Some people are unable to complete a project build and feel that this leaves them less worthy of parking a classic in their garage. That attitude is wrong because the ability to wield a welder or spray gun doesn’t necessarily define what is a genuine enthusiast. The passion comes from deep within your soul, and if you harbor those feelings, there is no shame in buying a turnkey vehicle. If those words describe you, this 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 may be too good to resist. It has just emerged from a rotisserie restoration, presenting as beautifully as it would have when it rolled off the lot. The only thing it needs is a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Mach 1 listed here on Craigslist in Monroe, Georgia. The asking price of $69,500 isn’t cheap, but it is worth looking closely to determine whether it is justified.
I’m going to stick my neck out by stating that I believe that the 1970 model year was the last for the truly attractive First Generation Mustang. It had grown physically since first breaking cover, and the 1971 update continued that process. It transformed the once lithe and sporting pony car into a large and heavy Grand Tourer. The history of our feature car is unclear, although the Marti Report confirms that its recent restoration was as faithful as they come. The arrow-straight panels wear the correct Code 6 Bright Blue paint, which was polished to a mirror shine before receiving a ceramic coat. There is no evidence of rust, and I wouldn’t expect to find any in a car that has spent an extended period on a rotisserie. Interestingly, the seller states that this Mustang retains its original floors, suggesting that the build commenced from a pretty sound foundation. The Black hood stripe, trim, and tinted glass look flawless, and the only possible deviation from the factory specifications could be the wheels. The Marti Report doesn’t mention Magnum 500s, but these never look out of place on a Mustang of this vintage.
The faithful approach continues inside this Mustang, with its interior trimmed in Blue knit vinyl. Unsurprisingly, the presentation is flawless, with the seller’s attention to detail ensuring that every component fits perfectly. There is no wear, the faux woodgrain is perfect, and there are no aftermarket additions. Those partial to performance vehicles with a splash of luxury will welcome the air conditioning and AM radio.
One of the most significant changes made by Ford to the 1970 Mach 1 revolved around its 351ci V8. The 1969 model year was the last where the company utilized the “Windsor” version, transitioning to the “Cleveland” unit for its latest offering. This provided a minor performance boost, with power rising slightly from 290hp to 300hp, and torque falling marginally from 385 to 380 ft/lbs. The first owner teamed the 351 with a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. While a similar 1969 Mach 1 would have covered the ¼-mile in 15.1 seconds, this car should complete the journey in 14.9 seconds. The difference isn’t significant, but it does drop the ’70 model below the psychological 15-second barrier. Potential buyers considering the investment potential locked away in this car will welcome the news that it is numbers-matching from end to end. There is no information surrounding its mechanical health, but as is the case with the rest of the vehicle, it would be fair to expect perfection.
First Generation Mustangs have been a rock-solid investment proposition for many years, although the badge suffered a slight decline in 2024. However, that trend is reversing, and if the situation remains consistent, they will surpass their previous values before the year’s end. That could make this the ideal time to invest in a car like this 1970 Mustang Mach 1. The restoration was completed to exacting standards, and there is little to criticize. If the passion runs deep within your soul, this could be the ideal classic to park in your garage.
Same seller listed the gorgeous Olds 442 convertible we saw earlier, and we see it sitting in the driveway behind it in the photos.
Hopefully it’s so the seller can buy something as incredible as these two.
GLWTS
Nice write up Clarkey.
Personally I couldn’t dream of fixing up a classic myself.
Nice Mustang, ordered up to be a cheerful hwy cruiser, w the 3.00⚙️ open rear, Select-Shift autoloader, SelectAire A/C, tinted glass 👓. 🇺🇸
Nice car. I’d add the ’69 to that short list of the best looking cars of the Mustang line.
Excellent Mach 1. I agree with bobhess, the 1969 and 1970 Mach 1’s are at the top of the short list of favorite Mustangs for many people. The blue/blue looks great. I’m fine with it being a 351 automatic.
That baby is mighty clean, and low miles if it has not flipped. Might do better at a big name auction, but yes they get their cut too.
My 70 Mach 1 came with a 351 Windsor 2V. Possibly the 4V’s were all Clevelands?
You are partially right. All the 1970 351 4V were in fact Cleveland’s. But so were most of the 351 2v’s. The switchover happened shortly after 1970 production started. Your car was apparently one of the early 1970 versions. I don’t recall the figures, but the Marti Reports for 1970 do show a small number of 1970 351 Windsor 2v cars. Your car would be considered somewhat rare.
Pretty much all of the early 351 2v production used the leftover Windsors. If you had (like I did) a 1970 model produced in 1969 it came with the “W”. This turned out to be a good thing in the 1990’s when all of the go-fast parts, cylinder heads and such that came out for the 5.0 mustangs would bolt right on for cheeeep.
1970 Mach 1 was the best of Gen one Mustangs.
Mine has a 351 Cleveland 2V automatic with factory SHAKER hood
and single exhaust,
Thank you mystery owner number one,
Even with the light light blue exterior.
I agree with the author, the 1970 Mach 1 was the best of the end of Gen one Mustangs. The seller did a jam up job with its restoration. I love the 351s either Windsor or Cleveland. However a Tremec 5 speed would have been a welcomed upgrade. It’s worth the asking price for sure, although out of reach for most of us.
This is a beautiful car. Price for these restored like this are in this price range and UP. It does always grind my gears when I see a nice resto where they screw up minor details. Like the “mach 1” chrome on the trunk lid. These are evenly spaced from the factory, not bunched together. Not hard to look up the specs! Also the hood stripe doesn’t look right. The scoop appears to be wider than the center stripe when in fact it’s not supposed to be.
I think that they made the center stripe the same width at the back as at the front when in fact it’s supposed to be about 3/4″ wider at the back than the front. I remember being meticulous with this detail when I resprayed the stripes on my Mach back in the day.