Grabber Blue 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1
And now for something from the “ouch” department, a 1970 Ford Mustang Mach I. The seller suggests that this Mustang either needs a complete restoration or could be used for parts – but then that’s usually true of most old cars, some just lean more in one direction than they do in the other. Which way does this Mustang lean? Let’s look it over and find out. This Mach I is located in Great Mills, Maryland and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $2,175, with twenty-seven bids tendered so far.
Viewing the VIN tells us that this forlorn Ford is a genuine Mach I but it was originally powered by a 250 HP, 351 CI V8, so a performance maven, it wasn’t. As you’ll note, I said “originally” as it’s now powered by gravity at best – it’s a roller. The seller states that he doesn’t know what transmission was attached to the 351, though the listing states, “automatic”. Nevertheless, that’s missing too.
There is a pile of parts that are included in the sale but the focus needs to be more on the structure and integrity of the unibody – what’s here does not present well. It’s definitely a Grabber Blue Mach I but rust, dents, and bent sheet metal abound. Other items like bumpers, headlights, taillights, and grilles are missing though some may be ensconced in the previously referenced pile-o-parts. Troubling, is the assertion, “has a lot of good parts but rust in frame rail an some in torque box“. Yes, rust-through is seriously plaguing this Mustang. The structure, trunk, and floor rust are considerably worse than that in the exterior body panels, though those panels are hardly free of the dreaded tin worm. It would appear as if this Mach I was parked outside for a lengthy period, windows down, maybe trunk ajar, and thus the rust pit that exists today. The wheels are a bit hard to discern, besides the obvious corrosion, they look like a cross between an American Racing Torque-Thrust and a Cragar S/S.
Inside is worse than the outside! The floors are rusted through, the dash and instrument panel are gone though the gauge bezel may be included in the parts pile. There are no seats or door cards, no nothing really. It’s more of a no canvas than a blank canvas.
This is a shame! The ’69 and ’70 Mustang Mach I’s were admirable cars, even when not powered with a performance-oriented motor. They certainly nailed it on looks! And it’s this car’s looks that are a bit painful to the eyes. So, assuming that there are some salvageable parts here, let’s vote, a restoration candidate or a parts car?
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Comments
This was a parts car. Was. Rust has taken another great one.
Hey Buford, grabber hood and yank!
What? What planet did I wake up on today?
Sorry this one is toast. Stale toast.
Wonder what’s in the parts pile worth $2175.
Simply. I am not smart and I don’t have the money it takes to put a 69-70 Mustang in my garage that I can drive. I foolishly I think I can get it running and drive with little money it in time. I have an old rusted Ford truck with a good motor.
The likely scenario is spending 2021 buying shipping said hulk. Taking it apart to the point it is sitting on blocks and now at this point a non roller.
Grinding and cutting rust. Buying some catalog parts. Realizing the amount of patch panels it really needs and combined the fact that many panels will not entirely cover the rust and adds to the complexity. Cuts and grinds more. Intending to finish later. (later never comes) Time to regroup. The garage is brimming with junk now. Wifes car now sits outside.
Car sits another few years and the buyer needs money as the wife left him. Further feeling beat down. Needs money and gets another idea. Throw in the towel and sell at a total loss. This is a life cycle of ruined unfinished projects.
No title? No drive train? Rot box? Hard pass even at $3000. Too bad because these were some of the best looking years for the Mustang.
Remember guys, there’s a lid for every pot
Is that a drug reference? (wink)
Includes a box of parts. So for your money you get two boxes of parts and a lot of rust thrown in.
$2,800 now!!!! Those tail lights on the ground are from a 69.
This is no different than any other mustang or rustang that I have worked on! And all the parts needed are available to make this a great car again! I would finish stripping and send it out for media blasting! Then you can see what you really need! And get an up graded 351C to keep the impression of a restored car but make a nice resto mod !
Wow for a back window, and glovebox, its already up to $2800,not much else looks very useful.
Sold $3,550!!!!
Good luck getting paid. Most all transactions on ebay the buyer is actually a ghost. People realized that because you bid at the last moment and win you do not have to follow through.
Parts car? What are the parts left?
….If I ran a scrap yard…….this would still scare me……..if I owned a crusher…..this would offend the crusher……..Bought a 69 new……sold it with zero rust……in NEW JERSEY…the winter salt capital of the usa……If you love it, care for it, but if not look for a fool soon to be parted with his money!