Tackling somebody else’s unfinished project build can seem like a daunting task. Depending on how far the work has progressed, the buyer could be facing unseen problems lurking below primer and fresh paint. That isn’t the case with this 1970 Mustang Fastback. The seller has gone no further than dismantling the car and cutting away some of its rust. Potential buyers will be able to see exactly what they face in returning this car to its former glory. Alternatively, it could make an excellent basis for a Mach 1 tribute. If you feel up to such a challenge, you will find the Mustang located in Weare, New Hampshire, and listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set his auction to open at $10,000 but has received no bids.

First Generation Mustangs are renowned for their rust issues, but this Calypso Coral example may be better than many. It seems that until recently, it had spent most of its life in the drier climate of Texas. That doesn’t mean that it is 100% rust-free, but its problems seem to be relatively limited. The seller has started cutting out the rust in the front floors, and the new owner will need to complete this job and weld in new steel. The rear floors show no evidence of problems, while areas like the trunk pan and shock towers look surprisingly good. The lower rear quarter panels will need repairs, but there appears to be more surface corrosion on this classic than penetrating rust. The seller had stripped the car, preparing for media blasting, but this never happened. With so many parts removed, the next owner will need to take a fairly detailed inventory to determine what new parts they may need to buy. It could be time-consuming, but completing this properly could save money on the restoration.

This shed contains a fair cache of parts that have been removed from this Mustang. Most of the body panels are present, although I can’t spot much in the way of glass. I can see a few interior trim pieces but no evidence of an engine or transmission. The Mustang rolled off the line equipped with a 302ci V8 and a three-speed automatic transmission. That V8 would have produced 220hp, which was enough to propel the Mustang through the ¼ mile in 16.4 seconds. It isn’t clear whether the complete drivetrain is present, although the exterior stripes and decals suggest that somebody has transformed the car into a Mach 1 clone. Whether this extended to updating the motor is another unknown. That makes the Mustang a blank canvas for its next owner. Finding something period-correct would be easy, although slotting in a more modern alternative could make it a practical daily driver.

The new owner of this 1970 Mustang will have some decisions to make. If its engine and transmission are gone, they could potentially source a date-correct drivetrain to return it to its former glory. It is also a blank canvas for a possible Mach 1 tribute or would be an excellent basis for a restomod build. Its lack of significant rust problems makes it a prime candidate for a project car. It is an opportunity for someone to let their imagination run riot. If you were to buy, what would be your path?