PC Classic Cars, a Sherman, Texas-based old-school dealership, has an interesting proposal for the enthusiasts of the first-generation Ford Mustang with a penchant for classic comfort and luxury.
This is a 1970 Ford Mustang Grande – a new variant that appeared in 1969 which the Blue Oval company introduced as an upscale model version set to offer a lot more amenities than the standard pony car. The first generation had several variants during its original manufacturing run from March 1964 until 1973 – the Mustang gave rise to an entirely new class of automobile, inspiring rivals to copy it. Hence, the company strived to stand out among the competitors.
The Ford Mustang Grande offered only between 1969 and 1973, was solely available on hardtop models and was the direct opposite of the sporty Mach 1 trim. This was the first of its kind upscale package in the Mustang family, and with perks like a softer ride, extra sound-deadening material, and a deluxe cockpit with fake wood trim, it proved a hit with buyers as they discovered a new type of vehicle at Ford.
As the name implies, ‘grandeur’ was the name of the game here, and Ford thought about everything – from plusher carpets to a Rim Blow steering wheel. Screaming 1970s all over it, the Mustang Grande was still not that much different from the outside compared to its regular or sportier brethren. So, it was also a good choice for something that looked subtle on the outside but came with many surprises inside.
Since it wasn’t made afterward, it remains to this day a little-known version outside of the diehard fan base – and also a rare find. Thus, here’s an opportunity to experiment with the Ford Mustang Grande feel on this example from 1970 with the odometer reading a sensible mileage of 88,158 miles (“actual mileage cannot be verified,” says the dealer, though).
It also comes with an original 351 Windsor V8 (not to be confused with the near-identical displacement Ford 351 Cleveland, which is a different engine) hooked to the company’s FMX three-speed automatic transmission. The mill originally had SAE gross ratings of 250 or 290 hp, but the good folks over at PC Classic Cars don’t say which one is installed in their example. Anyway, aside from that original 351W and the factory AC plus powered steering and front disc brakes, the car also has some aftermarket touches – 15-inch Magnum 500 wheels with 235/60 tires, manifolds, a dual exhaust, and aftermarket mufflers.
The outside has a nice orange paintjob with black touches on the hood, but it’s not the original – that was a code “K” Bright Gold Metallic. At the same time, the interior is dressed in “GF” Ginger cloth for the bucket seats and has lots of simulated wood trim on the dashboard and door panels. Overall, it’s a nice piece of Mustang memorabilia, and the price isn’t too blown out of proportion – the dealership wants exactly $34,500 for this 1970 Ford Mustang Grande. So, what do you think?