Rotisserie Restored Mustang Mach 1 428 Super Cobra Jet V8 4 Speed 4.30 Drag Pack

SUMMARY

When you ask most Ford enthusiasts what some of their favorite Mustangs are, '69 and '70 fastbacks are always at the top of the list. Between their slick hip lines and slightly larger stature, they were the 'stangs that officially laid rubber across the grave of the "secretary car" stigma. Production numbers weren't exactly low, but when an example like this fully documented R-code Mach 1 comes along, we're always happy to clear a spot in our showroom. Wrapping a cool color combination around a correct Super Cobra Jet big block, a correct Toploader 4-speed and a rare Drag Pack axle that's fitted with correct, 4.30 gears, this Ford is an awesome twist on a can't-miss favorite. And if you're looking for the perfect first generation pony car that'll rule local shows and make the best of your summer weekends, it's your next classic!

BODYWORK/TRIM

With most muscle cars, there's usually a single element that catches your eye long before anything else. But with this Mustang, EVERY piece works together to create a virtual symphony of automobilia. With a solid fastback profile that's benefitted from a detailed, ground-up restoration, this is the kind of metal that could turn heads in primer; and what better way to ensure sore neck muscles than mixing in vivid Calypso Coral paint? That paint coats fit and finish that puts factory-original fodder to shame. That fit and finish has been augmented with a slippery, show-stopping shine. And to ensure this pony stands out from the herd, a flat hood stripe perfectly recreates traditional Mach 1 markings.

For 1970 the Mustang received a smoother body, a less aggressive face, a flat rear valence and a variety of balanced trim tweaks. The idea was to tame looks that some believed were hindering sales and better the car's performance in crucial SCCA Trans Am events. At the leading edge of this super slick coupe, a simple Mach 1 grille hangs ornate marker lamps between bright headlights, a mirrored bumper and an aggressive chin spoiler. At the top of that grille, a requisite Cobra Jet shaker leads the eye to like-new glass that's framed in satin-finished wipers, color-keyed sport mirrors and straight stainless trim. At the sides of that glass, re-fashioned quarters and finned Mach 1 rocker guards combine with polished door handles, cursive "Mustang" scripts and chrome-trimmed marker lamps to provide an aggressive, yet finished appearance. At the back of those quarters, tight Sport Slats descend to a familiar deck spoiler. And beneath that spoiler, a chrome-trimmed valence anchors an ornate fuel filler and segmented taillights between a mirrored bumper, wide-set reverse lamps and a requisite Mach 1 tail stripe.

ENGINE

Back in 1970, if you wanted a Mustang and you wanted to slay stoplights, you wanted Ford's killer Super Cobra Jet V8. Lift this fastback's scooped hood and you'll find 428 cubic inches of FE big block that's been completely rebuilt from its spry Holley carburetor all the way down to its Ford Blue oil pan. Long regarded as one of the most iconic mills ever created, factory-supplied Cobra Jets utilized a strengthened medium block, heavy-duty rods, a nodular crank, and larger valves and ports to produce a highly underrated 335 horsepower. At the top of the engine, ram air cowl induction centers a "Cobra JET" branded shaker over a high performance intake. At the sides of that intake, cast iron heads hang finned and decaled valve covers over fully restored exhaust manifolds. A familiar points distributor sequences spark through fresh Autolite Radio Resistance plug wires. Squeak-free belts spin a rebuilt alternator via simple black pulleys. And cooling comes courtesy of a stock radiator, which circulates water through pliable hoses and old school screw clamps. Aesthetically, the dressed and decaled engine bay appears very close to original, featuring an even combination of Satin Black and Ford Blue paint. And everything, from the car's small Motorcraft voltage regulator to its rare Autolite rev limiter, appears primed to cruise.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Take a look at our professional, high-resolution photography and you'll see that the bottom of this fully sorted pony is both solid and clean. Behind the car's first-class Ford block, a tough Toploader 4-speed drives a correct Drag Pack axle, a proven Detroit Locker differential and correct, 4.30 gears. Holding that versatile drivetrain off the ground is a lucid factory suspension, which appears to have been fully rebuilt during the car's 2000 restoration. At the front of that chassis, factory power steering makes quick work of tight turns. At the corners of the car, correct power front disc and rear drum brakes make excellent use of a big Bendix booster. At the center of the floor, free breathing, true-dual pipes shuttle spent gases from the aforementioned manifolds to an H-shaped crossover, brash Flowmaster mufflers and polished stainless tips. And everything rolls on polished Magnum 500s, which spin two 235/60R14 BF Goodrich Radial T/As and two 245/60R14 BF Goodrich Radial T/As around horse-branded center caps.

INTERIOR

Inside this Ford, a correct and equally attractive interior will make any Mustang fan feel right at home. Everything from the car's floor mats to its headliner presents well, and correct Medium Ginger Corinthian buckets provide plenty of support for spirited driving. From the captain's chair, a wood-trimmed dash features a nice set of factory gauges, which keeps tabs on fuel, speed, revs and temperature, while a Rim Blow steering wheel keeps the driver connected to the road. At the center of the cockpit, a JVC direct-fit radio hangs over a wood-trimmed console, which founds canted SunPro accessory gauges in front of a long Hurst shifter. At the sides of the cabin, crack-free door panels feature an attractive mix of stainless and wood applique. And behind the passengers, a restored trunk features a fresh mat, fresh decals, correct tools and a full-size spare tire.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

According to Kevin Marti of Marti Auto Works, this super clean fastback was bolted together in Metuchen, New Jersey on September 22nd, 1969. Here's a thorough breakdown of the car's original Door Data and optional equipment:

DOOR DATA:

SERIAL NUMBER: 0T05RXXXXXX

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

It's hard to picture the automotive world without Mustangs. In addition to being a long-term staple in the collector car market, they continue to be favorites among racers and purists alike. With a buff Super Cobra Jet, a proven Toploader, a rare rear end and nearly universal appeal, this R-code Mach 1 is ideal for anyone who wants a great mix of old school fun and show-stopping looks!