1970 Mustangs were mildly restyled . Headlight configuration reverted to single seven inch units, this time inside the grille opening. Simulated scoops took the place of the outside headlights while in the back, the rear taillight panel was now flat rather than concave with the taillights recessed into the panel.
Other styling changes included the deletion of the simulated side scoops on the SportsRoof body style as was the side vent on the hardtop and convertible.
The interior saw minor refinement, more than anything else. Changes included a new steering wheel, standard high back bucket seats, and the ignition switch was relocated on the steering column, as with all other domestic makes.
Those wishing to upgrade the image of their base Mustang SportsRoof could now order the rear window Sports Slats, the rear deck wing and even the Shaker scoop, provided the engine was 351 c.i and larger. Speaking of engines, the old 390 V-8 was dropped from the option list.
While the 390 was dropped, a new 351 c.i. V-8 joined the lineup. The 351 Cleveland, as it was known, was available in two-barrel and four-barrel forms(250 and 300 hp) used cylinder heads which were very similar to those used on the Boss 302. The two-barrel engines used heads which have smaller ports and valves. The four-barrel heads have the same size valves and ports as the Boss 302 cylinder heads. The 351 c.i. Windsor 4V V-8 was dropped but Mustangs equipped with the two barrel 351 could either be a 351W or a 351C.
As before, the 428CJ could be transformed into the 428SCJ provided a 3.91 or 4.30:1 axle ratio was ordered. However, in 1970, the axle ratio was part of the Drag Pack option.
The Mach 1, Boss 302 and Boss 429 continued to be available in pretty much the same form, as far as high performance went. Boss 302 production took a big jump, however, as finally there was a Mustang that was the equal to the Camaro Z-28.
The Grande, too, was relatively unchanged. A half vinyl roof became part of the Grande package while in the interior, houndstooth cloth was used on the seats. The wire wheel covers became optional on the 1970 Grande.
A new option package, which had the effect of upgrading the image of a base Mustang SportsRoof was the Grabber SportsRoof option package that included 1969 Boss 302 side stripes (but without and Boss 302 lettering) and a trim ring/hub cap combination for the wheels. A second version used different side stripes beginning at the outside rearview mirrors and continuing to the rear. 302 or 351 lettering at the top of the stripe designated engine size.
So for those who were interested in performance, there was still lots to choose from in 1970. Sales, however, took a dive. It was almost the end of the line for the First Generation Mustangs.
