This 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is a solid car that was last registered back in 1983. It has been dragged out of hiding, and the owner has done much of the work in preparation for its return to active duty. It is clean and tidy, but there have been some changes made to the car during its life, so it will be interesting to see what our readers think. The Mustang is located in Edmond, Oklahoma, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has set the asking price at $29,500, which seems to be very competitive for a numbers-matching Mach 1.
Finished in Candy Apple Red, the Mustang is a striking looking car. The owner states that it is rust-free, and on the surface, it certainly looks promising. There are no signs of any rust in the usually prone areas such as the lower quarter panels, rockers, or lower fenders. The panels look to be straight, while the external trim, chrome, and the tinted glass, all look really good. The Mach 1 wears a rear spoiler and the oh-so-cool sport slats, and both items, along with the wheels, are original according to the accompanying Mart Report. I mentioned some changes from original, and now we reach what would be considered to be the first, and undoubtedly, the most significant of these. While the Candy Apple Red paint looks good, and the color undoubtedly suits the car, it has received a repaint at some point in the 1980s. No big deal there, and not unusual. However, as part of that process, the vehicle also underwent a color change. When it rolled off the production line in January of 1970, it wore very attractive Grabber Blue paint. It isn’t clear just why the color change occurred, but I’m sure that it seemed like a good idea at the time. So, my first question to our readers is whether you think that this really matters? My second is whether you would undertake to return the Mustang to its original color if you were to buy it?
This Mach 1 is a numbers-matching car, and as combinations go, it isn’t a bad one. What we find is an M-Code 351ci V8, a 4-speed manual transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. In its prime, the 351 would have pumped out 290hp, which would have been sufficient to propel the Mustang through the ¼ mile in 14.7 seconds. After its extended hibernation, the owner has completed a fair amount of work in a bid to return the car to the road. The brakes have received a full rebuild, while a new exhaust and new tires have also been fitted. The carburetor has been replaced with a Holley, but the original item is included in the sale. The entire front end has been replaced, and the Mach 1 has been fitted with new Scott Drake upper and lower control arms. Once again, would you leave these items in place, or would you swap them out for genuine control arms? The Mustang now runs nicely, but the owner does advise potential buyers to have the car thoroughly checked before subjecting it to any driving at highway speeds.
Generally speaking, the black interior of the Mustang seems to present quite well. The only issue that I can spot in the limited photos is the fact that the trim on the rear pillar on the passenger side doesn’t seem to fit properly. Beyond that, the rest of the trim and upholstery looks quite good. There are no signs of any splits or tears in the seats, the dash and cap look good, while the remaining upholstery and the carpet appear to be free of major defects. According to the Marti Report, the Mustang rolled off the line fitted with an AM radio. This has now gone, and we find a radio/8-track player in its place. It isn’t clear whether the dash has been cut to fit this, but if the next owner is seeking originality, then a replacement radio will need to be sourced. Of course, if the 8-track really doesn’t matter, then there is a fair pile of tapes included with the car for the new owner’s listening pleasure.
Taken on face value, this Mustang Mach 1 would seem to represent a pretty good buy at the asking price. If it is as solid and rust-free as the owner suggests, then it is a car that would need very little in the way of work before it was fit to tear up the tarmac once again. For purists, the change of color is going to matter, but for someone who is searching for a clean classic that they can just drive and enjoy, this is a car that shows some promise. So, if you bought it, would you change the paint color, or would you just drive it and enjoy it as it is?
There should really be a definition of the word survivor for car guys to adhere to. To me a survivor is a vehicle that still wears it’s original paint and has all of the original and unrebuilt engine and driveline components, as well as an original interior. Sure some parts are consumable like tires, batteries, brakes and exhaust but I don’t see a “survivor” here, although it is a nicely kept car. Is it just me or is this term being used way too loosely?
I wouldn’t want a Pontiac V8 car with its original timing chain meshing with factory NYLON teeth, regardless of the mileage. lol
All of those should by now have a replacement proper double row timing chains that mesh with metal teeth, hiding inside.
Nor would i want a Pontiac V8 with UNITIZED ignition, unless i had a conventional replacement distributor & wires in the trunk. lol
Nor would i want an original ’60s chevy v8 car with factory defective motor mounts or factory “recall cables” in place to hold the motor in place in case a mount breaks.
Or any pre ’74 vega motor car, even with zero miles!
A survivor, hummm. I would dare say a survivor is any car from back in the day that hasn’t been ate alive by rust and still holds most it original qualities. It’s obvious as growing up in the muscle car era that many of us still added on some performance items. And considering oil had came a long way many of those cards needed a rebuild shortly after 70,000 miles and along with those came came and carbs. I drove a friend’s 69 mach 1 in the blue which I thought to be very attractive at the time, to go get gas for my 69 cougar xr7 ( imagine running out of gas when you could drive all day on the change in your pocket). I had a Windsor 351 auto and he had a Cleveland 351 4 speed. Except for the 4 speed and 4bbl I would dare claim that both were good runners. What some people are expecting to find is all original in like new shape for a low price. Even when parked inside ageing still happens. Like the old commercial “you could listen to them rust at night”. This is a great car, the color is nice but repeating the original blue would have been better.
Agree with Dusty. At this point in time it is purely a driver quality Mustang and as such is reasonably priced. A ’70 not as desireable as 69’s but still in the best years to me ’67-’70. Do the math, and add the cost of returning it to original likely puts it in square in the middle, value wise.The 351 is a Cleveland vs Windsor, so room for easy performance improvement.
It’s beautiufl the way it is… Changes are okay.
Yes dusty your definition is correct!! A 351 with a four speed is a great car but in no way should it be called a ” survivor ” it’s a well cared for car that at some point has been refurbished so survivor it is not!!!
Hard pass on the grabber blue.
Nice car, my favorite are the 69-70 and 05-14. I have an 06 GT Convertible, so I need a 69-70 for my backup car ! I’d drive the wheels off this, but save everything for the next care taker. I’d probably put a bit more power in the 351, and have fun with it !
It’s mot even Ground-hog day yet is seems like this car was just featured here on 12/20:
https://barnfinds.com/nice-shed-find-1970-ford-mustang-mach-1/
Groundhog Day ! Good eye !
I thought I had seen this recently before. It’s not a true survivor but is a nice driver quality 70 Mustang.
I would prefer it go back to Grabber Blue but for this asking price I would not change color.
Seller should clarify if the a/c works. That always helps the sale to us older folks.
Weather he calls it a survivor or not is irrelevant. It’s a nice car and a god price for a true 70 mach with a 351/4spd
For the price he is asking. I could put alot less in my nice bodyFairlane 66 GT and have a better rideing car, faster,run it like it was made for . Not sit in a garage and just look at. Drive it and enjoy it. Why leave it for some else to sale and not appreciate what you saved for them. Plus alot easier to tinker on.When people quit thinking that those who buy at Barret Jackson –everyone is rich. Then MAYBE they will realize their car or rust bucket is not worth alot of money and everyone is not rich. Barret Jackson ruint the hobby for the middle class and poor folks. This car might have sold for $6,000 new. Their will be alot of parts on this car.That will need to be replaced and FINDING good made parts for it.Without breaking you. I have seen better looking cars with the 429 saleing for about half.