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?
What would you not fix the interior issues before trying to sell it?
It think it’s to preserve the originality.
Love to see a Mach without the stupid rear wing.
My favorite power train of all time. 351C 4V 4-speed. It does not get any better than that, IMHO. You can have the 390s, 428s that you can’t change the spark plugs. This MACH 1 would be a blast to drive. But the $67k asking price, OUCH. Remember when you could get a 70 Mustang for $5k? Ahh, the wonderful days of my youth.
The base MSRP of a 1970 Mustang hardtop was $2,822. Upgrading to a 351 CID V8 engine added between $45 and $93 depending on the trim and horsepower choice. Fastback models started at $2,872 and Convertibles at $3,126.
Looks great in all business black, no spoiler is fitting here. Superb Ford Powertrain to match. 👍
Real drivers don’t need power assisted anything for a proper driving experience. No ac either thank you. This Mach is almost perfect as is with it’s healthy small block 351c & 4spd. No big block weight penalties or handling issues and no parasitic power losses with power this or power that.
But at the asking price I’d think the interior should be good to go, not needing attention.
Wishing I was in position to make an offer.
Agree robt, seems ideal.
Back then, power steering bought you quicker steering with less turns lock to lock – at least on some GM cars.
Totally agree robt!! If you want power assisted and ac, buy a Lincoln or a Cadillac!! No automatic either thank you!! What a great find!! I don’t like the color, but many do!! Great article Mr. Adam Clarke, and what a find from Curvette!!
THE best color combo! Black with white interior. I had a 71 BOSS 351 in the combo. Just stunning!
Not quite rust free. Engine aprons have typical rust on the overlapping panels. Further inspection would be prudent. What happened to the rear stripe on the deck lid? A few questions on this one but I would own it in a heartbeat!
I have owned my 70 mach 1 351 4V 4 speed for almost 50 years. It had manual drum brakes. They were quickly swapped out for power discs after I ran through a red light racing a buddy. I had the pedal mashed, down shifting, throwing the anchor out…. Nothing!!
They’ve come down on price a few grand. It’s been for sale for a little while.
Original paint? What happened to the original flat black on the hood that all Mach 1’s had? Also, as mentioned, where’s the tape stripe on the deck and quarter extensions?
Looks like 351 maybe on each side of the hood scoop. The front mud flaps must go. I would purchase new front seat coverings and foams, as well as new door panels. I did for my 1970 Mach 1, the interior looks perfect and is comfortable.