1970 Ford Mustang

"M" Code Convertible

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

0F03M102016

Gasoline

CAR: I don't consider myself an "expert" on old Mustangs, but I've owned a number of them. This is the nicest, cleanest, most original car I've seen in a long time. I bought this car from a collector last year with the intention of keeping it forever. Unfortunately the Army is sending me overseas, and I can't take it with me. Cars like this one are really hard to find, so it pains me to sell it. It spent most of its life on the West Coast, and the past 11+ years in a climate controlled building. I've had this car up an a lift several times, and have found no rust anywhere. It even has its original trunk drop offs, with the drain vents still in functional condition! It has the original tar paper and sound deadner in the trunk, and the original white top boot still has the June 1969 date stamp on it. This was an early 70 model. I have a Marti report, and some of the original build sheets to document its originality. BODY & PAINT: The car still has its original body panels, and all are straight and rust free. The car has had a repaint, but is the factory Calypso Coral. The trunk, inner doors and sills, and under hood still sport the original paint. I have found no evidence of collision or major repairs, and the body seems to be nearly free of bondo (I say "nearly" because I'm not a body man, so there might be a little bit somewhere). The paint is very nice driver quality, but I wouldn't consider it show quality (for local shows it will place well). The chrome and stainless are nice, with only very minor blemishes on a few pieces. The doors open and close nicely with no sagging, and the power top functions perfectly. The wheels are one year only, 1970 styled steel, and it has 5 nearly new TA radials (the spare is styled steel, and has never been on the ground). INTERIOR & TOP: The white seat upholstery, door panels, and convertible top are all originals, and in very good condition. There are no rips or splits in the seats, and no cracks in the dash pad. The gauges all work, and the original rim blow steering wheel is still in pretty good shape. The horn pad has a small split that can be seen in one of the photos. It has intermittent wipers from the factory, and that's a really rare option. The carpet has been replaced, but not much else. The top has the "backlight" folding glass curtain, and it's still in good shape. The top itself is starting to show a little bit of wear, but still very presentable (especially for a 42 years old). There are a few minor things that I haven't had a chance to fix. The right turn signal does not self cancel after a turn (the left does), and the AM radio doesn't work. The top boot has two snaps missing, but otherwise nice. The original Carlite tinted glass is all nice. DRIVE TRAIN: The engine is a 300 HP 351 Cleveland 4 barrel, and the transmission is an FMX automatic. The engine starts right up, runs strong, and doesn't smoke or overheat. The tranny shifts firm and feels right. From what the previous owner told me, neither have ever been out of the car. The engine has Ford Motorsports (Boss 302) aluminum valve covers and a chrome oil pan on it. I was going to put a stock pan back on it, but never had the time. I did replace the aftermarket Holley carburator with a new 4300 Autolight (not cheap). It has Autolite belts, hoses, clamps, wires, battery, ect. Someone did cut a couple very small holes in the shock towers in order to grease the zirts (some of you may remember when this was a common practice). They can easily be repaired, I just haven't had time. The car drives and handles good, and doesn't leak fluid. I drove this car 400 miles home, and had no trouble at all (got a lot of looks). I would not be afraid to drive it anywhere. That being said, remember that it's 42 years old! OVERALL: To give you an idea of how rare this car is, the Matri report said that only 379 were built with this engine combination. Most 70 convertibles came with the standard 6 cylinder or upgraded to the 302 V8. A few were upgraded to the "H" code 351 2 barrel, and fewer yet got the high performance "M" code option. Add in the color and option combinations, and it's a rare pony. I won't say the car is "perfect", or a 100 point show car. It is, however, the nicest and most original Mustang I've ever owned. You can win local car shows with it just the way it is. This is a "no reserve" auction, so bid to own it. You will get an incredible car! The car is sold "as is", with no warranty. I do have some extra parts that I may sell the buyer, if they want them (nice 70 console, deluxe interior pieces, Mach1 pieces, 351 shaker, etc.). The parts would only be for sale to the buyer of the car. I can provide a few additional photos on request (I'm maxed out here). If you are in the St. Louis area, serious buyers are welcome to see the car in person. On Mar-23-12 at 11:17:56 PDT, seller added the following information: It should go without saying.......but.......if you don't have the money, please don't bid. Since I'm getting ready to be transferred, I don't have time to relist this in the event of a non-paying buyer. The car is also for sale locally, so I reserve the right to end the auction if the car is no longer available. Good luck and happy bidding! Thanks!On Mar-29-12 at 06:30:42 PDT, seller added the following information: I had some folks ask about the engine, since not everyone recognizes the "M" code description. In 1970 Ford came out with the 351 Cleveland engine, as a response to the 350 Chevrolet and 340 Mopar engines. The high performance 4 barrel version of the Cleveland has very large intake and exhaust ports, as well as big valves. This engine was designed to "breath" better at higher RPMs, and deliver more horsepower. In 1969, "M" code Mustangs had 4 barrel 351 Windsor engines. They had much smaller ports and valves, and were not the equal of the their competitors (without extensive modifications). In 1970, early "H" code cars could have recieved either a Windsor or Cleveland 2 barrel engine. The "M" codes, however, got the new and more powerful Cleveland 4 barrel. This car has that engine.