The Mach 1 was introduced in 1969 as Ford’s performance version of the popular Mustang pony car (but not the only one). Based on the sleek fastback, the move was likely designed to help recover market share lost to Chevrolet and others since competition entered the field in 1967. This seller’s 1970 Mach 1 may be largely complete and not a major rust bucket with a running 351 “Cleveland” V8. Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, this project has attracted bids of up to $10,450 with an unmet reserve here on eBay.

After a banner year in 1966 (607,000 units), the Mustang was down to 300,000 ponies with the major restyling that took place in 1969. The new Mach 1 accounted for nearly a quarter of ’69 sales of 72,000 copies. So perhaps the new model has prevented further sales erosion, but no more. The ‘69s had quad headlights for the first time, but the mostly same ‘70s went back to single peepers. 1970 sales fell by another 100,000 units, and the Mach 1 came in at 41,000 orders that year.

This Mach 1’s problems may be more cosmetic than mechanical. The car’s VIN decodes with a 4-barrel version of the 351 cubic inch V8, but no mention is made about numbers matching. It’s paired with an automatic transmission, and we’re told the project Ford “runs, drives, steers, and brakes”. The seller says the car is original, and the best part may be the interior, which, at a minimum, will need a thorough cleaning.

We assume that the Mustang may have been banged up enough to warrant most of the front clip to be replaced. There is a lot of surface rust but no “rot” per the seller. The chrome pieces fore and aft are not photographed but may be nearby. We’re told the car should serve well as the foundation for a restoration that the seller has no time for. Do you have the talent and financial resources to pull it off?