Ford gave the Mustang its second styling update in 1969 and a greater shift to performance to help boost sales. However, the decline in demand that began in 1967 continued through 1973. Even with the new fastback Mach 1 as part of the sales portfolio accounting for about one of every four built. This 1970 Mach 1 has been taken apart, had all the rust taken care of, and put back together, but it needs a new set of eyes to make sure it was all done right. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, this unfinished project is available here on eBay with no reserve and a current bid of $20,100.
The 1970 Mustang was quite similar to the 1969 edition except that it went back to single headlights instead of four. Overall Mustang sales dropped by a third between the two years, while the Mach 1 saw an even bigger drop of 43%. Part of that could be attributed to muscle cars starting to fall out of favor (higher insurance premiums), but also because Ford’s focus was a little more on style now than guts. You could get a Mach 1 with a 351 cubic inch V8, like the 351 “Cleveland” here with 2-barrel carburetion.
According to the seller, this Mustang was disassembled to have rust and other body repairs made and then reattached, though not necessarily with precision. So, the buyer will have to double-check the prior work and adjust fit-and-finish as needed. The floors are new as are the quarter panels and some of the internal pieces. It’s also a well-equipped Ford with automatic transmission, a 9-inch rear end, the GT suspension, and power assist for the steering and front disc brakes.
The seller has tested the motor and says it’s in good running order with no strange noises or smoke. The interior appears to be in order except for the front seats which are GT-style and transplanted from a later vintage automobile. The listing party has been dealing in Ford muscle cars for more than 40 years and is beginning to thin the herd. So, it sounds like he/she knows what they are talking about, and could probably address any questions a prospective buyer may have.