Some project cars require more dedication than others. Sometimes it can be difficult to decide whether that car represents a viable restoration project or whether it would better serve as a source of parts for another project build. That is the situation we find with this 1970 Mustang Mach 1. At first glance, it looks promising. However, as we delve deeper, we find that it has some issues which place its viability in doubt. If you feel that this is a car you’d like to park in your workshop, you will find the Mustang in Hightstown, New Jersey, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has crawled to $13,100 in a No Reserve auction.

The Acapulco Blue Mach 1 is a complete vehicle, although it does wear aftermarket wheels. The panels are pretty straight, so the buyer won’t be faced with much work getting them to the point where they would be ready for a fresh coat of paint. The glass is also in good condition, while most of the trim is acceptable or is fit for restoration. We need to turn our attention to the topic of rust, which is always a hot one with First Generation Mustangs. This car is no exception, and this may prove pivotal in determining whether this car represents a viable restoration project. The bolt-on panels look promising, although the moldings make it impossible to determine whether there are issues with the lower fenders, rockers, or lower door corners. The rear quarter panels are a different matter. There is evidence of significant bulging Bondo on both sides, suggesting that they may be candidates for replacement. Once again, this is nothing out of the ordinary, and many owners would take this in their stride. It should be no surprise to learn that the floors are rotten, as is the trunk pan. The news continues to worsen because you can add the area below the rear window, at least one B-Pillar, and the torque boxes to the growing list. Rounding it out is evidence of penetrating rust in the cowl. We don’t get a clear look at or any information on the frame rails, shock towers, or under the battery, but it doesn’t look good. However, if someone intends to restore this classic, they will be on a first-name basis with their steel supplier before completing their work. When I raised the question about viability, the sheer quantity of rust was one factor that led me to have doubts. We’re about to reach the second factor for potential buyers to consider.

Lifting the hood reveals a 351ci V8 occupying this Mach 1’s engine bay, while the original owner also chose to tick the boxes beside an automatic transmission and power steering. This should be a Windsor motor, but it isn’t. Many years ago, the original went “bang,” so a previous owner swapped a Cleveland V8 of 1972 or 1973 vintage. The original transmission has also disappeared, with its place being taken by a C6 unit. That means that the car can’t trade on its numbers-matching status when the question of financial viability is considered. I admit that there have been plenty of First Generation Mustangs that owners have refurbished minus their original drivetrain, but this usually has some impact on their ultimate value. This classic has been sitting since the 1990s, but the owner has coaxed the motor back to life using an external fuel source. He says that with the gas tank being toast and no functioning brakes, this old girl is a long way from being roadworthy.

If there is a pot of gold with this Mach 1, the interior probably goes the closest to reaching it. The radio is missing, and there is an aftermarket shifter and gauges, but it appears to be essentially complete and unmolested. If I were to buy this car, I would probably take the time and effort to treat everything to a thorough clean before I considered spending any money. The upholstered surfaces seem to be free from significant wear or physical damage, and I think they could spring a surprise once treated to a birthday with some high-quality cleaning products. The dash and pad seem to be in a similar state, as is most of the plastic trim. A new carpet set will undoubtedly find its way onto the shopping list, but there’s a chance this is one aspect of the restoration that would take more time than money for the buyer to return it to a presentable state.

When you look at the potential hurdles the buyer will face returning this 1970 Mach 1 to its former glory, what do you think the chances are that it will ever happen? Virtually no car is beyond salvation, especially given the ever-growing supply of high-quality reproduction parts that flood today’s market. The question becomes whether such a project is financially viable. I tend to believe that the answer for this car rests in the auction’s bidding history. Typically, a First Generation Mustang Mach 1 will attract spirited action, but this one had received a mere six bids at the time of writing. I suspect that many potential buyers have decided to pass on this car, but I’ll be interested to see what you think.