1970 Mach 1

[The Clown]

            Hello - I'm looking at owning my first Mach 1 - It's a 70 351 Cleveland 2 barrel - The original transmission is rebuilt, the engine was sent of to Jasper and rebuilt - It has 3,000 miles on it since with a warranty good thru August 2016. It has a 4 core aluminum radiator, AC, magnum 500s, new Goodrich Radial TAs, Window slats and rear spoiler, light yellow in color, single stage urethane paint with a few flaws. I haven't heard it run yet, but paint and trim, gaps, molding look very nice! It's an 8 hour drive to see it so I'm just wondering if the $25,500 price is reasonable - Thank You for your input :)

[Steven Harris]

Welcome.

Glad to have you with us.

1970 Mach 1's are not cheap to purchase nowadays. Is it worth $25K?

I believe it is priced a fair bit above it's value. Of course that is "easy" for me to say since I'm not the one really wanting that specific car. What first "red flagged" it for me was the painted rubber grommets on the firewall. If they so carelessly painted such accessible parts, what other corners have been cut?

You will definitely need to check it thoroughly if you plan to spend close to the asking price.

[Mustangmike]

Hello and welcome to the site. The car looks good in the pictures but definitely some flaws with the re-paint as yourself and Steven pointed out. Even the courtesy light switches in the door jambs where painted. It's difficult to assess the value of the car based on the pictures so a careful inspection in person would be your best option.

I do notice that the LH fender does not lie flat on the top aprons. If you look closely at your picture there are spaces or a wave between the bolts. Although I see this with a lot of Mustangs, I prefer the fender to lie flat on top of the apron. That can be fixed but I would use it as negotiation point with the seller along with the paint job.

When and if you decide to look at the car, look at the quarter panels from inside the trunk. I don't like to see half quarter panels patched in. You will know this by seeing a ridge or line just about the height of the trunk drop off panel where the work was done. Not the end of the world but another negotiation point.

Although rust does not seem to be an issue with this car (but still look for in the obvious spots) you are looking more at the quality of the work done to it. Ask the seller to see pictures of any restoration work done to the car. If you are unsure at what you are looking for in assessing the car, bring along someone who knows, it will be worth it. After all, why should you pay for someone else's cut corners.

Also, for comparison purposes, do some research on the internet to see what other 69 and 70 Mach 1's are going for. This way you will know if the price is in the ball park. It's not a bad looking car but I am thinking you can get the price down.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[j-cobb9]

Wow how cool is that car. Yellow 70 Mach with a Cleavland. BUT like Mike and Steve pointed a lot of corners have been cut. looks like dealer flip to me. Depending on what you are looking for. A good driver to get ice cream in or take to the cruise night, or something you may take to the next level and make really nice, ( find Mustang Mikes pic,s of his 66 resto.). I think you are going to find A LOT of sins. As far the price if its dealer there may be some room, or is it an owner that bought it from dealer and is buried in it. I am in the northeast and a really good Mach 1 can be 30 to 34k. A really good driver 15 to 20k.
If you can't find someone in the know to take with you. Go to the local ford dealer and tell them you are going to buy the car and would like a safety inspection, and you would like look underneath the car. It will cost you a small fee and you may make some mechanics day. Pay close attention to the floors and torque boxes for shoty repairs. Hope this helps. Good luck and keep us posted. John

[Mach1FatherFigure]

Shame your profile does not tell us where you are. Salt damage (if it used on roads where ever 'there' is) will be deep in welds and folds. You could find one horror story after another. ++ on the 'iffy' respray. I (and many others here) have done better with a spray can. I wonder what was exposed before the paint went on?
The 8hr drive is a pain but far less so than buying a 'dog', unseen, from the 'really honest' current owner. That is a lot of $ to let go.
A drive on a 4 day week end could be a great investment.

[1969_Mach1]

Wow, nice car! I always liked the 70 Mach 1's as well. Look closely at the car. Nothing appears to be done to a very high standard. The seller was probably wanting to flip the car for quick money. But it could still be a solid car underneath that restoration work. Do your homework, make certain the Vin is correct for the what the seller is advertising and it's not a Sportsroof cloned into a Mach 1.

You mention AC in your post but I don't see any evidence of factory AC in the pictures.

It can very well be a solid car needing more attention to finish up the sloppy work from others.

Good Luck, hope it works out well for you!