Convertible Mustangs from the early 1970s have always carried a certain appeal, especially when they’re still wearing their original drivetrain. This 1970 Ford Mustang convertible, currently listed on craigslist out of Belfair, Washington, is one of those cars that sits squarely in project territory but checks several important boxes that enthusiasts look for when considering a long-term build. Thanks for the tip, Curvette!
According to the seller, this Mustang is finished in red and retains its original 302 V8 paired with an automatic transmission, both of which are described as numbers-matching. That alone gives the car a strong foundation, particularly for buyers who value originality over engine swaps or heavy modification. The odometer shows 150,000 miles, with the seller noting that it has rolled over, and the car currently does not run.
Even so, there has been recent mechanical attention aimed at moving the car in the right direction. The fuel system has been addressed with a replacement fuel tank and new fuel lines, and the engine has received a new water pump along with a timing chain upgrade using a double chain setup. While the car still needs further work before it can be driven, these updates suggest the seller had plans beyond simply letting it sit.
The Mustang is equipped with power steering, power brakes, and a power-operated convertible top, all desirable options for a driver-focused build. The top itself will need a rebuild, including attention to the hydraulics and related components. The seller notes that everything appears to be present, just aged and in need of restoration. That’s often preferable to hunting down missing convertible-specific parts later.
Visually, the seller describes the body as straight and still wearing its original paint, which is becoming harder to find on cars from this era. The car rides on American Racing wheels, though the tires are noted as old and likely due for replacement. The title is listed as clean, and the car is being sold as a project, priced at $10,000.
One last thing to note is the “Boss 302” that appears in pictures, but isn’t addressed in the ad; without further information from the seller, or a VIN to cross referenced, it’s a mysterious piece of vinyl lettering. For the right buyer, this Mustang represents an opportunity to bring back a classic convertible without starting from scratch. It isn’t a turnkey cruiser, but it offers originality, factory options, and a solid starting point that could go in several directions—from a faithful restoration to a lightly updated weekend car.
Early ’70s Mustang convertibles continue to attract attention as prices climb on earlier models. The real question is whether you’d keep this one close to stock or take advantage of its project status to build it your way—what would you do with it?
Nice find Curvette and writeup Elizabeth. A pretty solid stang with seemingly good bones. Needs a thorough frame, floors and trunk checkup. If frame and all are good, it will be a tall order to get it back to pristine condition, to the tune of $25K and above just to address bodywork, paint, trim, top and interior. And with 150,000 on the clock probably needs to be mechanically refurbished. This will place the new owner at $30K plus for a 302 automatic Mustang. Hagerty has these listed in good shape going from $25 to $50K and excellent 75 to $100K. If the numbers do match this will be worth restoring. I hope it finds a good owner willing to take it there!
Has A/C also.
You could probably just get it mechanically sorted, reupholster the seats and drive it, but the top hydraulics sound scary. Patina. Also, there’s a hole where the radio used to be but some big honking speakers in the doors and back seat area.
I made a plate out of stainless-steel last week to cover the gaping hole a previous owner made in the dash of my 66 Ford F-100. I measured and drilled the five holes to enable the return of an original AM truck radio. Yesterday, during a relative warm day and before the next snow on Sunday, I hooked up the old radio to speaker, hot wire and antenna, only to discover that it didn’t work, no surprise. But the fitment can be done, in my case using double stick tape for the piece I made and a support underneath to dash. I will send off the radio for repair. Harrison told me he knows of someone in NY state. Any other recommendations for car radio repair? It has a combination of two mini tubes as well as transistors, just prior to “solid state”.
Pick up a copy of Hemming’s Motor News and look in the services section, there are quite a few repair facilities around the country. There are also places that will upgrade your existing radio to AM/FM, Bluetooth, HD radio, etc while without any cosmetic changes. Pricey, but it is your old radio with modern guts. Aurora Designs is the product.
No need to look at the VIN, the seller says it has the original engine, the BOSS 302 wasn’t available in convertibles or with an automatic.
I’m not sure why the seller would waste a picture on the BOSS 302 stripes, show more of the car, including the wheels, which were mentioned as a selling point in the ad.
Steve R
Plus the Boss 302 was not available with A/C. You can see in the one engine photo that this car has the regular style small block valve covers. The Boss 302 valve covers are shaped the same as a 351C, very different from the ones on this car.
Not the best photos for selling a car. GLWS.
BOSS 302 wasn’t available with an automatic!
A minor annoyance is the “numbers matching” claim. Ford didn’t stamp the blocks with VIN numbers so the only thing you can go by is the casting date vs. the build date of the car.
It looks like a easy one , IF its not rusted . Rust is and always will be a deal breaker .it appears to be wortky of a rebirth . IF you do all the work yourself . The convertible parts are easy and cheap . ( same as a 69 cougar ) . Id buy it !
If it was a true 302 BOSS the engine alone would be worth $10k by itself! In a shootout in Hot Rod Magazine back in the early 70’s the 302 BOSS whooped the 429 Mustang in the quarter mile and almost everything else built by the Big 3 in that same article. They were a true Bada** every way they were run or competed against as a true Hot Rod and that’s hard to admit since my blood flows Chevy Orange but the only car ever built (back in the days of my youth) that ever gave me a chill was when a 302 BOSS Mustang ended up next to my Rat Powered Chevy at a stop light!
Why so many comments about this not being a BOSS? The seller never claims that it is. It is quite obvious that it isn’t, doesn’t even need to be pointed out.