Until recently, this 1970 Mustang Mach 1 had been in the same family since new. It is now in the hands of a dealer who is searching for a new owner for this impressive classic. It wears one of the best colors to grace the panels of a 1st Generation Mustang, and it still features its original drivetrain. If this Mustang “Grabbers” your heart, then you will find it located in Addison, Illinois, and listed for sale here on eBay. The BIN has been set at $38,900, but the owner will entertain offers. There are currently 100 people watching the listing, which suggests that this classic has generated some interest.
The Mustang wears its original shade of Grabber Blue, although it has been treated to a repaint at some point. It presents well, but the seller points out a few minor marks in this YouTube video. None of these are bad, and you really have to be looking to spot them. Since this is a 1st Generation Mustang, we inevitably come to the question of rust problems. The panels appear to be clean, and the photos of the underside that the seller provides show floors and a frame that looks promising. However, there is rust present in the torque box on the driver’s side. This isn’t severe and doesn’t need to be addressed immediately. Having said that, fixing it soon would be a smart move before it has the chance to deteriorate any further. All of the distinctive Mach 1 trim pieces are present, and they are in good order. The remaining chrome is above average for a driver-quality car, although a perfectionist might be tempted to replace a few items that have minor flaws. The steel wheels and their trim rings are free from damage, while the same appears to be true of the tinted glass.
The Mach 1 is a numbers-matching classic that features a 351-2V Cleveland V8, a 3-speed automatic transmission, and power steering. This wasn’t the most potent weapon that the Mustang had in its war chest in 1970, with the V8 producing 250hp. However, it is still capable of running the Mach 1 through the ¼ mile in 16.1 seconds. The numbers-matching status extends to the majority of the components, and all items still wear their original tags. This includes the transmission and rear end, along with smaller items like the carburetor. The Mustang has a genuine 101,000 miles showing on the clock and runs and drives well. The video that I highlighted above shows this, with the 351 running smooth and clean. There is no evidence of smoke and no signs of any odd noises.
The originality of the Mustang extends to the interior. There are no aftermarket additions, and the general presentation looks to be quite good. This photo shows one of the few flaws, which is some wear and splitting on the driver’s seat cover. If the buyer is focused on originality, then a set of aftermarket slip-on seat covers might slow further deterioration. The buyer might also choose to fork out $430 for a pair of replacement front covers. If they wanted to guarantee uniform color across all seats, $720 would secure a full set of covers in the right material and pattern. The rest of the trim and upholstery is in good order, and there are no issues with the dash or carpet. There aren’t a lot of luxury appointments, although the original AM radio remains in situ.
This 1970 Mustang Mach 1 ticks a lot of the right boxes for prospective owners. It is an original survivor that still houses its numbers-matching drivetrain. Its rust issues would seem to be minimal, and it is finished in one of the most desirable shades in the 1970 Mustang color palette. However, the sticking point for me is that we know that there is rust that will need to be addressed. That makes the BIN price seem a bit on the high side. If you are interested in this classic, then it might be worth the effort to consider submitting an offer. Who knows, but today could be your lucky day.
Rust doesn’t selectively attack torque boxes. This is a big caution. 3 years ago I inspected a 428 SCJ that was stunning on top. Beautiful restoration. But up on a lift it was clear that all they did was shoot primer and black paint over rust on the underside. Pulled 3 inch pieces of rusted metal out of the torque boxes. To repair underside properly likely means pulling out the drive train so if it needs it, you may be looking at $5K or more. And if you pull the drivetrain, with this mileage you would be foolish not to rebuild the engine.
Mind you, I’m not disparaging the car. Only expressing a note of caution. As for me? Ended up buying a ’69 Mach that spent its entire life in CA. Happy as a clam.
One Family Owned: 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1
Until recently, this 1970 Mustang Mach 1 had been in the same family since new. It is now in the hands of a dealer who is searching for a new owner for this impressive classic. Please explain to all the readers how this is a 1 family owned car. Unless the dealer is selling the car is in their family, it is a second owner car,and whoever buys it will be the 3rd owner. This is one of my biggest pet peeves. To me and this is my opinion is borderline fraud.
If you follow that argument than it is impossible to buy a new car. The buyer would be the third owner following the manufacturer and the dealer or the bank that floored the inventory of the dealer.
We are splitting hairs here.
I do not see it that way,because the dealer had to buy the car from the original owners.
If a legitimate dealer is selling the car, it’s still an original one owner or one family owned vehicle. If a flipper is selling the car that’s no longer the case. It means you are dealing with someone that is skipping registration while leaving the next owner holding the bag if something goes south with the paperwork while dealing with the DMV. That all assumes the “one family” story isn’t a lie to begin with, that is a big “if”.
Steve R
John, you said it all. Rust is like cancer, usually hidden until it rears it’s ugly head. Then the question becomes can the patient be saved? And if so, is there more hiding somewhere? And do I have the time and cash, and desire to venture down the rabbit hole to find out?
After owning several of these, can understand the desirability fully.
Best wishes to both the seller, and the buyer.
The 1969-1970 Mach 1 Mustangs may be the best looking Muscle Car of all time, excluding the 1970 ‘cudas. My favorite was the 4 headlight 1969. That said, they really never had the power of other cars in their class. The occasional SEMI-HEMI, 428 SCJ, the exceptions. saw VERY FEW of the top dog engines in the day…
Some advice please.
We have a one family 68k mile 70 Mach 1 Cleveland 2v auto.
I brought it back to life from a 30 year slumber.
It looks as good as this one, still has the louvres etc.
My concern is Global warming, the erratic temperature gauge, original radiator and only non original is an electric fan.
We have 75 – 100 F deg southern weather.
Is it advisable to now upgrade to a aluminum radiator ? If so what size?
Two things jump out at me. First the comment in the Barn Find story about the styled steel wheels is incorrect, those are wheel covers over black steel wheels. They look good enough to fool mechanics, I once had to stop a mechanic from taking his impact to the fake lugs. Second, I noticed the common rust blisters on the top of the inner fenders/splash panels at the front and rear of the shock towers, which is a sign to investigate the car thoroughly for rust in other places. Those blisters are very common on midwestern cars and usually a sign of more rust issues.