Offered for sale is my 1969 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet Mach 1. This Mach 1 is equipped with the Q code 428 Cobra Jet engine with a close ratio toploader 4 speed transmission and a 3.91 traction lok 31 spline nodular rear end. This is a nicely equipped car and is optioned with power front disc brakes and power steering, factory tach and sport deck rear seat. The car rides on 15 inch Magnum 500 wheels with F60x15 Polyglas GT tires. The odometer reads 07532 and is assumed to be 107532 however that is not able to be verified. I bought the car in January of 2014 from a dealer and do not know the history of the car with reference to panel replacement, accident damage, etc. The reason I am selling is I have recently developed arthritis in my feet which makes it uncomfortable to drive a stick shift, so I am selling to buy a car with an automatic.
I am unable to verify if this is a matching numbers car. There is not enough room to get a clear photo of the usual location on the engine block where the VIN would be stamped. It's possible the stamping was filled in with paint when the engine was painted during a restoration. The date code stamping near the oil filter adapter is visible and reads 9D16. This indicates the block was cast April 16, 1969 which is about six weeks prior to the car's build date. Based on this information I would assume it is the original block. The engine is equipped with the correct style Holley 4150 carb, factory intake and exhaust manifolds, correct style hoses, belts, clamps, etc. The factory Cobra Jet manifolds flow into a custom exhaust system with correct rolled edge tips in the rear. The engine bay is highly detailed with correct satin black finish, new wiring harnesses, voltage relay and starter solenoid, etc. The engine starts easily and runs smooth and strong on the road with no evidence of any problems. The transmission appears to be the original big spline close ratio toploader 4 speed. It is currently equipped with a Hurst Competition Plus shifter.
The rear axle housing appears to be original and is equipped with the staggered shocks and 31 spline axle shafts as found on 428 Cobra Jet 4 speed cars. The original center section was a 3.25 non locking unit and has been upgraded to a 3.91 traction lok unit. The rear end operates smoothly with no excessive backlash or whining.
The exterior paint and body present very nicely. It appears that the car was treated to a rotisserie restoration in recent years before I purchased it. The paint has a smooth finish with good gloss. There are the usual touched up paint chips from normal driving. The Mach 1 stripes are in excellent condition and were applied razor straight. Overall the chrome and stainless is in good condition, however some of the stainless pieces show some wear or marks and the new owner might want to have them buffed out or replaced in the future. The windshield and back glass have some chips and scratches in them and would probably warrant replacement in the future. As far as I know there is no rust in the car. As you will note in the photos the undercarriage is highly detailed in the body color and there is no undercoat to hide anything. Everything under the car appears to have been replaced including the suspension, fuel and brake lines, cables, etc.
The original interior color was red and has been changed to black. It features good quality repro door panels, seat covers, carpet, console, etc. All gauges, tach, lights and the clock are in working order. The radio is an original AM unit which was recently working but has since become inoperative. I chose not to replace it assuming the new owner would want to upgrade to a modern stereo of their choice. The trunk is nicely detailed with a high quality plaid burtex mat.
Overall, I would characterize this Mach 1 as a very nice driver or cruise night car. Although the paint is very nice, it's not so perfect that you would have a stroke if it got a rock chip or someone brushed against it at a car show. Due to my arthritis issues, I am motivated to sell and have set the reserve at a very reasonable amount. This will allow someone to get a true Cobra Jet 4 speed Mach 1 at a decent price without paying the markup or commission that the dealers and auctions are charging.
The car is located in Manassas, Va. about 45 minutes west of Washington, D.C. Personal inspections are welcome. At this time, I am not interested in taking any trades. I have a clear Virginia title in hand in my name. The car is sold as is with no warranty or guarantee. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. Payment by bank cashier's check or wire transfer. Please call Brian at 703-407-4111 or e mail me at btmerchant@aol.com with any questions.