Some enthusiasts will avoid completing another person’s unfinished project for fear that there might be hidden nasties to sour the experience. However, this 1979 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is at a point where they should have little trouble determining what they will get for their money. Adding to its appeal is the first owner’s decision to order this classic with the legendary 428 Cobra Jet V8 under the hood. That will give it the muscle to match its looks. The Mach 1 is largely complete, and with the reserve met, it is set to find a new home.

The 1969 model year brought the second major redesign for the First Generation Mustang as every physical dimension increased. This was partly to provide the car with a more significant presence but was also necessary to allow larger engines to slot comfortably under the hood. This 1969 Mustang is a Mach 1, which was a new addition to the range for that year. Few realized at the time, but the outstanding sales success of the Mach 1 would hasten the demise of the Mustang GT as that badge’s sales total fell through the floor. The first owner ordered this classic in iconic Candy Apple Red, as confirmed via the included Marti Report. The seller has listed it on behalf of a friend, confirming that the car is solid. There is no evidence of rust in the supplied photos, suggesting that any remaining preparation before a repaint should be straightforward. The Mach 1 is missing a few minor trim pieces, but the glass appears acceptable for a driver-quality restoration.

The greatest challenge facing the new owner when tackling the interior restoration is replacing the missing gauge cluster and other dash components. The pad has cracked and the speaker grille has crumbled, but new pads are readily available and affordable. The faded carpet may require replacement, but the Black upholstered surfaces appear okay as part of a driver-grade build. Those seeking perfection and a return to factory specifications might elect to perform a retrim, and the affordability of trim kits will make that prospect irresistible to some enthusiasts.

Okay, here is where things take a turn for the worse, although it might not be all doom and gloom. The first owner ordered this Mach 1 powered by the legendary 428 Cobra Jet V8. It fed 335hp and 440 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed close-ratio manual transmission. Was it fast? I think that the ¼-mile ET of 14.3 seconds answers that question pretty clearly. The seller confirms that the original engine and four-speed are gone, but date-correct replacements are included. The Cobra Jet is dismantled, and there are a couple of cracks in the engine block. The seller claims it has been checked by a specialist and is repairable, although only an in-person inspection will remove any lingering doubts. However, if all proves okay, breathing new life into this monster motor shouldn’t be hard.

This 1969 Mustang Mach 1 shows promise as a project, although the question mark hanging over the engine block might motivate some enthusiasts to place it in the “too hard” basket. The seller has listed this classic here on eBay in Atlanta, Georgia. Bidding has passed the reserve at $6,900, meaning it will head to a new home in under a week. Are you tempted to make a play for this classic, or does this Mach 1 raise more questions than it answers?