If you walk into a coffee shop today, you are usually confronted by a mystifying array of beverage choices designed to slake your thirst. The same was true if you walked into a Ford dealership in 1969 looking for a new Mustang to satisfy your automotive thirst. Apart from three body styles, buyers could select from ten engines and everything from a base model to a Grande, a GT, a Boss, or the new Mach 1. The original owner of this ’69 Mach 1 went for broke when ordering this classic, making it one of the most potent Mustangs to roll off the line that year. It recently underwent a meticulous restoration, but it needs a new home. The seller lists it for sale here on eBay in Davenport, Iowa. The bidding sits below the reserve at $61,100, although there is a BIN option of $175,000 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.
There is so much to unpack with this Mach 1, and, as you will see, its beauty is more than skin-deep. The seller purchased the vehicle more than five years ago, but it’s unclear whether they commissioned the ground-up restoration that returned it to showroom condition. It only sees service at car shows, helping explain why its Gulfstream Aqua paint shines beautifully. I can’t spot a flaw or defect, and it cloaks panels that are equally impressive. There are no bumps or bruises, and this classic is rust-free. The blackout hood looks excellent, with the stripes crisp and free from lifting and deterioration. The chrome steel wheels are spotless and are wrapped in period-correct Goodyear Polyglas tires.
Ordering a ’69 Mach 1 brought a 351ci V8 that produced 250hp and delivered a sub-16-second ¼-mile ET. That was enough to satisfy most buyers, but some craved a lot more from their new toy. That was the case with this Mustang because the original owner selected the 428 Super Cobra Jet V8 with the optional Drag Pack. It sent an “official” 360hp to a 4.30 Traction-Lok rear end via a four-speed close-ratio manual transmission. They also added power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. I used the word “official” when quoting the engine’s output because Ford was a manufacturer that tended to undersell the figures to avoid raising the ire of insurance companies. Many knowledgeable individuals put the actual figure as high as 450hp. Regardless of the truth, that launched the Mach 1 through the ¼ mile in 13.9 seconds, although the short rear-end ratio meant the motor ran out of breath at 103mph. It is unclear whether this classic is numbers-matching, although the seller’s decision to describe it as restored rather than refurbished suggests it could be. Since the restoration, they only use this Mach 1 for show duties. However, it runs and drives perfectly if the new owner wishes to use it as its creators intended.
If we turn our attention to this Mustang’s interior, there is nothing that should disappoint a meticulous new owner. The seats wear the correct Black Clarion knit vinyl, with all upholstered surfaces appearing perfect. The same is true of the dash and faux woodgrain trim, with no evidence of UV damage or other issues. There are no aftermarket additions, with this classic retaining its correct gauge cluster, factory tachometer, rim-blow wheel, and original AM radio.
The Deluxe Marti Report included in the sale of this 1969 Mustang Mach 1 confirms it is a genuine 1-of-2 car, which may appeal to some enthusiasts. However, if we consider this classic beyond that attribute, it is a stunning vehicle of which its next owner could be rightly proud. With values climbing steadily, buying the right First Generation Mustang at the right price is as good as money in the bank. The BIN figure on this car places it at the top of the market, even according to the ever-optimistic Hagerty estimate. It has already received twenty bids, with two people making their intentions pretty clear in the bidding history. Would you be tempted to give them a run for their money, or will you be like me and sit back as an interested observer?
I miss the days when you could go to a dealer and
pick & choose the options you wanted.Made it feel more
like it was a car made personally for you.
Not on the top of the Ford muscle car pecking order, but not far from it. Very desirable, high dollar car. The 1969 Mach 1 has a been a favorite of mine since, well, since they came out. This one presents great.
Aside: I think the color selection for 1969 was outstanding. Gulfstream Aqua, Black Jade, Indian Fire, Silver Jade, Acapulco Blue, et al, all very attractive.
Agree, but is it worth 175K?
No, not pulling those numbers …..yet. Awesome car.
Heck no, it’s not!….I agree with your question…..that’s a crazy B.I.N. figure….guy must figure…..everything else is way over inflated, might as well sell my car that way….hopefully, nobody pays that ridiculous price…..
I like most of the 69’ Ford colors, but certainly NOT Black Jade…..yuck, it’s ugly, and certainly doesn’t belong on a great performance car…..maybe on a military vehicle…..just stating my honest opinion….
I have a 27-year-old Volvo that will go faster than 103mph. Asking $225K.
Yes. But by the time your Volvo reaches 103 mph? The Mustang driver is sitting at the drive in, ordering his second Coke.
And rest assured, no one will ever look at your Volvo….ever.
And your Vulva has absolutely no panty dropping power
I have a 27-year-old Volvo that will go faster than 103mph.
Asking $225K.
Nice stuff, not a pro at pricing but $125,000 seems more like the right price?
I would say more like $100k…..and not a penny more…..
Sure honey.. I know we could use some to update and remodel the kitchen . I know i have been promising soon.
Okay I will list the Mustang today for sale.
Not sure how fast it will sell but will try at a reasonable price.. 🤔😉
A beautiful car to have and keep.
I luv it.
Along with the purple Challengers and Cudas, this car is one of those that would make you take a second look because of its beauty back in the day. They were like rolling jewelry.
this beast will blow the doors of anything (shelbys,mopars,chevys Boss429. IT is WORTH a lot more .dannys northern Shelbys.
I think 1969 produced some the best performing and looking vehicles. Prove me wrong.
On Hemmings now there is a 69 Shelby GT 500 for $159K, same color, i would rather have that then this. I had a 69 Mach 1 years ago.
Once again, the crazy pricing rears it’s ugly head….no way that car is worth 175k…..and of course, the seller knows this…..that 450 hp statement is wishful thinking too,….the regular 428 Cobra-Jet (standard or Ram-air) was rated at 335 ridiculous hp….while it really put out right around 400……so the SCJ with Ram-air would be right around 425-430……
Car looks good, but not for that much $$ IMO. Noticed no one has mentioned what appears to be a 68 Camaro convertible in the first picture. What little you can see looks pretty good to me.
I wouldn’t kick either one out of the garage, though I like convertibles.
The price is hugely attached to correct numbers. The Marti report is mentioned here but no numbers claim.
I bet this will put you back in the seat 💺 w 1st ,2nd, and 3rd w 4.30 gear⚙️ lol.
That is a real short gear + high torque motor would give you a big jump if you could get traction with stickier rear rubber.
Really nice Mach 1 – we see that.
The Detroit Locker was the toughest differential you could get, standard with the 4.30:1 choice.
Locking and unlocking around turns (clunking, banging).
Design dates way back- I believe this was originally called the “Thorton nospin”.
Used in military vehicles in WWII after early 40’s invention. After Pearl Harbor 81 yrs ago today, in other words.
Good luck with the sale !
Nice ride but it’s NOT a Shelby….why are they looking for Shelby money?
$85k
You could, but lots of cars like this were on the front lines of dealerships all over the country just to get customers into their lots. This one looks to have been ordered by the dealership for the dealership , If I’m reading the report correctly . Adams posts are great, but he always writes ” the original owner ordered …” Whether its a high line car like this, or a bare bones 3 on the tree Biscayne
I had a friend in the 70s with a 428 4 sp 69 Mustang. This was when they were cheap used. He got about 6 mpg and remember helping him lift engine off the mounts to change spark plugs which had to be done regularly in that era.
Nice car, 69/70 are my favorite Mustangs. I had a ’69 Sportsroof in high school. Not a hypo car, 351W 2V, C4, and 3.00ish open rear end. It ran pretty good but the manual drum brakes and steering made it a handful to drive at times.
This one certainly seems overpriced but what do I know. All these old cars seem overpriced to me today.
As stated owner is looking for Shelby and Boss 9 pricing. These are still floating in the $90-125k pricing at right auctions for right cars. Nothing against this car as it is nice but were not to the high $100’s for Mach 1’s yet. I have friends with 70 Mach 1 SCJ Drag pak cars that are 1 of somethings when you break them down to every last shnibble according to Marty reports too. But I bet even owning them they would agree that this ask is steep.