This 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 can rightly wear the survivor label. From its original paint to its numbers-matching V8, it is a well-preserved classic that presents nicely. There is scope for the buyer to make some cosmetic updates to improve its appearance, but some readers will agree it should remain as-is. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Mach 1 listed here on eBay in Paris, Ohio. The seller set their price at $67,500 with the option to make an offer.
Economic rationalism takes many forms, and is why marques like Mercury no longer exist. Ford unintentionally created such an environment internally when it released the Mustang Mach 1 in 1969. Previously, the GT was the badge’s high-performance variant, and it remains extremely desirable today. However, with the Mach 1 outselling the GT by more than 13-to-1, the company quietly retired the GT at the end of that model year as a cost-saving exercise. This 1970 Mach 1 has been part of the same family since 1983, when the seller’s father purchased it from the original owner. It has been garage-kept throughout its life, and retains its original Code A Black paint. The seller encourages inspections, which should confirm the Mustang’s rust-free status. The original paint holds an impressive shine, the panels are straight, and I see nothing concerning in the various underside images. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the Marti Report seems to confirm that the Magnum 500 wheels are a later addition.
If this Mach 1 has a genuine cosmetic weakness, its interior earns that unfortunate honor. It isn’t horrendous and is undeniably serviceable. Trimmed in White knit vinyl, the seats appear free of rips and splits. The carpet is clean, as are the dash and pad. However, the door trims have developed cracks, and the headliner has a mouse hole above the passenger-side visor. Some plastic pieces are scratched and scuffed, which may prompt some potential buyers to contemplate a complete retrim. Alternatively, replacing the offending items would be the least intrusive approach for those favoring originality. The car retains its correct shifter, factory tachometer, and AM/FM stereo radio. The only visible addition is a Craig 8-track player, hidden inside the console bin.
Ford offered 1970 Mach 1 buyers a broad selection of engines, and this car’s first owner walked what could be considered the middle ground. They selected the M-Code version of the 351ci V8, producing a factory-quoted 300hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque. They teamed the M-Code with a four-speed close-ratio manual transmission, a 3.25 Traction-Lok rear end, and quick-ratio steering. Interestingly, they chose not to invest in power assistance for the steering and brakes. The first crucial slice of positive news for potential buyers is that this Mach 1 is numbers-matching. The seller’s father treated the V8 to a professional rebuild five years ago, making no internal changes or upgrades. They added a new carburetor during the build, but the original unit is included. They say that the Mustang runs and drives well, with no identified mechanical maladies.
It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on this 1970 Mustang Mach 1, and to discover how many readers would refresh its interior to improve its appearance. The car would command respect in its current form, and it wouldn’t require a complete retrim. However, some readers will believe that its originality should be motivation enough for the buyer to preserve the car in its current form. What are your views on the subject?
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