This 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is a well-kept, driver-quality example powered by its 351 V8 and four-speed manual transmission. Showing 123,000 miles, which the seller believes to be original, it reportedly runs excellent and has been well cared for over the years. Listed here on craigslist in Vancouver, Washington, the car is being offered by a long-time enthusiast who is downsizing his collection as he prepares for retirement. Thanks for the tip Curvette!
Finished in a classic Mach 1 spec with black interior and a folding rear seat, this car appears to have retained its original character rather than being turned into an over-restored showpiece. The seller notes that it has a new clutch and that it has been reliable enough to enjoy regularly in recent years. While the ad does not go into detail about recent maintenance beyond the clutch replacement, the fact that the seller describes it as running “excellent” suggests that it has been properly maintained.
The Mach 1 package in 1969 was more than just stripes and badges. Standard equipment included the upgraded “comfort-weave” interior, woodgrain accents, and unique badging, while performance upgrades typically added handling and suspension improvements. The 351 V8 paired with a four-speed is one of the more desirable combinations for enthusiasts who enjoy rowing their own gears, offering plenty of punch for spirited driving without the rarity—and cost—of the 428 Cobra Jet versions.
From the seller’s description, this Mach 1 is not being marketed as a concours-level car but as an honest, good-running driver that could be enjoyed as-is or used as a foundation for further restoration. The seller, Robert, emphasizes that he is selling it below market value compared to others currently for sale, but also notes he is not interested in lowball offers or dealer assistance.
For those looking for a classic Mach 1 to drive and enjoy, this one seems to strike a good balance between originality and usability. Would you preserve it as a solid driver, or would you consider a full restoration to bring it back to showroom condition?
Nice car; should not last long at this realistic price for a driver quality car.
Looks good. But wish there were interior and engine pics, they are necessary to really tell the story. The 69-70 Mach I’s have been Mustang enthusiast favorites for a long time, and will likely continue to be.
Elizabeth is right about this punchy powertrain. DeTomaso thought so too. 🏁
What are you talkin about Stan? I assume you are making reference to the Pantera? There ain’t nothing about 1969 Mustang powertrain that has anything in common with a Pantera. This 69 Mustang has a 351 Windsor. Pantera had 351 Cleveland engines with a ZF transaxle to put the power to the rear tires. Must not be a big deal to you but it is to me. Be more careful what you spue.
69 Mustangs came with both 351 Cleveland and 351 Windsor. It was a crap shoot what you’d get. The Cleveland breathed much better, but had a weak oiling system, leading to shorter engine life with scored crankshafts.
Replying to RH Factor, no 1969 Mustangs came with a Cleveland, even though many sites list that as an option.
*spew
💯 Woofer, the Pantera was a real screamer. Just referencing the 351/4sp combo. The Boss 351 is also a favorite, with that Cleveland you mentioned. Ever hear of a 351 Clevor ?
So you’re saying Fredirico De Tomaso was inspired by every Ford that had a 351, 4-speed combo, even an F-150? Ok, whatever. Yes I’ve heard of a Clevor. I think the NASCAR people are about the only ones to use that combo so they could put Cleveland heads on a Windsor block after Cleveland blocks disappeared.
Woofer, one thing for sure.. Mr DeTomaso loved Ford power. From the earlier Mongoose 🦡 to the later Panther 🐆 👍 👍
ALEJANDRO de Tomaso. Glass houses and all that…
Oh, you won’t hear ANY guff from me on this one( still recovering from that ’89 LX post) 1969, I kvetch about our society today, but by golly, if you missed 1969, well, I can’t put into words what it was like. Like the 396 Chevelle, we never saw the almighty 428 CJ Mustangs. It was these that were the biggest sellers. Oh sure, maybe a Shelby went by, but for the most part, these, and yes, with automatics, were the biggest sellers. Production numbers vary, so you’ll just have to trust me, we almost never saw a 4 speed. There shouldn’t be any question in anyone’s mind, that the ’69 Mustang was the coolest Mustang ever. Don’t agree? You couldn’t have been there then.
Please quote your source that automatics were the bigger sellers. Maybe they were. It can’t be based on “because we almost never saw a 4 speed.” That’s just one person’s observation. Quoted production figures on the internet may vary, but the actual numbers are available. Kevin Marti has them.
Love the profile pic Howard lol
I took my driving test to get my license the day I turned 16 in my brothers 1964 Galaxie 500, 390 4-speed with a bench seat. The tester looked at the shifter and asked me, ‘you know how to drive this thing’? Well, let’s find out. Passed! My first car when I was 17 was a 1966 Fairlane GT, 390 4-speed. I could always find a 4-speed car when I wanted one. Sorry Howard.
You are right about always being able to find a 4spd when you wanted one. In the early-80’s that’s all me and my friends looked for, they were easy to find and at reasonable prices. You might not have been able to find an affordable 4spd with the highest performance engine, but they were readily available with base engines or even small blocks in generic El Caminos/Chevelles, Torinos, Camaros etc. Every weekly issue of Auto Trader would have more potential candidates than you had time to look at in person.
Steve R
Gone. Too bad, I would have liked to see the ad and wish the BF post would have at least included the asking price..
I think it was $31,500.
Steve R
Thanks, Steve! I was wondering the price as well. Would be good if it was mentioned on this page in such cases the ad is deleted.
69 Mach1, one of the best looking pony/muscle cars ever.
The 69 Mustang Sportsroof is my all-time favorite Mustang.
Sure a lot of pissing and moaning between the members in the comments for this car. The bickering is not as classy as the car.
My close friend in high school had a 69 Mach 1 with a 351W and an FMX transmission. He had modified it with a Lunati cam, Edelbrock intake, headers and a Holley 750 carb. Wearing slicks, it ran consistent 13.0s at Mason Dixon Dragway in Maryland.
When I turned 16 and got my license, Jimmy let me drive it. I sucked! I didn’t properly heat the slicks, I short-shifted, and had about a .900 reaction time. With all that, I ran a mid-14 second time.
But man was I was hooked… I’ve been drag racing or hot rodding my entire life, and I owe my start to Jimmy, RIP!
GONE.