Ford Mustang Mach 1
ENGINE 5766cc/V8/OHV POWER 300bhp@5400rpm TORQUE 380lb ft@3400rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 134mph 0-60MPH 6.1sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 12-20mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed automatic MoT Exempt ODOMETER 18,439 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
It takes a little feathering of the throttle to get the huge V8 going from cold, but after about 30 seconds it settles to an even idle. The carb seems to require a slight tune-up, as on light throttle it has a bit of a flat spot. In fact, we’re pretty sure we heard a backfire through the inlet at some point, but the dealer says they will look into this. When driven like a Mustang should be however – with a heavy right foot – the V8 delivers dollops of lazy power and a thrilling soundtrack. The car stops fine and there are no noises we’d consider out of the ordinary – minor squeaking being par for the course.
BODYWORK CHECK
The exterior is terrific, thanks to a Stateside restoration shortly before the car came to the UK in 2018. We couldn’t fault the paintwork, while the underside is fantastically straight. Desirable extras (like the vinyl stripes and black rear window louvres) are in good shape too, and are all on the car’s original build sheet. One of the bonnet clamps doesn’t depress fully, but it still works, so perhaps some adjustment is needed. The wheels are in great condition and all wear BF Goodrich tyres, dated 2018 and showing little wear.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
While the exterior is pristinely restored, the inside looks a lot more original. The dash bezels have lost a bit of their chrome finish, while the panelling around the rear seats is quite heavily scuffed. The steering wheel is missing two of the plastic pieces that fit between the spokes – one is in the car and set to be refitted, but the other is lost. That said, it is still a very good interior overall. The vinyl on the seats is fresh, while the dash top is clean and blemish-free, as is the faux wood around the cabin. The carpets are good, but we did see a small coolant leak in the passenger footwell. The dealer says they’ll sort this, but do check both the job has been carried out, and the carpets aren’t irreversibly damaged.
UNDER THE BONNET
It’s very clean under the ‘hood’, with just a light layer of dust. We saw no evidence of leaks from the Cleveland V8, nor would we expect to, as accompanying the car is a large folder of receipts recording its history in the years immediately before it came to the UK – including a full engine rebuild in San Diego. The ancillaries and wiring look fresh too, and a new starter motor has been fitted since it arrived in the UK.
THE CCW VIEW
If you prefer Seventies chic to Sixties cool, this bright orange Mustang should be high up your list. It is in terrific condition, runs on the button and has the bonus of matching its build spec, rather than being a hodgepodge. This is top dollar for a 1970 Mustang, but it warrants it.
PROS Recently restoration, lots of character CONS Some interior ‘patina’, top dollar
BUY IT FROM Total Headturners, Thornwood, Epping, Essex CM16 6NE. 01992 573564, totalheadturners.com