This is the car that sounded the death knell for the First Generation Mustang GT. Well, not this car specifically, but the Mustang derivative wearing these badges. It is a 1969 Mach 1, and its overwhelming success robbed the GT of sales volume. The impact was significant enough to prompt Ford to ax the GT badge by the end of the model year. This classic has been sitting for years, but the seller coaxed it back to life so it can find a new home. It has a known ownership history and is a solid survivor begging for love. You will find the Mach 1 listed here on eBay in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The seller set the No Reserve auction to open at $30,000 but has received no bids.
The listing suggests the seller is this Mustang’s second owner and that it has sat in storage since 2002. It has spent its life in its current location, which is always positive news for any First Generation Mustang project. The underside photos confirm it is rock-solid, and the only rust appears to be a small spot in a lower door corner. It is claimed to have an accident-free history, but the original Indian Fire Red paint is tired. The obvious course of action would be to treat the car to a light cosmetic refresh, although there would be no shame in preserving it as a genuine survivor. The trim exhibits some deterioration, with the bumpers probably due for a trip to the platers. There are no glass issues, and the wheels look excellent.
This photo caused me concern because it is blindingly obvious that someone has “made merry” on the engine with the trusty rattle cans. I have no issues with this if done correctly, but this doesn’t look very good. It is unclear whether this was to hide problems or if it was done with the best of intentions. The new owner will undoubtedly choose to address this, regardless of whether they pursue the restoration or preservation path. The original owner ordered this classic with the M-Code 351ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. That V8 produced 290hp and 385 ft/lbs of torque in its prime, which was enough for this Mustang to storm the ¼-mile in 14.7 seconds. After two decades in hibernation, the seller worked to coax this Mach 1 back to life. They cleaned the carburetor, flushed the fuel system, fitted new plug wires, and replaced the fuel and water pumps. The car starts and runs, but they haven’t touched the brakes. It sounds like it will need attention in that area and a thorough inspection before being considered roadworthy.
The supplied photos suggest this Mach 1 wasn’t exposed to vast amounts of UV rays because the only issue attributable to that is the collapsed speaker grille in the dash pad. Both front seatcovers are stretched, with the driver’s also split. There is minor damage to the door trim on the same side, but the overall impression is that a deep clean would make an enormous difference to what is a survivor-grade classic. Someone fitted a retro-style stereo, but there are no other visible additions.
Ford sold 17,458 Mustang GTs in 1968, but that total plummeted to 5,396 in 1969. That figure made maintaining the GT badge difficult to justify, especially when 72,458 buyers demonstrated their preference for the Mach 1 by handing over the cash to park one in their driveway. This is one of those cars, and its solid nature makes it appear a promising project for the right person. The second-rate rattle can work on the engine causes concern, but the seller’s willingness to entertain in-person inspections makes the lack of bids surprising. If the situation remains unchanged, it is possible that someone could become its new owner with a single bid. That makes it worth the effort to monitor this auction.
Not too bad with a manual, and it does have disk breaks.
$30,000 for this, though a stretch, is far more reasonable than that same year Charger rust bucket with the Valiant Slant Six in Alabama featured here lately!
Paint and brakes will add another 10K, I don’t think it is worth 40K.
Oddly the odometer reads 00043, so rolled over or possibly broken. This car looks like David Frieburgers “Disgustang”. He put alot of money into his to get it up to this cars general condition.
I think the seller is around $10k high. But somebody will ante up for that west coast body.
He says no reserve.it has no bids. Sounds to me like the reserve is already there. Poor Ole ignorant people..
Indian Fire was one of several very attractive colors offered in 1969. Looks like a good starting point, but plenty of work needed.
It basically needs a total restoration and therefore on the high side of his asking price. He should have not rattled canned the engine IMO, and with the mileage being turned over it may need to be rebuilt. For a one owner it sure is rough.
If this is truly a one owner , back in the day we drove our cars. Most didn’t have $$ to have a second car. Anything someone kept for over 10 years, the odometer would be over turned, and the car would look very used. Rust was the demise or accidents
The seller is the second owner.
Solid cars like this that are desirable and runners are hard getting harder to find.Starting at 30k I wouldn’t have done.But better then buying a 10k rot bucket and putting 50k+ into it and a lot of time.I think it’s worth 30k especially being a 4 speed and disc brakes imo.Nice car glwts.
I’ve always had great respect for Mach 1 mustangs with 351, collectors all drool over the ones with a 428 or 429. Strong engines for sure, but heavy as a ships anchor. You couldn’t fit enough tire within the wheel well to put all that torque to the ground. For a 55year old pony car this is a pretty good car. Especially since there’s no reserve , someone just might get lucky.
I agree with your 351 comment Bill. I have a 4spd 351W in my Fairlane and it gives me plenty of power to get stupid if I so desire. Big blocks are a little too heavy in the nose and you have a tendency to ‘plow’ into corners. All in all, it would make someone a nice project and driver.
The sweet spot in terms of bang for the buck is a 390. A #2 condition 351 Windsor is in the $50K range, a similar 390 is only $10K more for a geat boost in performance. IMO Cobrajets aren’t worth another $20K. If you want to go that way the Super Cobrajet is a better investment. However SCJs are virtually undriveable for anything more than a local cruisein unless you remove and crate your original 4 speed toploader and put in a 6 speed manual to get overdrive.
Ah…. surprised no one made mention of the 65/66 white w/blue stripe Shelby in garage in one pic. Yes please. I’d rather have it. Zoom Zoom
The seller is right on the money and any buyer will not loose in the long run. These Stangs will, and are, getting serious $. This one is priced what it’s worth.
Too much money for just a decent body and interior. Engine is a major unknown, brakes need everything, paint is gone. Lots of money to be spent before it’s right, and if you have to pay labor, it goes up even more. $10,000 would be a huge price IMHO.
Guys like me, know how to fix most anything. This would be a great car ! Brakes are easy. That engine, easy !
I can do most body repairs but would need to pay someone so I could drive it sooner than later. 30,000 in today’s market is a little questionable . Maybe 20-25k the black paint in the doghouse and blue all over is probably just trying to make it look cleaner than it is. But that will show any oil leaks faster. You would think with the other stang in the garage he wouldn’t be spray painting a bunch of stuff unless it were disassembled
I had one of these, mine had the 351W, with a 4 barrel Motorcraft carburetor and the Ford FMX automatic transmission. It was my first car, in 1973. The 351 W was plenty of engine to make it fast by any standard. The 351 was heavy enough, and with all that weight up front the icy roads in the Sierras made it a challenge to stay on the road. Mine was black with the same interior that this one has. It was one of the best interiors I’ve ever seen. The exterior was beautiful and powerful looking. The duel headlights were placed perfectly. I wish I still had it, it has been my favorite car of all time. I was 17 when I bought it, and it never cooled off, I was always in it
It never failed me. My brother and I took it on many cross country road trips during the 80s and 90s. It would really turn heads when we drove it back east. Other than its very lose steering, which was typical of all Fords at that time, I loved everything about it, and still do. No car has ever effected me the way “the 69” has.I love cars, but not like this one does. In 2012, I was forced to sell it due to my financial situation. I sold it for $6000, so I would say the $30,000 for this one is the correct value, maybe a little less based on its current condition. The 69 Mach l holds a special spot in all of Mustang history. Who ever gets this car will love it for the rest of their lives. Really, I’m not kidding.
The rattle can painted engine looks out of.place given the overall state of the car … just sayin.
Ended 00000000 bids.