The line between a restoration and a refurbishment can often be blurred. I have always considered the term “restoration” only applicable to classics returned painstakingly to their original form, while refurbished covers every other eventuality. Some enthusiasts don’t agree with my hard-line stance and would consider this 1970 Mustang Mach 1 as restored. Whatever your view, there is no denying it presents superbly following a recent dose of TLC. It has no apparent needs, making it ideal for someone seeking a turnkey classic. The seller has listed the Mach 1 here on eBay in Dallas, Texas. Bidding sits below the reserve at $13,000, although there is time for interested parties to stake their claim on this beauty.
Ford performed its second major styling update to the First Generation Mustang in 1969, although it wouldn’t be the last. The new look added a greater physical presence to the vehicle but also confirmed that the company was following prevailing industry trends that saw physical size and weight increasing across many models. It is unclear when this 1970 Mach 1 was refurbished, but the presentation is virtually impossible to fault. The panels were massaged to an arrow-straight state before being coated in Light Ivy Yellow in a clear-over-base process. The result was worth the effort because the paint shines like a mirror, with no significant visible flaws or defects. The lower extremities look spotless, and while the underside shots aren’t the best I’ve seen, they seem to confirm this classic is rust-free. The stripes look crisp and clean, and not only does this Mach 1 retain its correct spoilers, but it also features the desirable Sport Slats on the back window. The chrome and glass are spotless, and the car rolls on a sparkling set of Magnum 500 wheels. However, the shaker poking out through the hood confirms this Mustang is more than just a pretty face.
Lifting the Mustang’s hood reveals the 351ci “Cleveland” V8 churning out 300hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque. Those ponies feed to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes removing much of the physical effort from the driving experience. The 1970 Mach 1 dropped a few pounds compared to the previous year and gained 10hp courtesy of the swap from the Windsor to the Cleveland V8. These changes provided a marginal performance improvement. While a 351-equipped ’69 Mach 1 could cover the ¼-mile in 15.1 seconds, this car can complete the journey in 14.9 seconds. It is a similar story when we assess the top speeds of both, with the ’69 hitting 129mph and the ’70 nudging 134mph. It is unclear whether this Mach 1 is numbers-matching, and the photos confirm the engine bay houses updated components for the ignition and a new aluminum radiator. These changes will add further weight to the view that the car is refurbished, although they should improve its manners and reliability. Potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition. The seller indicates it runs and drives perfectly, meaning the winning bidder won’t spend anything beyond the purchase price before hitting the road for a spot of classic motoring pleasure.
The theme of spotless presentation continues when assessing this Mustang’s interior. I suspect it received a retrim during the build because there are no faults or flaws worth mentioning. I would probably avoid describing it as perfect, but it would undoubtedly command respect at a Cars & Coffee. There are also updates that will be welcomed by many. Ice-cold air conditioning keeps the new owner comfortable, while a retro-style stereo provides entertainment on long journeys.
It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on this 1970 Mustang Mach 1, especially whether you consider it restored or refurbished. Regardless of your leanings, most will agree that it presents superbly, with no apparent needs or shortcomings. It has attracted eighteen bids, with that figure and the price far lower than I would typically expect. This might be an auction where the action intensifies as the end draws near. Would you consider making a play for this classic if it doesn’t? Or are you going to join me as an interested spectator?
Around 1974, I rode around with a friend in his 1971, Mach I. It wasn’t particularly overwhelming. Painted brown, smaller 8 cylinder, auto tranny. Comfortable buckets. Overall a, “6.” Did not have a lot of horsepower. Maybe I made too many comparisons to my ‘67, Mustang GT, 390, 300 hp, 4 speed. I know, I know. Not fair.
When does the bidding end?
You should have rode in a 4 speed ’71 boss 351 stang that was probably faster than the 390.
351 was a dandy, lots of torque,
that can really wind out with the 4sp, great combo.
No “numbers matching” as far as engines to chassis numbers on 1970 Fords.
Engine VIN codes and dates on blocks are the only identifying numbers.
Typically 1970 Mach 1’s were either H Code 2bbl 351 2bbl or M Code 4 bbl cars.
In all 1970 Ford cars, a 351 engine could either be a Cleveland or Windsor.
https://classicponycars.com/70data.html
I love the 69-70 Mach 1 body style one of my favorite Mustangs. Although that 351 engine was some what garden variety it got the job done. To me this is the last of the true Mach 1s but it’s hard to get a good deal on one because it’ll get bid up. Good luck to whom ever gets it.
Bidding up to $22,000 at 5:17 pm, December 8, 2023. Yikes…
What’s up with the mileage, has it rolled over or what?
Has any work been done on the engine and/or the transmission?
I have a couple of cousins who are very into cars, the older one had one of these and only ruined the driveshaft, we didn’t know how to measure the length and ordered it too long. So it says for a while until he had it towed in and had a new shaft installed.
He has had many custom classics of which was a 55 cheve 210 a 454 in stalled, it had a rollbar and only 4 bycket seats and my driver’s license attached to the license plate so and radar on the street would’ve caught my license plate and money in the pocket of the city,
I had to go before the drivers control board. To argue for my license to be returned and I used my cousin’s disability to get it back as I had to drive him around. So they gave it back and we drove home. He had me calling him dad because I was under age and needed a adult to watch over me. I didn’t think it was a great answer but how many high school kids get to drive the 55 to school. With it popping and loud mufflers booming down the street. Other kids would be asking for a ride but I didn’t let anyone in.
It’s highly unlikely the seller will answer your questions anywhere other than the eBay listing. READ the first paragraph, see the red highlighted words? Click…
So, is it restored or just refurbished, in your opinion?
The seller has cleverly worded this ad. No mention is made of the source of that mileage. It is probably either rolled over or the mileage accumulated since the work was done.
Also, no mention of origin of the engine.
Adam…you a hard liner? No. Lol. What is there not to like on this one? My personal favorite model year. I believe bidding will get intense towards the end. 50k wouldn’t surprise me.
Beautiful Mustang in every way but one. What is the story on the 50cent, K-mart battery cable ends ? Totally kills the otherwise perfect under-hood appearance. Those things were designed to be a very temporary fix to get you home.
Hardly 50c anymore at walmart or anywhere, since walmart killed k-mart, etc. I’ve used such battery cable ends on cars outside for decades – just keep an eye on corrosion & if you see it, remove the wires from the battery ends & wire brush them.
The latest sealed batteries – even the cheapest at walmart no long seem to cause corrosion on battery terminals at all, tho in the last
25 yrs or so, the cheapest compact batteries at walmart have gone from $29 to $69, something i dont mind paying to get the corrosion elimination.
If the battery you buy now still has caps on it, you may see minor corrosion in as little as a month or so – even when new. Not sure tho about this red optima battery.
Sorry JoeNYWF64, you are not going to change my opinion of the battery cable ends….with or without checking them for corrosion. I liken the appearance of them the same as a groom in a tux wearing muddy shoes.
Ended at $33,100, Reserve Not Met.
I’m not sure that it is worth much more than that. It kind of looks like a car that was prettied up for a Mecum or BJ auction.