I struggle to imagine owning a desirable classic like this 1970 Mustang Mach 1 and leaving it moldering in a barn for decades. That has been the fate of this car, and time has not been kind to this once magnificent steed. It has developed significant rust issues, and any restoration involves dismantling the car to the last nut and bolt. It is not a task for the faint-hearted, but the bidding action suggests a few people feel up for the challenge. The Mach 1 is listed here on eBay in Ramsey, New Jersey. Bidding sits below the reserve at $4,050, and it will be fascinating to see how high it climbs before the hammer falls.
This Mustang would have cut a dashing figure in its prime, courtesy of the first owner’s decision to order it in desirable Competition Yellow. It recently emerged from forty-three years of barn storage as part of an estate sale, with the deceased former owner’s family believing that most of the paint is original. That is probably irrelevant now because the seller admits it is plagued with significant rust. What is visible externally is the tip of the iceberg because it has consumed most of the floors, the trunk pan, and some of the rails. The rear driver’s side floor is okay, but cutting everything away and fitting a complete set of pans would add little to the project costs if someone plans a restoration. The same is true externally, with only a few hanging panels worth saving. Most trim pieces look battered and bruised, but the glass seems okay.
The interior shots reveal much about this Mustang’s time in storage because there is evidence of the light mold that develops in a damp environment. A total retrim is the only solution, but the winning bidder starts that process with an interior that is essentially complete and unmodified. The original owner didn’t load it with options, although it features a rimblow wheel and what appears to be a factory AM/FM stereo radio/8-track player.
Powering this Mustang is the H-Code 351ci V8, with the remaining major mechanical components including a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The V8 would have churned out 250hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque, and while that doesn’t make it the most potent Mach 1 on the planet, the mechanical combination would have made it a comfortable cruiser that would have sat effortlessly at 70mph on the open road. The seller states it has a genuine 81,671 miles on the clock, and if its storage history is confirmed, the reading seems plausible. It is unclear when this engine last roared to life, but it is safe to assume it was probably back in 1979. The radiator is the only missing component, but the seller doesn’t reveal whether the engine turns. While we can be optimistic that it is healthy, budgeting for a rebuild would be wise.
We’ve seen some pretty sad First Generation Mustangs dragged back from the brink at Barn Finds, and whether this one is viable would depend on what an in-person inspection of the underside reveals. We know there is plenty of rust, but it remains to be seen how much healthy steel remains as the foundation for the build. I see hundreds of hours of cutting and welding before the car can be considered structurally sound, and it will require a dedicated new owner to achieve that goal. Could you be that person, or is it more than you’re prepared to tackle?
Man-o-Man you are covering alot of Stangs lately Adam! Another great write-up. I can take some rust but on the rails always concern me. And mold, which is always a very bad thing imo. But once again, I say there’s only so many of these left out there. The 70 model year is my personal favorite. I was entering hs, a 9th grader, but remember them well.
The 1970 Mustang offered two versions of the 351C, the H-code with two-barrel carburetor, and the M-code four-barrel, which also had higher compression cylinder heads (10.7:1 vs. 9.5:1), using closed—or quench-type—combustion chambers vs. open-type for the two-barrel. The two-barrel received the same 250-horsepower rating as the 1969 351W two-barrel, which also was tagged H-code.
The H code is the low compression base version of the 351c. Its not going to have a whole lot of power.
Good Luck! 😁
This seems to be missing everything desirable in a 70 Mach 1, front rear spoilers, Cleveland 4bbl w/ shaker, sports slats, 4 speed Hurst, correct wheels, etc. The rest is crap.
Yeah, but how many of the ’69-70 mustangs are left today?
Was not the ’71-73 mustang more of a failure, harder to drive(too big & heavy & driver sitting too low) than a ’69 or ’70?
I’m surprised they made more ’69 mustangs than ’69 camaros, because i will always see several of the latter at car shows(yawn), & maybe 1 of the former(or a ’70), or more likely none. I always ck out & drool over the ’69 & ’70 stangs, but pass by the ’69 camaros, unless i would spot an RS with a 6, but i have yet to see one. lol
I guess you don’t watch mecum or Jackson barrett. The cheap ones are worth $40,000
What a “pile”!
Yet another rusty Mustang which will take more to restore than a restored example sells for. About a year ago I saw a nice ’70 Mach 1 in Grabber Orange with 351 and 4 speed go in the low 40s. Great looking paint and factory new looking interior. Go find a restored car. Costs far less than giving 20k+ for a rusted hulk.
Alas another favorite I would have to take a hard pass on. The restoration would be too much like work. I know for whoever gets it it would be a labor of either love or investment. Sadly it’s not me, don’t have the time nor a place to do the work. And having a professional restoration would be more costly than I can do. Oh well, thanks for sharing it though. I love seeing those old ponys brought back into the light from whatever dark automotive purgatory the previous owners sent them to.
SOLD for $9,800.