addition to a vehicle of this type. Sourcing the correct factory items per the documentation shouldn’t be challenging if the new owner seeks originality.

The Mustang’s interior further reinforces the restoration standard, but a couple of visible flaws surprise me. It looks like the kick panels are discolored in some spots, while the driver’s-side sill plate looks bent and warped. I initially thought the sill plate issue might be an illusion, but I believe it is a genuine fault. Otherwise, there is little to criticize about an interior trimmed in Medium Ginger vinyl. It probably received a retrim during the build, helping to explain why there are no signs of wear or other problems. There are no aftermarket additions, but the factory options fitted to this car guarantee an enjoyable motoring experience. The new owner receives air conditioning, tinted glass, a console, a rim-blow wheel, and an AM/FM stereo radio.

It is fair to expect the sporting variant of any vehicle model to provide respectable performance, and this Mach 1 delivers on that promise. Its original owner ordered it powered by the M-Code 351ci V8. It sends 300hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque to the 3.00 Traction-Lok rear end via a three-speed automatic transmission. The winning bidder also receives power steering and power front disc brakes. Ford offered more potent versions of the Mach 1, but most buyers would have found more power and torque than they generally needed under their right foot whenever they slipped behind the wheel of this gem. The seller indicates that this car’s restoration included a rebuild of the Mustang’s numbers-matching drivetrain. It runs and drives perfectly, with this YouTube video confirming it has no odd noises or rattles.

The automotive industry is heading into a brave new world, but determining its makeup is virtually impossible. Some believe hybrids will dominate, while others point to battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology. Whatever configuration captures the market, its sales success will forever be measured against the First Generation Mustang. There are few times that a manufacturer has not only created a market sector with a new model but has then proceeded to sell those cars in staggering numbers that have caught the creators completely off-guard. There seems no doubt that low or zero-emission vehicles will become the volume-sellers eventually. While I applaud that from an environmental standpoint, I feel sympathy for future generations who will seldom experience the thrill of hearing a classic V8 in action. The only way that will happen is if passionate enthusiasts preserve cars like this stunning 1970 Mustang Mach 1. Do you feel up for that challenge?