What qualitys should I look for in a Mustang Mach 1 1969-71?
 

Im intrested in buying a mach 1 and im just wondering what things i should look for? If anyone could give me any advice on what is the best to get or look for in a mach 1 1969-71 i would most appreciate it. Thanx

first let me say i have driven a 71 fastback and i dont liket eh mailslot they call a rear window, and the shape of the quarterpanels kills rearward vision. that said look for cars with little or no rust, and as original as possible re: paint color, wheels, engine, trans, rear end, etc. low mileage cars that have not been raced are also desirable. a car that has never been hit, or one that has been repaired properly is also good. for engine, unless you want a big block, i would look for a 351 powered car as they have the best overall compromise between performance and mileage. any of the 351's is fine, but if you can find one and afford it a 4bbl 351 car is best. trans is your choice, but if you can avoid it stay away from the fmx as there is not much available for it anymore. i like the 70 body best, the 69 next and the 71 wwwwaaaaaaayyyyyyyy down the list.

Do some research first so you can tell if you are looking at a genuine mach 1 or not. Lots of people have dressed up fake GT's and a few Shelbys over the years and tried to pass them off as original. As the previous poster said, rust is a big factor. How much work do you want to do? Do you want to drive it away? How important is originality?

A top quality 428CJ 69 Mach 1 will go for lots and lots of money. A 351 powered car that is a driver with a new stereo will be much cheaper. It all depends on what you want. Generally, 69's are the most expensive, 71-73's are substantially cheaper. Don't let the HP numbers fool you from 71-72. The didn't lose that much power, that was the year HP was changed from gross to net ratings. 71-73 was vastly different and the mach 1 could be orderd with a 302. 71 was the only year for the 429. Learn the difference between 351 Cleveland and 351 Windsor. 351C was intruduced after the start of the 70 model year, often people will try to pass off a 69 with a 351C as an original motor. One other frustrating thing to be ready for, people who don't know will call any mustang of that vintage a mach 1. I responded to an add for a 71 mach 1 that was supposed to be a perfect canidate for restoration. It turned out to be a completely ragged out hardtop.