Overview: This car presents the unique opportunity to purchase a car in a condition that is rarely seen. I think the term "survivor" is vague and overused, ut this 87,000 actual mile car does retain much of its "as built by Ford" condition. The car has not been restored but rather maintained and refurbished where necessary. It is not in show condition, ut is very presentable as a driver and one you would be proud to cruise in. It is a fast, eliable Muscle Car that would get attention wherever it goes. This attention would especially come from individuals who can appreciate how rare it is to see such an unmolested example of a Big Block Mach 1. When you get right down to it, he only major refreshing it has had is a rebuilt and painted engine and the outside has been re-sprayed. The body panels and trim have never been removed and the interior is all original except for the dash pad. An original Ford rear spoiler and a new front spoiler were installed with the Torque Thrust wheels to give the car a more muscular appreance. The car is a pleasure to drive, t turns, tops and accelerates very well!! I would be confident it could be driven anywhere in the country.
The Body: Awesome is the only word that can be used to describe the condition of the sheetmetal on this car. There is absolutely not even a spot of surface rust that can be found. Shiny orange paint still covers the floors under the original carpet. The front and rear valances are the ones the car was delivered with. The original grille is still retained by the original plastic rivets. There is some minor damage to the drivers rear quarter panel, ehind the tire that was not fixed real well, ut that is the only damage repair I can find anywhere on the car! You simply could not find better doors, enders, ood, ecklid, tc than the ones on this car. The original Calypso Coral is still present on all but the outside surfaces to prove they have always been there. If you understand that a paint job is 95% preparation and 5% paint work you will get what I am trying to say about the paint on this car. The actual spray job isn't too bad, t shines very well and there are not many chips or scratches. But, here is evidence on close inspection that the time was not taken to prep the car well. The very small amount of body work that was needed was not done well and there are some old scratches that were not filled or feathered prior to paint. Nothing was removed from the car for paint, ll of the gaps on this car were set at the Ford assembly line!! But, here is some overspray here and there. That said, tep back 2-3 feet and the car looks really good! Heck, et's call it a 10 footer and be safe. If you want a show car it will need to be painted. If you want a cruiser, promise you will not be embarrassed.
The Engine: The date code correct "C Scratch" Cobra Jet block was in excellent condition before the recent rebuild, o good that it only required a .007" hone to clean up the bores. Custom Ross forged pistons were ordered to fill the special size holes. The correct CJ rods and crank measured to be in perfect condition so they were treated to a cleaning and polishing. A new Cam Research 272 cam was installed with new double roller timing chain and that adds a few extra ponies. The C8OE-N Cobra Jet heads were completely rebuilt as well with all new valves, ardened seats, prings and bronze guides. The date code correct CJ intake manifold was cleaned and installed with extra attention to block the exhaust crossover. No expense was spared and the car runs amazingly well. Most of the accessories that dress the engine are the correct pieces. No VIN number is stamped on the bock, t is date code correct being cast approximately 60 days before the car was assembled. All of the parts have correct part numbers, ome items have date codes that do not match. The one exception is the air cleaner snorkel, t is not the correct piece.
The Interior: The interior is as it left the Ford assembly line except for the dash pad and the plastic seat back covers. The seats have the original Comfortweave vinyl and not a single tear can be found. The carpet and all of the underlayment are original and in remarkable condition. I personally removed the build sheet from under the left rear carpet!!! The original AM radio has never been out of the dash. None of the wiring has ever been butchered. The door panels have some slight cracks in the armrest area that could be repaired. The console and armrest pad are perfect originals. The original Rimblow steering wheel has no cracks. Considering the interior is 46 years old, t is remarkable. There is some yellowing of the white vinyl, gain with proper technique it could probably be brightened. The condition of the interior shows how this car has lead a fairly pampered life. There are not many cars around that have better original interior than this car!!
Drivetrain and Suspension: The Transmission is VIN stamped and correct in every way. It has the R-servo and cast iron tail stock. It was treated to some new seals when the engine was rebuilt and performs flawlessly and does not leak. The Nodular 9" rear axle is exactly as it should be with the correct tag still in place. It appears to have never been opened. The front suspension is all Ford assembly line parts with exception of the upper ball joints and idler arm. The steering is still tight and there are not any rattles or squeaks. The car handles very well with its factory front and rear sway bars. New KYB Gas-A-Just shocks were installed on all 4 corners. The rear springs still show evidence of the paint stripes Ford used to identify them. The exhaust is all new 2.5" diameter with Flowmaster mufflers and original re-chromed tips. A new stainless fuel tank was recently installed. The brakes have had new wheels cylinders installed and new pads and linings and perform extremely well. The low mileage really shows here with so many of the original parts still present and performing as they should.
Trim: All of the exterior trim is original to the car except the rear tail light bezels which were recently replaced with NOS pieces. The front and rear bumpers are assembly line pieces that have a few minor dings and scratches. The deserve to be re-chromed rather than replaced, he fit is so much better than the Chinese repops!! The Mach 1 rocker moldings are the finest examples that could be found. All of the mounting points are there and unbroken. No extra holes have been drilled into them. All of the glass is the original glass. Even the wiper heads are the original Trico pieces!!
Also Included: Are the original 14x7 steel wheels and the original Sport Wheel Covers. The wheel covers are in great condition and would just need a coat of paint to put on the car. There are a few other pieces that were purchased for the car that will come with it.
Documentation: I have the original build sheet which I personally had the privilege of pulling from under the carpet. I have Deluxe Marti Report that shows the car to be as presented with exception of the spoilers and wheels. I also have documentation of owner history back to 1983!
If you understand that "they are only original once" then you get why it might be a shame to do anything but enjoy this great running and driving car the way it is. As I said earlier, hate to call it a survivor because it has ben painted and engine rebuilt. But beyond that the car is largely untouched. There is a lot of history that can be enjoyed by simply turning the key and firing up the Big Block!!
If you have any questions, lease call Todd at (512)-791-2173.