Rusty Relic: 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1

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The Mach 1 was introduced in 1969 as a performance-oriented version of the popular Ford Mustang “pony car”. It was available only as a SportsRoof model (aka fastback). Right out of the gate, it would be a key sales draw for Ford, with 25% of ‘Stang production in 1969 and 1970 being the hot new Mach 1. This ’70 example has loads of rust, with the floorboards and trunk pan being of the see-through variety. Needing lots of work with a period-correct engine, this major project is in Fort Pierce, Florida, and is available here on eBay. Only one bid of $2,999 has been cast with the reserve unmet.

While sales numbers for the Mach 1 were impressive, they only kept demand for the Mustang from sliding further. At 607,000 copies, 1966 was the Mustang’s best sales year. But with serious competition in the field beginning in 1967, output fell to 472,000 copies in 1967 and 317,000 in 1968. The introduction of the Mach 1 held the loss to 299,000 units in 1969, and 190,000 in 1970. Mustang sales wouldn’t bounce back until the Mustang II came along in 1974, reborn as a sporty subcompact with smaller engines. So, you could say the Mach I’s claim to fame is that it allowed the Mustang to retain the #1 sales spot for more years than it otherwise may have.

We’re guessing this Mustang hasn’t been on the road for a bunch of years. The VIN indicates it left the factory with a 351 cubic inch V8, but the “Windsor” version there now isn’t original, and it’s not complete, either. The seller says the Ford’s FMX automatic transmission will also need a rework. The 9-inch rear end may be original, and the car is fitted with disc brakes in the front and drums in the back (power-assisted).

The car’s yellow paint and black stripes have given up the ghost and the hood and deck lid are MIA. Rust is plentiful and it does raise the question if the car is past the point of logically being saved (they all can be if you throw enough money at them). Besides the floors and undercarriage, the rear quarter panels are also a mess. The car does retain its black bucket seats and the factory woodgrain dashboard inserts are still present. If you choose not to restore the car, would you consider it a viable donor for another project?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Tom71MustangsMember

    Well, now… let’s just say you had a new trunk floor and $1000. Before you know it- you’d have a new trunk floor and $1000.

    Like 11
  2. bobhess bobhessMember

    Guess I’ll stick to my story of never restoring a car in this bad of condition.

    Like 10
  3. Fahrvergnugen FahrvergnugenMember

    Colin Chapman would appreciate this process.

    Except a little TOO much lightness has been added. Or, rather, DAYlight has been added.

    Like 7
    • shelbyGT500Member

      Fah.Daylight has been added, Are you referring to a convertible bottom!

      Like 5
      • Driveinstile DriveinstileMember

        It has Ankle vents!!!! Thats usually an extra cost option!!!

        Like 8
      • Frog

        Fred Flintstone special. A bigger concern is getting fined for littering rust on the road.

        Like 3
  4. Terrry

    If this was a true barn find, I’d take the barn and leave the car.

    Like 11
    • Mark

      I agree

      Like 0
  5. Arthur Taylor

    This one is in rough shape.It is a money pit.

    Like 3
  6. Chris Cornetto

    Another ragamuffin for big bucks. The guys that build restomods and other high end things would even look at this. I would say parts car but after the rear and disc setup and not knowing what’s left inside. Is this car even worth the bid that’s on it?

    Like 1
  7. Ford406go

    These people have…GOT..to get over this “BARRETT JACKSON” syndrome!

    Like 4
  8. Cooter CooterMember

    This is a perfect example of why Ironman and Aquaman never hung out together. You could place a can of WD 40 underneath this and it will be rusty in no time!

    Like 4
  9. Rickirick

    I believe the lone bidder of $2999 is pretty safe. Wish you the very best with your …..whatever.

    Like 3
  10. Marshall Belcher

    Just another rustang

    Like 1
  11. Mark

    Seeing it has florida plates maybe it sat in the ocean for a while. That is a lot of rust in all the wrong places.

    Like 2
  12. Doug

    if it is cheap enough (and that would be any amount more than a dollar) Buy a Dynacorn body and use this to finish that body and end this to a crusher

    Like 0
  13. Elmo

    That thing is rougher than a night in jail. The gems I still see are the rocker moldings, dash, factory radio, seats, disc brakes, rear-end and fastening hardware and maybe the console.

    Like 2
  14. william stephan

    $3349.00 now. I had a pal with a 1963 ragtop T-Bird that was a 99.9 point show car. 2nd owner blah blah blah and he had to buy something like this to get a hold of a bunch of special trim screws that Dorf used that were unobtanium. Next show was 100 points. That was about $25.00 per screw PLUS disposal. YIKES!

    Like 1
  15. DA

    Even Dr. Frankenstein says it is hopeless.

    Like 1
  16. mustang melvin

    A zip lock baggy will hold what’s left of this Mach 1 after media blasting.

    Like 1
  17. PAW

    Looking for a complete three pedal assembly + steering column for my 1970 Stang.

    Anyone?

    Like 0
    • CATHOUSE

      You would need to proper brake pedal depending upon if you have manual or power brakes. I would have a standard fixed (non tilt) steering column.

      Like 0

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