As prices for classic cars continue to stabilize, a few models still command premium sale amounts. One of these models is the Ford Mustang, and specifically the 1st-gen fastback models. For your viewing pleasure, we have a 1970 Ford Mustang Fastback with its original gold metallic paint. Located here on eBay, this ‘Stang can be bought for the Buy It Now price of $36,500. Is this a good price for a fastback with its original paint?
If you were to ask the general public to name a muscle car, the overwhelming majority would name a Mustang. And for good reason, as the Big Blue Oval has sold over 10 million Mustangs since its introduction in 1964. Very few brands have the market share that Mustang does. But when you take a look at the offerings of Mustang models throughout the 60 years of existence, many would say that the ’69 and ’70 models are the penultimate Mustang offerings.
This is an interesting ad to examine. The seller does not give too much detail on the car, and instead asks people to call for more information. That’s not necessarily a red flag, but why not include a few more words about what is going on with this rig? Regardless, we can still get a fair view of what is going on with this pony. The biggest selling feature is the original paint. While maybe not the most attractive shade, it is extremely difficult to find desirable cars with their original paint left intact. The worn-through patina adds to the strong vibes and originality of this car. I believe this car should have a 351 Cleveland in it, but this engine appears to be a Windsor, based on the upper radiator housing in the block. Please let me know if I’m wrong in the comments. It also appears that the front seats are missing, which may be why this ‘Stang is priced a little lower in the market right now.
I had the opportunity to write about a beautiful 1971 AMC Javelin SST this week. It is in excellent condition and is available for sale at an asking price of $23,500. This presents an interesting contrast to this Mustang, which is painted in a less desirable color and may not have its original seats or engine, but is being listed for $13k more. But, as the Law of Demand tells us, part of the value of something is determined by desirability, and there are considerably more people who want this Mustang over the Javelin. That being said, what would you do with this car? Leave the original paint, or swath it in resale red? Or perhaps swap in an FE motor, paint in Highlands Green, and bomb around the streets of San Francisco? Whatever is in store for this car, this is a great starting point or preservation project for the next fortunate owner.
I do agree with you Dusty, the engine looks like a Windsor, with the radiator hose going east to west and not north to south. (does that make sense?) But why no mention of this being a MACH 1? That should bump the value up some. And believe it or not, it’s not a ‘fastback’. (what you talkin bout Woofer?) In 1969 FORD started calling this body style a ‘sportsroof’. There, I said it. I agree the 69-70s were the penilluminate of the early Mustangs. But I have to disagree with the FE install and the green paint and drive around San Fran like you’re Steve McQueen. Bullitt was a 1968 Mustang. Big difference to us Bullitt fans. Call me if you need help with vintage FORDs.
You’re totally right, Woofer! Thanks for the comment! True about the Bullitt cars, but the price of 68s are even higher than these!
The VIN says it’s a Mach 1 that originally came with a 250hp 351 4V, which would make it a 351 Windsor.
As mentioned, the seller is light on details. That leaves potential buyers to fill in the blanks, such as the assumption it has original paint, which is not specifically mentioned in the ad. They would be better with a few more details so they won’t have to spend as much time answering repetitive questions.
Steve R
The fifth digit of the VIN is an H which is the engine code for a 351 2V. In 1970 that could have been either a Windsor or a Cleveland. A Marti report usually will state which one. The seller claims that it is the original engine. Steve R usually has his facts straight so I will chalk his post up to a typo.
Cathouse, not a typo, I looked up a 1970 Mustang VIN decoder and repeated what it said. My mistake, I took for granted the information was correct. Unfortunately it wasn’t, you come across incorrect information from time to time, but even when it’s wrong I feel it’s better to look up the information than make a claim based on an distant memory and call it a fact.
Even the best resources are wrong sometimes, Google is getting pretty bad, most of their top results are now generated by AI, those have no attribution or link, I don’t trust those and search for information with a link to an actual website.
Steve R
No rear quarter air scoops, then it’s just a fastback not a Mach I.
Something here seems fishy.
Bill F, 1969 Mustangs had the rear quarter air scoop.
Steve R
Steve, 1969 Mustang Mach I’s had the rear quarter scoops. Of course a Mach I is a fastback, but Ford also made plain Jane fastbacks that were not Mach I’s and had no quarter scoops. Also, Boss Mustang fastbacks had no quarter scoops.
This car featured is not a Mach I, unless Ford allowed a quarter scoop delete, which who would do that?
Here’s my two cents worth on the rear quarter panel scoops. Basically the scoops were 1969 SportsRoof. They were eliminated on the 1970 SportsRoof. EXCEPT, Larry Shinoda did not want the scoops on his BOSS Mustangs. The 1969 BOSS 302 does not have scoops but the BOSS 429 does. Go figure. I’m pulling this info from memory, you can look it up.
It looks as if it has the folding rear seat option and an aftermarket package shelf for those Pioneer speakers to fit right in.
looks solid. do the interior and drive it
For $36,500 what will it need. Paint job unless you like the way it looks. I guess a milk crate would do for driving.😂. Need carpet center console. Does it have a complete exhaust system? No pictures of the rear. Are the tail lamps missing? The engine.. it just a 351 Windsor nothing special. And who knows what else is missing. The bottom line is that’s a lot of money to ask for it. Sorry but I am not a Ford guy but it’s still a lot work to be done here. Oh it’s a C4 Automatic. If it was stick it would get extra points. To me the price should be. $23,500. Does any Ford guys agree ? 🐻🇺🇸
Why do you say that this car has a C4 transmission? The seller only states that the car has an automatic transmission. Most likely this car will have an FMX transmission. A Marti report would answer the question.
I had one of these, back in 1978-80, in this same color, but with a 4V Cleveland and 4spd. One of the many that got away.
Car prices stabilized??? Except for the Mustang???
I got a restored Boss 302 that has done nothing but lost value for over 15 years now.
Interesting listing to be sure. I’ve never seen a 4V 351 Windsor in a ’70. The M codes were always Clevelands. Early production 2V cars more often than not came with the leftover Windsors from 1969. The 250 HP variant was a 2V, so maybe they put a 4 barrel on it and put a new sticker on the air cleaner.
I agree with FBD, the 1970 version of the Windsor 351 was only a 2V. In 1969 there were 4V 351’s and also 2V. It would be nice to see under the air cleaner to see what carburetor is there. Posting really needs more description and pictures. Asking price is high and probably should have a buy it now price in the mid 20’s IMO.
Uneven comparison. Compare it to a 1970 Javelin SST.
Windsor!
I’d take the Javelin, no question.
All I have to say is that the engine compartment is way cleaner than the rest of the car!