If the idea of whether or not a car is worth saving is probed, it almost instinctively triggers a yes answer in my mind, as there’s got to be some hope if the question even comes up. However, that doesn’t always indicate a restoration will be easy, especially when the vehicle needs attention in almost every area. A strong pedigree is always a good incentive to take on a hefty project, and this 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 here on eBay certainly scores big points in that category. If you’ve been looking for a first-generation muscular Mustang to bring back to life this winter, or maybe over the next several seasons, this one’s located in Charlotte Hall, Maryland, with the current bid resting at $5,555.
Probably the best news here dates back to the late sixties when this Mach 1 was new, as it’s stated to be a factory R-Code car, indicating it left the assembly plant with a 428 Cobra Jet under the hood. With a factory horsepower rating of 335, things were even better when paired with the close-ratio Toploader 4-speed manual, which was also present when this one was new. Unfortunately, both components are long gone, and a non-functioning big block engine of some sort and an automatic transmission are now present. It’s probably time to nix these and source the correct combo, and put this one back the way it originally came.
I’m seeing just a little section of blue on one of the A-pillars, so it’s possible that was the original color here. The finish now appears to consist mainly of primer, surface rust, and a green hood and trunk lid. There’s also some corrosion present, with the seller specifically pointing out rust in the lower quarters. Another hole is also visible near the bottom of the driver’s door, along with a dent above it. A considerable amount of effort will be required to get this body back to its younger days, and likely some panel replacement as well.
A complete restoration of the interior will also be facing the future owner, and the wiring under the dash is dangling, so it would probably be wise to replace it, since this may have been exposed to the elements. This project is undoubtedly not for the beginner or the faint of heart, but if you’ve got the time, skills, and resources, this would be one mean machine if restored to the original specs. Are you seeing this 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 as a potentially worthwhile and rewarding project?
Shouldn’t take much to restore this one.
Maybe just 50-75K, that’s all. LOL
Harvey is right, a few weekends should get the job done.
Seriously, this is a huge project. Only viable if the car is highly desirable and, when finished, highly valuable. Which a 1969 Mach 1 R-Code is. It is one of my all-time favorite cars, undoubtedly rooted in the day when my small-town Ford dealer got one, with pre-teen me drooling over it for seemingly hours.
it would help if it was numbers-matching. As is it would be better as a parts mule.
“Hello, Dynacorn?”
Possible to probable.
I’m seeing this 1969 Mustang Mach 1 as a bad joke.
The Ford Ranger wheels really pop.
Thanks for letting us know it is a project.
The seller would have been wise to get the car in order before lazily taking pics. Having documentation and a Marti report would have done him a favor as well as cleaning and wire brushing serial and date codes on the rear axle and other pertinent info to make a buyer confident on what he is buying. This is not a run of the mill Mach Mustang. If in fact a real R code car the seller has done no favors with mismatched wheels that includes a junk Ranger wheel. It’s both hilarious and sad.
The mismatched wheels would be the least of your problems…
I helped some with one of these many years ago. It was expensive then and will be much more so today. This needs a body to mount the ID plate on.
The “C” on the data plate indicates that this car was originally Black Jade. It would have had gold stripes and a black-out hood as well. Barry at Jo Daddy’s Garage just finished the body and paint work on the twin to this car and it’s stunning. I hope somebody restores this one.
It might be a real live R code, but what makes it an R code is longer there. Lots of rust, jumbled wiring, shot interior, half a trunk lid… there are better ways to spend your money.
Considering my unconditional love for the 69 Mach 1 platform, I would say restore lets go get it! ( My clothes would more than likely be in the front yard when I got back) The cost would be through the roof and you have to go period correct and/ or original on the dive train and components.
I would match the original as close as possible. It would be more of a labor of love than a business decision.
This is much worse than the ’65 Fastback also posted today. While worth much more potentially than the ’65, the potential also comes at the expense of the wallet, which will be vaporized in short order, along with the bank account.
For the guy who wipes his nose with ten dollar bills, maybe it doesn’t matter. To me, it just looks like a case of salvage what you can and crush the rest.
The guys with unlimited funds are buying cars in better condition as a starting point. This will attract the guy who has dreamed of owning one of these, but can’t afford the entry point of one in nicer condition.
Steve R
It’s a big undertaking.
You are just buying a title, VIN plate and data plate. Otherwise you will need a Brinks Truck delivery to your garage.
Asking a question here, so when you put a vin tag on another car or body, it’s not really a Mach 1 or Boss 302 or whatever anymore is it ?
looks and sounds like the R code pieces are long gone. at this point your buying a vin #. real shame this happened to this horse
Parts car here.
I am too old to even attempt this …. need a buyer about 20 years old who wants to embark on a 30 year restoration project. With very deep pockets. It would drive you mad trying to find all the little bits and pieces.
I agree, a perfect candidate for a dynacorn body. To bad it doesn’t have the R code Shaker and hood! Your basically buying the vin number!!