New to the Mach 1 club and working on being a new Mach 1 owner

[Oneshot976]

Hello everyone. I am new to the site and hopefully will be new to the Mach 1 owners group. I have located a 1969 Mach 1. It is a full "frame off" restoration and I really want it.

The biggest hold up for me is that is doesn't have the original engine. According to the Marti report it is a true Mach 1 and was a Windsor car originally and has had a Windsor put back in it.

I really feel like this is a great opportunity to get a perfect car otherwise but I struggle with the engine not being the original. Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

[Mach 1 Club]

Welcome!

First off what are you paying for it?

Secondly I would recommend you determine what its long term plan is for you. If you are getting it solely with the idea that the value is going to go up and at some point you want to make money on the car that's one way. This would matter if its original.

But if you are looking at the car as one you want to keep forever then I suppose you need to look at how much it means to you to have the original motor. Does it run well? Is the motor series the same as what the original one was?

Cost is the biggest key here, if you are getting a Mach 1 that is a lot less expensive than a 100% original then its worth it.

Personally I would buy a 1969 Mach 1 without the original motor if it runs well, looks good, requires little to make perfect and mostly if you like it!


Welcome to the site and hopefully you'll have a Mach 1 soon!

[Bitdriver]

Better yet, buy mine! It has the original engine :) and its pretty :)

[Mach 1 Club]

Absolutely! the problem your gonna have is he wants a 69.

[Rare Pony]

Thats a tough question, if it had the original engine it would be worth more, but if it has the period correct Windsor in it as a replacement it should not hurt the value a whole lot!

72 Mach 1 made some good points in his post!

Good luck with your decision!

[Oneshot976]

Thanks for all the feedback.

Honestly I am not sure what period the engine is from, I will have to ask the seller. I do know the guy who built the engine for him as well and I know his work is 100% top shelf.

My true desire of this car is to get a great looking car that I can enjoy at a cruise in or a local car show from time to time.

I know the guy who did the body work and his work is top shelf as well and this car was done right.

I am not looking at this as a money maker but I don't want to spend my money in a foolish way either. I am just trying to do my home work and not let the shine of the paint and the rumble of the engine cause to make a poor decision. The best I think I am going to be able to do is $30,000.

Here a few pictures for your viewing....

















Thanks,
Mike

[Mach 1 Club]

Wow Mike that is nice. Although 30k seems steep for a non original motor car, but it is very nice no doubt. For that money you could buy bitdrivers and that one is beautiful as well. But I get it, 1969 is the key.

Personally this is what I would do if I had the money and wanted that car.

I would find the highest quality shop or mechanic you have in town and have them go over the car with a fine tooth comb. No matter what it costs.
Unless your a mechanic.

Better off spending the money for a high quality inspection that it will be to have something go wrong after the purchase. The seller should be willing to do whatever it takes to sell the car if you are a qualified buyer. If they complain at all I would walk.

Just be careful not to get your nose to wide open, think logically! If you have the ability to spend 30k on a car then there are plenty of them out there, take your time!!!

Also find out what history the car has with it. Where did this lot get the car that sort of stuff.

Be smart you'll hate yourself if you don't do this right.

But this Mach 1 is stunning!

[Oneshot976]

Thanks for the feedback. I have had it looked over very closely and I feel very good about the car.

It is a great car and is in excellent condition. I have looked at a lot of '69 Mach 1's and this is one of the nicest I have ever seen. The only hang up I have is the engine not being original.

I guess I have a decision to make.


I really want the car I just want to make sure that I am not making a bad decision.

Mike

[Bitdriver]

Thanks for the feedback. I have had it looked over very closely and I feel very good about the car.

It is a great car and is in excellent condition. I have looked at a lot of '69 Mach 1's and this is one of the nicest I have ever seen. The only hang up I have is the engine not being original.

I guess I have a decision to make.


I really want the car I just want to make sure that I am not making a bad decision.

Mike

You did notice that mine is cheaper, AND has the original engine AND is a ram air AND is prettier right ?

[Oneshot976]

Bitdriver,
Your car is sharp for sure. I am just a big fan of the 69. It has been a dream car of mine for years. Thanks for the thought though.