If you like your pony cars as hefty as possible, and many people do, then your ultimate Mustang should undoubtedly be a 1969 model year car. You literally cannot do better than that from an aggressiveness standpoint. However, if 1969 is out of the question, you’re left with just one other option, and that’s the 1970MY Mustang.
As many of you already know, Ford redesigned the Mustang for the 1969 model year, extending the body length by 3.8 inches, the overall width by nearly half an inch, while also adding an extra set of headlights, different side panels and a number of other changes.
One of the most important additions was that of a particular specification dubbed Mach 1, featuring reflective side stripes, dual exhaust outlets, hood scoop (either faux or functional), NASCAR-style pin tiedowns, trunk lid-mounted wing, louvered rear window and a chin spoiler.
The Mach 1 proved so popular that Ford sold over 70,000 units during that initial 12-month run.
What happened next was a little bit curious, with the carmaker opting to yet again restyle the Mustang for the 1970 model year, when single headlights made a return, and the overall styling of the vehicle was deemed to be less aggressive. Ford probably thought that a simpler design would lead to an increase in sales over somewhat disappointing numbers for 1969 (overall), but in the end, the ‘69 cars outsold their newer counterparts.
Still, you can’t go wrong with a 1970 Mach 1, and we just found one getting auctioned off after having undergone a full refurbishment.
The car looks absolutely stunning. As if it just left the showroom floor. The white exterior looks amazing, although we would have also liked to see it in its original Medium Bright Blue Metallic.
Meanwhile, the five-spoke wheels measure 17-inches in diameter and come with 245/45 front and 315/35 rear Nitto Nt555 Extreme ZR tires. This Mustang also comes with power steering, a lowered suspension and power-assisted front discs.
Inside, the entire cabin’s been reupholstered, with black vinyl front bucket seats, a black vinyl rear bench, air conditioning, a retro-style stereo with aftermarket speakers, plus a three-spoke steering wheel.
Photo: Bring a Trailer
As for the engine, originally this had a 428 ci Cobra Jet unit. Unfortunately, that’s now gone, clearing the way for a replacement 351 ci Cleveland V8, which we assume is giving off some 300 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. Those are some fine numbers, yes, but they certainly don’t match the Cobra Jet’s output of 335 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque.
Regardless, all that muscle gets directed towards the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission, which is said to have been installed under previous ownership.
On paper, you could definitely do a little better if you’re searching for a 1969/70 Mach 1 and you’re not on a very tight budget. But in a vacuum, this Mustang should really be praised for looking the way it does.
Sergiu got to experience both American and European car "scenes" at an early age (his father drove a Ford Fiesta XR2 supermini in the 80s). After spending over 15 years at local and international auto publications, he's starting to appreciate comfort behind the wheel more than raw power and acceleration. Full profile
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