We see a reasonable number of 1969 Mach 1 Mustangs cross our desks at Barn Finds. This is hardly surprising considering the production total and how desirable they remain. This example requires total restoration, but it appears the pieces are there for the new owner to recapture its former glory. If you feel up to the challenge, you will find the Mach 1 listed here on eBay in Palm City, Florida. Bidding sits at $6,200, which is below the reserve. However, the seller provides a BIN option of $16,500 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.

The seller admits this Lime Gold Mustang requires total restoration, describing its condition as “fair.” I’m unsure how to interpret that because, with no underside shots, we are flying blind regarding the state of the floors, torque boxes, and rails. There are contradictions in the supplied images because while the trunk pan looks relatively sound, the engine bay beneath the battery has rotted through. It requires an in-person inspection to assess the extent of any problems, and raising that possibility with the seller might be wise. There is typical penetrating rust in the lower extremities, like the rear quarter panels and door corners, but the rockers look clean. The shopping list will include a taillight panel and numerous exterior trim pieces, but the glass appears salvageable.

The buyer can treat this Mustang’s interior as a blank canvas, with the supplied images suggesting there are relatively few trim pieces suitable for use in this restoration. A trim kit would seem the obvious first step, but a high-quality Mach 1 kit in the correct material and color will add $3,500 to the restoration cost. That doesn’t include a replacement wheel, dash woodgrain components, or any missing buttons, handles, or damaged plastic. What appears to be missing will push the price beyond $4,000, which is hardly chicken feed. However, with the interior aspect of this build potentially occurring well into the future, the winning bidder will have the opportunity to wait for special offers from some suppliers that could slash a significant amount from those figures.

The drivetrain configuration this car’s original owner selected made this the least potent Mach 1 variant available in 1969. Its engine bay houses a 351-2V V8 that, in its prime, sent 250hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. The journey down the ¼-mile would have taken 15.9 seconds, with the V8 running out of breath at 126mph. This motor appears to be missing its carburetor and a few ancillary components. It is unclear when it last ran or if it turns freely. However, the drivetrain is numbers-matching, and the robust nature of the mechanical components may make revival straightforward. Rebuilding the V8 could provide the ideal opportunity to upgrade the intake, carburetor, and a few internal components to squeeze out additional ponies. It is an idea some may find irresistible.

Purchasing a project car involves a leap of faith because it is almost inevitable that regardless of how thoroughly it is inspected before handing over the cash, there will be hidden problems that will throw the new owner a curve ball. That could be the case with this 1969 Mustang Mach 1, and the lack of information regarding its floors and other underside components is why I always recommend an inspection. Climbing around under the car will be a hassle, but it is the best way to ensure you aren’t biting off more than you can chew. If you’re giving this project serious consideration, would that be your next step?