Although sales figures had tapered by 1970, Ford’s First Generation Mustang continued selling in significant numbers. Part of its secret was a range that had something for everyone. This 1970 Hardtop is a prime example of the breed. It possesses the badge’s innate good looks, but its mechanical package means it would have functioned as an economical and civilized daily driver. It is set for a new home, with the seller listing it here on Craigslist in Chino Hills, California. You could drive away behind the wheel of this survivor by handing the owner $14,500. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this gem.
I always use caution when describing any classic as a survivor because sometimes the tag isn’t appropriate. Many will argue that it is appropriate with this car, while others will raise objections. My only qualm with this Mustang is that it appears to have received at least a partial repaint at some point. There is what seems to be a mismatch in its Calypso Coral paint across several panels, with the most obvious being the front fenders. It could be an illusion, but it is worth investigating. Whatever the truth, the car presents well for its age. It retains a decent shine, with any paint flaws so minor they are almost invisible in the supplied photos. The panels are straight, but spending its life in California has allowed this beauty to remain rust-free. The seller indicates there are no known hidden issues, which is an important consideration with any Mustang of this vintage. The glass and trim are suitable for a driver-grade vehicle. The steel wheels sport their original hubcaps, with the narrow whitewalls adding a perfect finishing touch.
Considering the climate in which this Mustang has spent its life, its interior is surprisingly good for a vehicle with more than five decades under its belt. The carpet may be slightly faded, and I believe the wheel is cracked. Otherwise, there is little of which to be critical. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from rips and tears, while the dash and pad haven’t succumbed to the harsh UV rays. The speaker grille in the top of the dash is particularly prone to problems, but this one looks okay. If the new owner chooses to replace the carpet, a complete set retails for around $260. The wheel is one item where taking the time to shop around could reap dividends. Reproduction wheels are readily available, but their prices can range from $340 to $520. If there is no difference in the quality, saving $180 is something I won’t say no to!
Some readers will be disappointed to learn that this Mustang features a 250ci six under the hood, but these motors were the key to the Mustang’s enormous success. Many buyers saw a Mustang with a V8 occupying its engine bay as an unnecessary extravagance as a daily driver. The six had a lower sticker price and used less fuel, helping some justify why buying a Mustang was a rational decision. This Mustang’s original owner sought a relaxed driving experience, ordering it with the 250 backed by a three-speed automatic transmission. Rounding out the package is power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The 250 isn’t a bad motor, pumping out a respectable 155hp. The 18.5-second ¼-mile ET will not set many hearts racing, but the fact it will use at least 15% less fuel than any of its V8/auto-equipped siblings helps demonstrate why so many became daily drivers. The engine bay presentation is appropriate for a fifty-three-year-old car, with no signs of long-term fluid leaks or other problems. The seller indicates it runs and drives exceptionally well and is ready to head into the sunset with a new owner behind the wheel.
While many people focus on V8 versions of the First Generation Mustang, those with a six under the hood were accomplished performers that frequently served as effective daily drivers. They possessed all the charisma of their more powerful siblings in a more affordable package. It was common during the 1970s and 1980s to see those cars receive an engine transplant in the owner’s quest for improved performance. This Hardtop has avoided that fate, and after five decades, it could still fulfill the role its creators intended. That makes it worthy of preservation, but is that the option you would choose?
“You’re gonna make it after all”,,,sorry, TV USED to be so entertaining, and the late Mary Tyler Moore was one of the best. If unfamiliar, her show (1970-1977) featured her as a single TV news producer in Minneapolis,, had some of the most talented folks, and broke new ground on TV for single women everywhere,,and she drove a 1970 Mustang like this, only white. Again, typical of what most single working women could relate to. It’s refreshing to actually see cars like this, and not the foophery of these TV auctions, that NEVER feature a car like this, and why would they? Back in our world, I can see this appealing to a wide range of folks. Ones that aren’t interested in 900 hp tire burners. Just a nice classic Mustang. It shan’t be here long!
I have to agree to. It’s a shame that so many of these “mundane” drivers have disappeared, turned into V8 muscle machines 😕.
& i bet this one is next! – along with ridiculous “modern” wheels & tires.
Even worse, if it was an old chevy with strait 6, an LS would move in – yesterday.
I bet few strait or slant 6 anythings from the ’60s were ordered with power disc brakes.
Efrem Zimbalist drove one on the TV show “FBI” I think it was a blue one
Good one, I had to look that up. In the early shows, they featured older Mustangs and in 1970 ( season 6) alternated between Mustang and T bird. https://thefbiepisodeguide.wordpress.com/cars-of-the-end-titles-of-the-fbi/
Right on, Howard-you nailed it. The screamin’ firebreathing street legal pseudo dragster is fun on occasion but as a comfortable and cool old school daily driver this would be a perfect ride.
And a tip of the gentleman’s hat to you sir for the remembrance of Mary Tyler Moore, a very classy and beautiful lady that opened many a door of opportunity for women.
70 generally my least favorite year , but this is DANG nice one. Seldom see a coupe any more.
I forgot how clean the hardtop coupe looked, WITHOUT the vinyl.
Well, when they did have vinyl, it was only half vinyl, the Mustang Grande
Fahrvergnugen, I had both back in the day and remember them fondly. However both of mine had 302’s. My first one I did some tweaking on the engine and averaged 24.5 mpg at 70 mph. Can someone top that?
Clean interior and pretty low miles for a 70.
Between the drivers for and front fender, the line doesn’t seem quite right. Whether the dirt and the reflection make it look wrong or not. I’m not sure. But if I had the $$ I’d grab this for my daily driver today. Nice car ! I would have preferred a 289 or 302 but the six was standard in the maverick that my grandparents had. Reasonably economical.
Only so many originals left. Not only ez on gas but ez to work on as well. Looks just like a 70 Stang should. And no badging or striping. Simple is very nice sometimes.
I like it, but…”You coulda had a V8”. I doubt a 302 would be that much worse on gas than the suffering six. I don’t think I could bring myself to do an engine transplant on one this nice, yet I don’t think I could live with the six and what could’ve been. I’d just have to hold out for a car that was ordered with the V8. I imagine a few secretaries ordered them with at least the 302.
The 250 was up 35 hp compared to the previous year’s base engine (the 200). It honestly wasn’t that bad for a cruiser.
I had one just like this in blue. And that six has some decent pull, once you got going. Paid $2600 for mine new, equipped the same way.
I see this mustand as a beautiful girlfriend that you could not have any fun with …
This red thing needs more motivational power, i am 60 and still drive like fred flintsone coming home from work and that 6 banger could not keep up with the pedal stabbing
Oh I don’t know, some of my favorite girlfriends were pretty slow moving.
Take life easy, better mpg, and ya might live longer
I say keep it original if I was the owner I would change the brake fluid and put a bore scope through the oil drain plug to look for sludge give it fresh fluids and just drive it it looks like a nice car it does look like the left front fender may have been replaced sometime in its life but it’s still nice.
What’s to restore?
My point exactly in my comments Boatman. Have a great one! Rickirick
I never liked the looks of the Mustang coups after the 1968 model…..The fastbacks still looked nice but something about the coups just don’t do it for me.
I would jump on this in a heartbeat if I had the cash. Yes, the V8 might be more desirable, but that is exactly why this isn’t priced around $30K.
It was a boring, Mustang Sally in 1970 as it remains today. Great for anyone looking for that in a six cylinder driver Mustang, just not for me.
The paint on the front doghouse is mismatched, which means it has had paint work and probably body damage? AIso, the body lines are off. It sure didn’t leave FMC like this.
So, it’s not untouched/original.
It’s a nice Mustang, but just be honest about it.
Now I don’t believe anything else the seller says.
Just my opinion!
“Front doghouse”?
Doghouse.sorry!
“Doghouse”?
Like, front fenders, hood. Front clip
power steering and power brakes on a 6 cylinder that a rare find
I can appreciate the original setup still being intake and not updated. But maybe someone should have. A Mustang with only a 6 cylinder with power brakes, ps, and an automatic equals a very dull ride. IMO