Yard Find: 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

The seller has been this 1969 Mustang Mach 1’s custodian for over a decade. The supplied photos suggest it has been sitting in its current location for years and that it sorely needs some TLC. However, they suggest that its rust issues are limited, which could mean that whipping it into shape will be a straightforward process. That leaves potential buyers with other options to consider on this build. Located in Salina, Kansas, it is listed here on eBay. They have set the BIN at $21,000 but may consider offers.

The seller supplies a Marti Report for this Mustang, indicating that it has undergone no shortage of changes. As you will discover, those alterations could make this a prime candidate for a custom build. The car rolled off the production line wearing Meadowlark Yellow paint, so the current White is not original. It isn’t clear when the repaint occurred, but it shows its age to the point where the buyer may consider stripping the panels to bare metal. That will offer the chance to address the minor panel imperfections and the inevitable rust problems. These don’t appear extensive, although it will take an in-person inspection to confirm that. The seller indicates its presence in the lower rear quarter panel on the passenger side, some in the trunk lid, two spots in the trunk pan, and another area in the rear frame rails. If that proves to be all, the repairs would be straightforward. Most of the glass looks good, although the buyer will need to add a new windshield to their shopping list. The rear bumper is missing, while the remaining trim may prove okay once polished.

When it was new, this Mustang’s engine bay housed an S-Code 390ci V8. The original owner added a four-speed manual transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. With that V8 pumping out 320hp, the Mach 1 would have stormed the ¼ mile in an impressive 14.4 seconds. Sadly, the car is no longer numbers-matching. The 390 is long gone, and a 302 of 1968 vintage occupies its spot. That leaves the buyer with choices to make. Sourcing a date-correct motor is possible, which is what many might consider. However, the lack of originality might motivate others to perform drivetrain upgrades. Slotting something like a Cobra Jet into the engine bay is one option (if they can find one!), although the restomod path may be a viable one to consider. The parts to upgrade the engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes, are readily available. That would make the Mustang easy to live with while not compromising its charm.

One aspect of this Mustang that remains largely unmolested is its interior. Someone has swapped a radio/cassette player into the spot where the factory AM radio resided, but I struggle to find other additions. The front covers look well past their best, but the back seat may be okay. Only a deep clean will reveal the truth, but with trim kits available and affordable, it is another aspect of the build that might not present many challenges. If the buyer doesn’t focus on total originality, the option exists to upgrade to cloth or leather upholstery for an added touch of luxury.

Today, you can walk into your local Ford dealer, slap down the cash, and drive away in a shiny new Mustang Mach 1. The experience will leave little change from $60,000 before you start ticking boxes on the Options List. The question of whether its value will appreciate will only be answered as time passes, so as an investment, it is a calculated risk. Alternatively, you could buy a car like this 1969 Mach 1. The listing suggests that whipping the body into shape should not be particularly difficult while returning the interior to its former glory won’t be expensive. That would leave money in the piggy bank to attack its drivetrain. Sourcing a date-correct engine would be possible, although the buyer could elect to throw caution to the wind. Dropping in a more modern engine and transmission would be easy because you can buy parts for such conversions off the shelf. With some sensible brake and suspension upgrades, the car would retain the charm of a traditional Mach 1 but would prove easier to live with when the time comes to wheel it out of the garage for a spot of classic motoring pleasure. While it would not be 100% original, its value is almost guaranteed to increase over time. That sounds tempting, but would it be enough for you to pursue that dream further.