Introduced for the 1969 model year as a performance package, the Mach 1 spelled the end of the GT badge until Ford brought it back for the 1982 Mustang. Blending fastback looks with V8 power, this version came standard with the two-valve 351 Windsor engine, a three-speed stick shift, an open rear axle, and sporty suspension.
The go-faster pony we’ll cover today is a four-speed manual with the M-code Cleveland engine, a 5.8-liter blunderbuss with a four-barrel carburetor and 300 horsepower on tap. Offered at no reserve by Barrett-Jackson at the Fall Auction, the Grabber Blue sports coupe “has subpar floor repairs” according to the consignor.
Looking through the photo gallery uploaded by Barrett-Jackson, it’s hard to tell how much work is needed to bring this baby back to the correct spec. There are no pics of the undercarriage, but it's easy to tell that the hood clips are not up to snuff. The wheels aren’t original, and the same can be said about the stereo unit.
On the upside, the car is very clean under the hood and doesn’t show any corrosion around the door sills or rocker panel moldings. The chrome garnish and Shaker hood are in tip-top condition as well, and the blue-painted valve covers of the Cleveland engine, distributor, spark plug wires, and radiator also appear to be fine.
Equipped with power steering and 3.25 gears for the Traction-Lok rear axle from the factory, the Mach 1 before you is the perfect candidate for a restoration. The American Racing Torq Thrust wheels can easily be replaced with Magnum 500s and the original AM/FM radio and shift knob can be easily sourced as well.
The biggest challenge, obviously, is the “subpar floor” that needs to be fixed by a specialist who knows Fords from this era like the back of his hand. No pre-auction estimate has been offered, but Mach 1s in relatively good condition like this car aren’t too expensive based on 2020 auction results.
So far this year, the most expensive four-speed Cleveland to cross the block did so thanks to Mecum Auctions for $36,300 excluding the buyer’s premium.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News