Here is something you don’t see every day: a 1960s muscle car being listed for sale by its original owner. After 55 years of ownership, this Mach 1 is being offered up to the collector marketplace for the first time since being sold new from Bill Watkins Ford in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Hixson, Tennessee. (Click the link to view the listing)
“Rotisserie restoration performed,” the seller says. “Car was ordered in 1968 in Scottsdale, Arizona and spent most of its life in Phoenix. Absolutely no rust. Restoration started in 1998 through 2010 in Chattanooga, Tennessee by JJ’s Mustangs.” About 4,000 miles have reportedly been added since restoration was completed.
Having lived in Arizona for the last 18 years, I was particularly interested in finding out more about Bill Watkins Ford. Apparently, the dealership was located at the southwest corner of Scottsdale Road and Camelback Road. It originally opened in 1964 as Paradise Ford and at the end of 1967, it was sold to Bill Watkins. There is a website with some fascinating old newspaper advertisements from the dealership in the late 1960s including photos of a special event which involved Ford’s drag racing team.
The level of detail that went into this Mach 1’s restoration becomes evident in the photo gallery. The exterior is finished in Indian Fire, and the paint theme is offset by black accents for the chin spoiler, air intake, window louvers, and decklid spoiler. Unfortunately, the Marti Report photo is a little too blurry to read, but the seller says that the car retains most of its original equipment with exception of the radio and the steering wheel. The upgraded audio system is a Kenwood CD head unit with Bluetooth connectivity. Options include power steering and factory air conditioning.
Power comes from a Cobra Jet 428cid V8 paired with a console-shifted C6 Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. In its day, this car was one of the key players in the horsepower wars that made the muscle car era such a memorable time in automotive history.
“Car driven to local car shows only, never driven on ice or snow, garage-kept,” the seller says.
Mustang enthusiasts, take a closer look at this one because it is an unmistakably rare opportunity. Imaging being able to be the second owner of such an iconic pony car from the 1960s.
The asking price is $118,000 or best offer.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
I’m interested. Please send me contact information.
‘67 thru ‘70 are my favorite Mustangs (I know, everyone else’s, too right?”) I would absolutely LOVE to have this one, but I’m retired and this is out of my price range. Fortunately for me, the 2017-2023 Mustang GTs are my NEXT favorites. My absolute favorite would be a Shelby GT350 with the Voodoo (?) motor, the flat-plane crank motor. I heard a couple of them at a local car show. When they revved them, they sounded like a Ferrari! Just like I would LOVE to have that 428SCJ I would DOUBLE LOVE to have that GT350!!
Hi Iver, Please follow any of the links in the article to the listing on ClassicCars.com! You can contact the seller there.
In 1982/83 I had a 70 Mach 1 with a 351C 4V heads & 4 speed only after market parts were headers, car handled fantastic and plenty of power and that’s coming from someone who currently has a 68 Chevelle with modern suspension and a 590/600 489ci and sure wish I had that Stang again
What $ to buy??
The price is listed in the story.
Sell asap for the best auction price. The market is tighter over a 100 k need to see and drive . Great car .
The seller might be a year or so late to ask nearly 120 large. I think this car might have made it to that price in the summer of 2022. Nonetheless, this is a special car. Pedigree, originality, and low miles count for a lot. It’s missing the toploader, but that’s ok by me. Having driven one in traffic, I can tell you it gets tiresome very quickly. The auto makes for a much nicer cruising experience. The color is rare, though not popular – not sure if that is a + or a -. I have NEVER seen a red dash in a Mach 1 before. Very cool indeed.
Have had my 69 428scj from 11-13-72 and could never sell it. Bought with 16k miles and now has 33k. Candy apple red white interior gold stripes 4 speed. Street raced it in the 70s and ran a 427 8v side oiler. With slicks consistent 10.80s. Sat years raising my family and in 2000 put all back to original. Was nice with the shaker back on as could not use it with 2 4bbl carbs so I have an extra hood with 427 emblems on factory hood scoop. Always draws a crowd these days and remember when no one gave it a second look when I had my shelby’s out. How things have changed. Was my first car at 15 years old and paid $850 for it pumping gas at a Sunoco station when the oil embargo was having owners dump there performance cars. Right place at Right time.