If you wanted a fast Mustang in 1970, Ford was happy to take your money and deliver something extraordinary. While it wasn’t the ultimate weapon in the company’s arsenal, a Mach 1 with an R-Code 428 Cobra Jet under the hood would command respect on the street. That is what the original owner selected when they ordered this 1970 Mach 1 that recently emerged after four decades in storage. It is an original and unmolested survivor that the seller returned to a roadworthy state, preparing it for a new home. It is listed here on eBay in Cudahy, Wisconsin. Frantic bidding has pushed the price to $52,100, although I’m not surprised that figure remains short of the reserve.

The seller claims this Mach 1 recently emerged after a previous owner placed it in storage in 1982. Four decades of hibernation have helped preserve this classic, which has no immediate needs. The car’s steel and Competition Yellow paint are said to be original, and while it would be stretching the friendship to class it as showroom fresh, it has no immediate needs if the buyer chose to preserve rather than restore this Ford. The paint is thin in spots and carries its share of chips and marks, but the shine allows the Mach 1 to remain presentable. The panels are straight for a vehicle of this age and type, and the exterior rust seems confined to some small repairable spots on the rear quarter panels. The seller provides a selection of underside shots, and these show nothing beyond the occasional light dusting of surface corrosion. The floors, rails, trunk pan, and torque boxes are rock solid. The trim and chrome are acceptable for a driver-grade car, while the same is true of the glass. The Marti Report suggests that the Magnum 500 wheels aren’t original, but they suit the vehicle’s character. Determining the correct wheels and locating a set should not be difficult if the new owner craves originality.

What a shame the seller doesn’t supply a better engine photo because it is the defining characteristic that helps this Mach 1 stand above mere mortals. Buyers faced a wide selection of engines in 1970, but the original owner selected the R-Code 428 Cobra Jet Ram Air producing 335hp. They grabbed the Order Form and ticked the boxes beside the three-speed C6 transmission, a 3.00 Traction-Lok 9″ rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. Ford may have offered faster Mustangs in 1970, but this car’s ability to scorch through the ¼ mile in 14.6 seconds made it pretty special. Potential buyers have plenty of positives to take from this classic. It is a numbers-matching survivor that only lacks a couple of original minor components. The snorkel, “S” tube, and heat shield were removed by the previous owner and have disappeared. The seller indicates the steering has some slight free play, but they feel rebuilding the control valve should address that issue. They replaced the master cylinder and water pump but retained the original components for the buyer to rebuild. The Mustang runs and drives well and is ready for the new owner’s immediate enjoyment.

This Mustang’s originality continues when we turn our attention to its interior. The White vinyl upholstery is serviceable, but time has taken a toll on the front seat upholstery and door trims. The seller suggests replacing those items would be a wise first move, but the dash, pad, and console all present well. There would be no shame in retaining the interior untouched to preserve the car’s survivor status, although lifting the presentation to a higher level would not be complicated or expensive. Thankfully, there are no aftermarket additions for the buyer to consider. It isn’t highly optioned, but the AM radio should provide entertainment on the move if the buyer tires of the tune being sung by that monster under the hood.

First Generation Mustangs will always attract attention in the classic market, but this 1970 Mach 1 takes that interest to a higher level. Its originality, lack of rust, and the R-Code monster under the hood have been enough to it to attract an incredible one hundred bids. Time remains on the auction, leaving scope for the bidding figure and price to climb significantly higher. Even if this car is beyond your financial means, watching the auction could be fascinating because it will be interesting to see what price a Mach 1 of this caliber commands. Does anyone wish to hazard a guess?