The High School Muscle Car – Stan Stafford’s 1970 Mustang Mach 1
If you drive with your peripheral vision in extra-wide mode, always searching a car or truck that might be your next project, you can identify with Stan Stafford of Argyle, Texas. He and his wife were running errands one Saturday years ago when she saw a 1970 Mustang at a house and said, “Isn’t that the car you always wanted in high school?”
The car, a 1970 Mustang Mach I, is exactly what Stan yearned for back in high school (he ended up with a more modest ’66 instead). It was even the right color: Calyspo Coral. They stopped to look at the car; the owner came over and said the words no one wants to hear: It’s not for sale. So, what happened? Stan kept talking and was ultimately able to buy the car that day.
Over the ensuing years Stan has worked to improve the 351-powered Mach 1, focusing especially on finding OEM pieces to complete and improve the restoration. Stan says he sourced parts from across the country, constantly searching for the best pieces. His quest to replace the Magnum 500 wheels that were on the car when he bought it with the correct wheel covers illustrates the challenge.
“I traveled for work, so I was always looking for original OEM DZ parts for the car,” Stan says. “I ended up buying four sets of the correct wheel covers, then taking the best four and sending them to a guy on Long Island to remove the dents and polish the stainless steel.”
The Mach I is powered by the 250-horsepower 351c.i. small block that’s mated to an FMX Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. Disc brakes in the front, drums in the back perform the stopping needs. The factory-correct Ford wheels under those wheel covers are wrapped in Goodyear Polyglas tires.
The Mustang wears plenty of desirable options, including front and rear spoilers and the rear window louvers that were helpful in keeping sun out of the large fastback rear glass. The Shaker hood is fastened with optional hood pins. The car’s interior features black Corinthian Vinyl and Clarion Knit seats as well as a deluxe woodgrain dash, Ford Selectaire air-conditioning, deluxe rim-blow steering wheel, and a 1970 rarity, a Stereosonic eight-track tape unit with AM radio. Factory tinted glass, too.
As nice as the Mach I looks, Stan says he’s still working on the car and finding ways to improve it. When your first car was a Mustang and you’ve been hooked on them since, there is always something to improve. The old saying is true: You’re never really finished with a build.
Photos by John Jackson
